A Family Guide to the Night Sky In the Bay Area

Kids love looking up at the night sky. It's an easy first step in the field of science simply because all you have to do is step outside and look up. Books and toys helps fuel their interest too. The stars, moon, and planets always inspire wonder and curiosity. By building off a child’s interests in space, you can foster a love of astronomy and cosmology for kids and the Bay Area has many great opportunities to pique their astro-curiosity.

MUSEUMS & PLANETARIUMS

Chabot Space & Science Center

Chabot Space & Science Center is to be a place for students of all ages to learn and be inspired about the Universe and our Planet Earth. Chabot offers visitors hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits and space related artifacts, and Planetarium shows that explore the universe and life here on earth.

California Academy of Science

California Academy of Science has monthly Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lectures, Activities and the Morrison Planetarium, the largest all-digital dome in the world. With a state-of- the art projector, visitors have an unparalleled view of the universe.

Lawrence Hall of Science

Lawrence Hall of Science Planetarium has a geodesic dome installed with a digital, fish-eye, full-dome projection system. All programs are live and interactive, with audience participation in various activities. Questions and exploration are encouraged!

The Space Station Museum

The Space Station Museum in Novato is a space exploration museum which owns one of the largest private collections of U.S., Russian and Soviet space exploration artifacts and provides a unique approach to learning and for inspiring the next generation of astronauts, engineers and scientists!

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University Charles F. Hagar Planetarium has a panorama (360 deg.) projection system with an 80 scene capability plus numerous special effects projectors such as: rotating galaxy, aurora projectors, solar system projector (orrery), earth-globe projector, twin rear-screen projectors, meteor shower, evolving star, solar and lunar eclipse projector, satellite projector, 12 spot projectors, slew mirror systems, etc.

The Robert Ferguson Observatory

The Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood brings the science and fun of astronomy to adults, children, and anyone who is curious about the universe we are a part of.

The Fremont Peak Observatory Association

The Fremont Peak Observatory Association is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to bringing astronomy to the public. For over 30 years, we've been a favorite destination of families as well as school, scout, and church groups. Each year over 2,000 members of the public are treated to a multimedia presentation by an FPOA astronomer while the Saturday evening sun sets over the Pacific. As darkness falls and the stars emerge, they gaze in wonder at night sky’s splendors through the eyepiece of the 30-inch diameter Challenger Telescope, and a variety of sophisticated amateur telescopes, before returning to their campsites or homes.

Peninsula Astronomical Society

These programs allow the public to directly view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's large astronomical telescopes. The observatory houses a 16-inch computer-controlled Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector, and a new hydrogen-alpha solar telescope. Programs are free of charge, and are open to visitors of all ages. However, please note that the observatory is closed when it is cloudy.

De Anza College Planetarium

Immerse yourself in the stars! Explore the universe at the De Anza College Planetarium!

EVENTS

Mt. Tam Star Parties

Mt. Tam Star Parties, TBA, monthly educational program is designed to give the public and students of all ages and backgrounds a better understanding of our universe by hearing about current theories and discoveries followed by an opportunity to observe through telescopes. Bring a picnic and something to sit on (chairs or blanket).

City Star Parties

City Star Parties – held in San Francisco at the Presidio Parade Grounds, Point Lobos/Lands End, Pier 17 near the Exploratorium, or other announced locations. Come out and join us for a great viewing range and low light conditions. New members who bring their telescopes will have access to the collective wisdom of more-experienced members to answer scope questions.

Asteroid Day

Asteroid Day, TBD, is a global awareness campaign where people from around the world come together to learn about asteroids, the impact hazard they may pose, and what we can do to protect our planet, families, communities, and future generations from future asteroid impacts.

GROUPS

The San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

The San Francisco Amateur Astronomers hosts a monthly City Star Party at either the Presidio Parade Grounds, Point Lobos near Lands End, Pier 17 near the Exploratorium, or other announced locations.

APPS

ISS Finder

ISS Finder a simple and beautiful way to track the International Space Station. ISS Finder provides excellent pass prediction so you'll know when and where in the sky the station is passing overhead.

Star Walk

Star Walk is the most beautiful stargazing app you’ve ever seen on a mobile device. It will become your interactive astro guide to the night sky, following your every movement in real-time and allowing you to explore over 200, 000 celestial bodies with extensive information about stars and constellations that you find.

Iridium Flares

Iridium Flares Did you ever want to see a falling star but don't want to sit outside all night waiting to see one? The next best thing is watching Iridium Flares. The advantage of them is that you can know the exact time and place when they're about to happen.

Sky Safari

Sky Safari shows you 120,000 stars, 222 of the best-known star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies in the sky; including all of the Solar System's major planets and moons, and more than 200 asteroids, comets, and satellites.

WEBSITES

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

The Nine Planets

The Nine Planets is an encyclopedic overview with facts and information about the history, mythology and current scientific knowledge of the planets, moons and other objects in our solar system and beyond.

Do you have any more Bay Area Astro-Tips? Please leave a comment.