Observing
In-person observing is temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned here and to our Twitter and Instagram feeds in case we are able to set up live-streamed observing sessions during the Fall 2020 semester.

Observing at MiraCosta College is always free and open to all ages! Bring yourself, dressed appropriately for the weather, and feel free to stay for as little or as long as you like.

Regular star parties are scheduled for the first weekend (Friday and Saturday) of the month during the long semesters.

Schedule:

Date & Time

Stay tuned here and to our
Twitter and Instagram
feeds for updates.

We may doing live-streamed
remote observing sessions
during the Fall 2020 term.

Location and Parking:
Because of construction on the sports fields, the temporary observing location is the grassy courtyard area northeast of the clock tower, near the 4700 building.
Observing events are held on the BASEBALL field (use the gate by left field, NOT the gate closest to home plate).
Click here for directions to the Oceanside campus.
Click here for a map of the Oceanside campus.

PLEASE PARK IN LOT 4C AND WALK UP TO THE FIELDS! LOT 5A (AT THE GYM) WILL BE BLOCKED OFF! The light from automobile headlamps entering lot 5A (next to the ball fields) pollutes the observing sight, making viewing difficult and ruining the night vision of the observers already present.
How will I know if a star party has been cancelled?
Please understand that astronomical observing is weather-dependent. In the event it is necessary to cancel a viewing event, our Twitter feed will be updated (and embedded above). Every effort will be made to update the status before the scheduled event. However, abruptly changing weather conditions, equipment failure, etc. may make it impossible to meet this deadline. We thank you for your patience and apologize in advance for any inconveniences.

We cannot observe if it is clouded over and/or raining. Other conditions can cause the event to be cancelled, including partial cloud cover in excess of 50%, excessive humidity, and/or high winds. If the relative humidity gets to approximately 90%, dew will begin to condense on the optics, possibly damaging their protective coatings. Once dew has formed on the optics, the observing session will be suspended. If the wind gusts to approximately 30 mph or higher, or the sustained average wind velocity during a 5 minute period reaches 15 mph or higher, it is likely that observing will not take place.
The telescopes are sensitive optical instruments that are not stable in high winds. They also must be protected from damage due to dust collecting on the optics (or high-velocity dust particles scratching them).

If there have been no patrons by 8:20, the observing session will close early. If there has not been more than two patrons by 8:30, the session will close early. Observing sessions are run entirely by volunteers so we appreciate your understanding.