Important Advisory About Our Program

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Fremont Peak Observatory Association
Fremont Peak Observatory Association
Fremont Peak Observatory Association
Fremont Peak Observatory Association
Fremont Peak Observatory Association

Upcoming Public Programs

Weather may cause delays, shortening, or cancellation of program.

We are willing to consider scheduling special programs for dates after June 15 for schools, scouts, or other groups {subject to staffing} .

Make all requests to info at fpoa dot net.

We already have more requests than we can staff before that date.

Today's Observatory Status:

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Real Time views of the weather

Please refer to our schedule for future programs.

All programs are free and open to the public; however a $6 per vehicle state park parking fee applies.

Road Warning
The road to the park is a twisty mountain road with many blind curves. The park advises us that the road contains many potholes.

Video Tour of Our Programs

Evening Programs

 

Solar Programs

Planning your visit and Getting here

  • Plan to visit during one of our public programs. For evening programs, we recommend that you arrive before sunset.
  • The observatory is located in Fremont Peak State Park near San Juan Bautista CA. Driving time from San Juan Bautista is about 30 minutes, up the 11 windy miles of San Juan Canyon Road.
  • For driving directions, check Google Maps or Apple Maps.
  • After parking in one of the lots, remember to pay the day-use parking fee ($6 per vehicle) before walking to the observatory.
  • The observatory is a short walk up the marked road, past the park ranger's residence. If you need a more detail explanation you can find it here
  • FPOA programs are always free and no reservations are required. That being said if you are coming with a group of more than 10 we would appreciate hearing from you so we can plan staffing.
FPOA Area map

Keep your flashlights off beyond the ranger's house. We have red safety lighting from there to the Observatory. Allow time with your lights off for your eyes to adapt to the night so you can see the wonders of the sky. As part of this, please avoid lighted shoes, glowing jewelry, and lasers.

Layer your clothing. Early evening may be warm, but it can get chilly as the evening progresses.

Use only your eyes, not your hands, when observing. The lightest touch of a telescope or mount can cause a shaky view. Our solar scopes have parts that will come apart if incorrectly held.

Please read our additional tips for visiting.

Telescopes on a public program night

About FPOA and our programs

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.

FPOA operates the Observatory under contract with the State of California

For a more detailed introduction to the organization and our programs, please download and read this printable PDF brochure.

The 30-inch Challenger Telescope

Get involved

The Fremont Peak Observatory Association is a volunteer-driven nonprofit, devoted to interpreting astronomy to the public. We rely on your support to continue our educational programs.

Come to our public programs.

Join or renew your FPOA membership.

As an Observer member, make use of our dark skies.

Donate to FPOA.

Stained glass window