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About FPOA
Fremont Peak Observatory Association volunteers spread the word about the wonder of the night sky, educate the public through presentations and observing sessions, and provide quality observatory facilities.
FPOA is 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 personalized multimedia presentation by an FPOA astronomer as the Saturday evening sun sets over the Pacific. As darkness falls and the stars emerge, they gaze in wonder at night sky splendors through the eyepiece of the 30" diameter "Challenger" Newtonian telescope and a variety of sophisticated amateur telescopes before returning to their campsites or homes. If you have never seen the the Milky Way under dark skies away from city light pollution, come visit us to see why astronomers have been traveling to Fremont Peak State Park for decades.
As part of our mission, we collaborate with schools in the Monterey Bay, Hollister, and San Francisco Bay area to tailor a rich educational experience for K-12 and college students, both through field trips to Fremont Peak, and classroom presentations. We also provide information for School Teachers on ways to supplement their curriculum with local astronomy-related resources. FPOA provides Salinas-based Hartnell College students internship opportunities as part of their Science/Math Summer Internship Program. You can read about the 2008 program here.
Besides the public and educators, FPOA serves professional and serious amateur astronomers, philanthropists, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Here is more information on our business model and values.
Fremont Peak Observatory opened in 1986, and has operated every summer since, despite having battled the frequently brutal weather on the 3,000 foot peak. Devoted volunteer astronomers continue to maintain the observatory and "Challenger" telescope, contributing time, energy, and money, to keep Fremont Peak Observatory one of the finest amateur-operated astronomy centers in the United States.
The Observatory is open to the public for scheduled viewing and educational programs from April through October on Saturday evenings that don't conflict with a full moon.
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Contact Fremont Peak Observatory
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Testimonials from some of our fans...
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