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| CAMS Updates |
About FPOA
The 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.
The Fremont Peak Observatory 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 free multimedia presentation by a 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 and 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.
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.
The 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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These programs are free to the public - a $6 per vehicle state park fee applies. Please refer to the program schedule for upcoming programs. |
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The following pictures were taken by FPOA member Ric Babcock in late March. One of the benefits of having an observer class membership is that you can access the telescope pads next to the observatory to set up your own equipment. Ric has spent a good number of nights working on his imaging skills - these photos are a great example of his skills.
The image on the left is of M104 - The Sombrero Galaxy. On the right, a new visitor to our neighborhood, comet P-41. |
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Eclipse 2017 On August 21 a Total Solar Eclipse will be visible across the US. Since Fremont Peak is well south of the totality we are not currently planning a special event. However, many of our readers may be interested in photographing or viewing the eclipse. To that end our own resident eclipse chaser Rob Hawley has prepared a set of videos to enhance your enjoyment of the eclipse. What is a Solar Eclipse? Other useful Info Exploratorium Videos Building a Projection Viewer |
