Astronomical Observing Sites, Observatories and Planetaria in Southern California

This is a resource list of Observation Sites, Observatories and Planetaria located in Southern California. Some of these resources were pulled off the inter-webs and we haven't had a chance to review and validate all the observation sites. If you would like to add, comment, question to this list simply email us at

Observation Sites
Planetaria

Observatories
Information Source Notes

Observation Sites
Agoura Hills Observation Site
This is the current observation site for the twice monthly Night Under The Stars (NUTS) star party and telescope clinic host by Daniel Mounsey AKA Dr. D from Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope. The Site in the Cul-de-sac at the end of Chesebro Road and is has easy access. STAR PARTY ETIQUETTE 1) Please drive slowly and turn off car headlights. 2) Please carry a red flash light. No white lights please. 3) Please do not point green lasers at people. 4) If using a laptop computer, please use a red screen.
818-347-2270 6575 Chesebro Rd. Agoura Hills, CA 91301	-118.739571 34.167179	For more information on the Night Under The Stars (NUTS) Observation Sessions
Balboa Park
The supplied coordinates appear to be a street near the park. This site has yet to be visited and verified by us. Comments welcome.
	-117.147881 32.732021
Data from www.skykeepers.org/ca-skyquality.html
Borrego Springs
This site is close to the Palm Canyon Resort where the Autumn Star Party NIGHTFALL is held.
Borrego Springs, CA 92004	-116.349335 33.239838
Data from www.skykeepers.org/ca-skyquality.html
Goat Mountain GMARS
This site is operated by the Riverside Astronomical Society.
760-364-1952 Landers, CA	-116.383827 34.290646	For more information on the Goat Mountain Astronomical Research Station (Riverside Astronomical Society)
Data from www.skykeepers.org/ca-skyquality.html
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is located in the high desert any campsite should be adequate for observing.
760-367-5500 74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597	-116.019722 34.020802	For more information on Joshua Tree National Park
Mount Pinos Observation Site (Parking lot)
Public observations tend to be on the weekends closest to the New Moon, during the warmer months. Get there early the parking lot has been known to fill up. Dress warmly.
661-245-3731 Cuddy Valley Rd. Frazier Park, CA 93225	-119.126534 34.813396	For more information on the Mount Pinos weather conditions
OCA Club Site

	-115.501305 32.799938	For more information on Orange County Astronomers
Data from www.skykeepers.org/ca-skyquality.html
Ozena Campground

	-119.194901 34.413502
Data from www.spacearchive.info/darksites.htm
Palm Canyon Resort (RTMC-NIGHTFALL Star Party)
This is the location of the annual Riverside Astronomical Society Star Party - NIGHTFALL (RTMC) in Borrego Springs that occurs every year in the Fall. Next Event: November 12-15, 2009
800-242-0044 221 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004	-116.397911 33.255535	For more information on the NIGHTFALL 2009 Star Party
Redrock-Inyokern 2
This site has yet to be visited and verified by us. Comments welcome.
	-117.573997 35.264500
Questionable Site -- interesting area.
Data from www.spacearchive.info/darksites.htm
Tierra del Sol
This site has yet to be visited and verified by us. Comments welcome.
	-116.321159 32.621666
Data from www.skykeepers.org/ca-skyquality.html
Topanga Canyon Observation site (End of road)
This is the old observation site for the twice monthly Night Under The Stars (NUTS) star party and telescope clinic host by Daniel Mounsey AKA Dr. D from Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope. The current N.U.T.S. Observation Sessions and Telescope Clinics not longer occur here, but at the end of Chesebro Rd. in Agoura Hills. Check entry "Agoura Hills Observation Site" above. The site is at the end-of-the-road and the only traffic is foot traffic hiking through Topanga State Park. It a good site, but access is difficult with a large observing group.
818-347-2270 20600 Hillside Dr. Topanga, CA 90290	-118.586922 34.099720	For more information on the Night Under The Stars (NUTS) Observation Sessions
Vasquez Rock Natural Area Park
This site is used by "The Local Group", "Los Angeles Valley College", "Los Angeles Area Amateur Astronomy" and others for observation.
805-268-0840 10700 W. Escondido Agua Dulce, CA 91350	-118.312698 34.485016	For more information on The Local Group Astronomy Club Star Parties
YMCA Camp Oakes near Big Bear (RTMC Labor Day)
This is the location of the annual Riverside Telescope Makers Convention (RTMC) that occurs every year on Labor Day.
909-948-2205 Camp Oakes Big Bear City, CA 92314	-116.754356 34.230499	For more information on the RTMC Astronomy Expo
Planetaria
Bakersfield College-William Thomas Planetarium

661-395-4526 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield, CA 93305-1279	-118.973175 35.410965	For more information on the William M. Thomas Planetarium
Data from www.lochnessproductions.com/lpco/lpco.html
Chaffey College - Daniel Milliken Planetarium

909-466-2758 5885 Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737-3002	-118.134377 33.831512
Data from www.lochnessproductions.com/lpco/lpco.html
CSUN - Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium
The Bianchi Planetarium is located near the center of campus near the Oviatt Library.
818-677-2776 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330	-118.528740 34.239044	For more information on CSU Northridge - Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium
Gladwin Planetarium

805-682-4711 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105	-119.714767 34.440990	For more information on the Gladwin Planetarium programs
Glendale College Planetarium

818-551-5275 Glendale, CA 91208-2809	-118.228874 34.168221	For more information on the Glendale College Planetarium
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Griffith Park Observatory and Plantarium
This is a classic Los Angeles landmark. Located in Griffith Park. Schedule for Public Shows and Star Parties can be found on their website.
213-473-0800 2800 East Observatory Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90027	-118.300262 34.120579	For more information on Griffith Park Observatory
Long Beach City College Planetarium

562-938-3090 4901 East Carson Street, D341 Long Beach, CA 90808	-118.134377 33.831512	For more information on the Long Beach City College Planetarium
Data from www.lochnessproductions.com/lpco/lpco.html
Los Angeles Valley College Planetarium
Located on the campus of Los Angeles Valley College this is the location used by the Los Angeles Valley College Astronomy Group for Plantetarium shows and club meetings and the jump of point for their star parties.
818-947-2335 5800 Fulton Ave. Valley Glen, CA 91401	-118.420448 34.173149	For more information on the Los Angeles Valley College Planetarium programs
Mount San Antonio College Planetarium

909-468-4050 1100 N. Grand Ave. Walnut, CA 91789	-117.844444 34.041328	For more information on Friday evening public planetarium show
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Pomona College - Millikan Planetarium

909-621-8724 610 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711	-117.713989 34.100151	For more information on the shows at the Pomona College Millikan Planetarium
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

619-238-1233 1875 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101	-117.147186 32.731464	For more information on the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Santa Ana College - Tessmann Planetarium

714-564-6356 1530 W. 17th St., Building M Santa Ana, CA 92706	-117.714935 33.758026	For more information on Tessmann Planetarium Shows
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Santa Monica College - John Drescher Planetarium

1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405	-118.470459 34.018948	For more information on the Drescher Planetarium
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
SBVC - George F. Beattie Planetarium

909-888-6511 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92410	-117.313805 34.088482	For more information on the San Bernardino Valley College - George F. Beattie Planetarium
Data from www.smc.edu/planetarium/planetaria.html
The S.A.G.E. Planetarium

661-266-7646 38060 20th Street East Palmdale, CA 93550	-118.093964 34.573738	For more information on The S.A.G.E. Planetarium Public Shows
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
UCLA Planetarium
This is the location of the Mathmatics Building (MS8224) where the Planetarium is located. To find campus parking check out the maps at there website.
310-825-4434 784 Portola Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90095	-118.442543 34.069878	For more information on UCLA Planetarium and Telescope Shows
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Victor Valley College Planetarium

619-245-4271 18422 Bear Valley Rd Victorville, CA 92392-5849	-117.381927 34.470360
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Observatories
Big Bear Solar Observatory

909-866-5791 40386 N Shore Dr. Big Bear City, CA 92314-9672	-116.921219 34.258469	For more information on the Big Bear Solar Observatory
Carnegie Observatory

626-577-1122 813 Santa Barbara St. Pasadena, CA 91101	-118.134239 34.155602	For more information on the Carnegie Institute of Science Observatories
Carroll Observatory

714-288-8555 955 La Paz Rd. Montecito, CA 93108	-119.662651 34.452431	For more information on the Westmont, Carroll Observatory
CSUN - San Fernando Solar Observatory (SFO)
This is the location of the gate. You will need to contact CSU Northridge for access.
818-367-9333 14031 San Fernando Rd. Sylmar, CA 91342	-118.491653 34.315510	For more information on CSU Northridge - San Fernando Solar Observatory
Mount Laguna Observatory

619-594-6182 Cleveland National Forest Rd. Mount Laguna, CA	-116.415565 32.876839	For more information on the Mount Laguna Observatory
Data from www.skykeepers.org/ca-skyquality.html
Mount Palomar Observatory

760-742-2119 35899 Canfield Rd. Palomar Mountain, CA 92060-0200	-116.865089 33.356300	For more information on Mount Palomar Observatory
Mount Wilson Observatory

626-440-9016 Mt. Wilson Observatory Mt. Wilson , CA 91023	-118.056358 34.225830	For more information on the Mount Wilson Observatory
Mountain Skies Astronomical Village

909-336-1699 27614 Highway 18 Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352	-117.179718 34.235790	For more information on the Mountain Skies Astronomical Societys Astronomy Village
Information Source Notes
AANC Astronomy ORG
Northern California Sites
		For more information on AANC Astronomy ORG
Loch Ness Productions COM
Worldwide Planetarium Directory
		For more information on Loch Ness Productions COM
Data from www.smc.edu/planetarium/planetaria.html
Main Tour COM
Southern California Sites
		For more information on Main Tour COM
Nightsky JPL NASA GOV
Night Sky Network
		For more information on Nightsky JPL NASA GOV
Observers ORG
Northern California Sites
		For more information on Observers ORG
Palomar EDU
Southern California Planetaria
		For more information on Palomar EDU
Sky Keepers ORG
California Sites
		For more information on Sky Keepers ORG
smc EDU
Southern California Planetaria
		For more information on smc EDU
Data from www.palomar.edu/planetarium/New Planetarium/socal_planetaria.htm
Space Archive INFO
US and UK Sites
		For more information on Space Archive INFO
Tourist Information Directory COM
US Planetaria
		For more information on Tourist Information Directory COM