Warner Springs Ranch is situated in a high mountain valley (elevation
3200 feet) that enjoys incredible "dark sky" conditions for
stargazing much of the year. Amateur astronomers can utilize special
viewing site with their telescopes. Warner Springs Ranch is also
part of a nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing
the science, technology and inspiration of NASA's missions to the
general public. This coalition, called The Night Sky Network,
shares their time and telescopes to provide the public with unique
astronomy experiences under the real night sky and in classrooms. The
WSR Night Sky group has special events scheduled throughout the
year. The world famous Palomar
Observatory, operated by Caltech, is less than 10 miles from the
Ranch and attracts many experts in the field of astronomy to our
valley.
Stargazing News from the Ranch
100 hours of Astronomy
Please join Joe McMenamin at the soccer field to view our beautiful night sky. Joe encourges you to bring your own telescope or even a pair of binoculars. Joe will be tying in with the 100 hours of astronomy. Here's a brief description of the project The 100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project is a worldwide event consisting of a wide range of public outreach activities, live science center, research observatory webcasts and sidewalk astronomy events. One of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place from April 2-5 when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous, good phases for early evening observing. Saturn will be the other highlight of early evening observing events.
July Star Gazing at the Ranch
Approximately 50 Warner Springs Ranch Owners and guests were treated to clear, dark skies and great night sky viewing on Saturday July 26th. Ranch Night Sky guides Joe and laurie McMenamin were joined by another Astonomy Enthuusiast (Tim from Manhattan Beach) and we had a genuine "Star Party" at the Ranch! The night sky had a few surprises for us including great meteor activity and four of Jupiter's moons were visible. Thanks to Joe, Laurie and Tim for sharing your telescopes and knowledge with everyone here at the Ranch!
Jul 29, 2008
Mars Phoenix Lander Event Draws Over 100 at the Ranch
Over a hundred Ranch Owners, guests and children of all ages were on hand at the Ranch on Memorial Day weekend to watch live (via NASA TV) as the Phoenix Lander sucessfully touched down on Mars on its mission to study Martian soil for signs of liquid water and ice. Kids attending the event created Martian landscapes with clay and enjoyed 3-D images of the Martian surface while adults watched the live coverage and commentary by retired NASA/JPL scientist Larry Simmons in the Ranch Special Events Tent. Special thanks goes out to Char Fliege from JPL for this outstanding program and great handouts and giveaways to attendees of all ages. Thank you Char!