Bryant Labs

Astronomy

Robert Ferguson Observatory

I have always had an interest in Astronomy, but it was rekindled when I took a class at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. I began attending more and more of their events and activities, and eventually I became a Docent (Volunteer) at the observatory.

To learn more about the Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their website at www.rfo.org

Sonoma County Astronomical Society

Along the way, I found that many of the other RFO docents were also members of the Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS). This is a great group of astronomy enthusiasts which meets monthly in Santa Rosa. Every year the members build ten telescopes which they award to the winners of an essay contest. The essays come from school children throughout Sonoma County and the ten best are selected to receive the telescopes. This is known as the "Striking Sparks" program, and it was started by Robert Ferguson. One of the many reasons the observatory was named after him.

Every year we also participate in a program at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park that brings Astronomy clubs like SCAS to the park on weekends to provide star parties for the park visitors. It's a fantastic location, and if you are in Yosemite on a summer weekend, check to see if there's a program while you are there.

To find out more about SCAS, visit their website at www.sonomaskies.org

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Last Revised: 2-January-2005