SJ Astronomy

If you're new to astronomy and are perhaps considering getting your own telescope but are not sure where to start, maybe we can help!

Planetarium Software Demo (Stellarium): 7:00 to 7:15
Primary Forum / Q&A Session: 7:15 to 8:15

This forum is an on-line meeting where you can chat with representatives of SJAA as well as other new astronomy enthusiasts. We'll share general tips and answer specific questions. Our goal is to give you information, so that you can make good choices for yourself and get started in a way that leads to success and joy.

You can ask any astronomy or astronomy equipment-related question, but please understand that some questions may be beyond the scope of this session. For example, we will not be able to walk through complex telescope setup procedures. If you're having specific trouble with a telescope, we'll do our best to give you tips, but we may have to refer you to further resources.

Also, if you're looking to buy binoculars or a telescope, we will not be able to give you a specific recommendation for what to get, as there is no single right answer. We will, however, give you criteria and guidelines to consider, so you can focus your own research and make an informed choice.

We will start the session by collecting the questions you want to ask. Other than that, just bring your enthusiasm for astronomy!

Many of SJAA’s events, like this one, are public and free to attend, but if you’re enjoying what SJAA has to offer, consider becoming a contributing member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/

Binocular Stargazing is hosted by the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority with help from members of the San Jose Astronomical Association.

Want to learn the night sky? Want to see the Milky Way and the stars contained in it? Did you know that you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a telescope to do so? All you need is a decent pair of binoculars.

Come out and attend the “Binocular Stargazing” event on Saturday June 14th at 9:30pm at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. (Binoculars are required for this event) You will learn all about how the night sky changes by the hour, month, and year.

Our astronomy docents will lead you through the night sky so you can learn how to use your binoculars to find and view asterisms, open and globular clusters, nebulae, and planets. (You will need to have binoculars to attend this event. This is an interactive program in which you will need binoculars to follow along with the program)

Please bring the following items:

1. 10x42mm binoculars or larger. (Tripod recommended on binoculars larger then 10x50)
2. A chair to view in comfort (very important) (lawn chairs are great for this)
3. A red lens flashlight, and warm clothes (extra layers).

Here are the directions to Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve:

From San Jose Area: Highway 101 or Highway 85. Turn right (west) onto Bailey Avenue. At the intersection with Santa Teresa Blvd. turn left. When you get to Palm Ave, turn right. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is at the end of the road.
Turn your headlights off as you pull into the first parking lot which is paved. Please park your car there on the paved lot and walk over to gravel lot where the program will be held
CVOSP GPS Coordinates: n 37 10 17.07 w 121 43 40.12
Rain or lots of clouds cancels. (Since you can't see anything). Dress warm! See you soon.

Come join San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for an evening of stargazing.

Event details:

• Events are held at the parking lot of our headquarters, Houge Park San Jose. The event duration is 2 hours. SJAA volunteers will share night sky views from their telescopes.
• Please refrain from bringing your own telescopes (Binoculars are welcome). If you like to be a volunteer with or without a telescope please email at "itsp@sjaa.net".
• SJAA as an all volunteer-nonprofit org depends on the City of San Jose to use facilities at Houge Park. To maintain this relationship, we must provide facility-use data to the city. Therefore, we ask you to sign in (no traceable personal data collected) when you arrive at the event.
• An hour before the star party, we typically offer a separate intro-to-astronomy (Astronomy101) talk. This talk is aimed at an absolute beginner to intermediate Astronomy audience. Agewise suitable for upper elementary school levels and above. If interested please search in our calendar/meetup and sign up.

Intro-to-Astronomy Talk at same location just before this star party:
https://www.meetup.com/sj-astronomy/events/304919161/

Additional Links:
Our Club : https://www.sjaa.net
Event Location : https://www.sjaa.net/learnresources/viewing-locations/#Houge_Park
Etiquette : https://www.sjaa.net/learnresources/etiquette
ITSP album : https://photos.app.goo.gl/FWjbWagFoXkDnLfF8
Hope to see you at the event