Join us as we walk through the cosmos (on a scale model) and discuss the vast distance between our neighboring planets. The Sugarloaf Ridge Planet Walk is a unique opportunity to connect with the nature of planet earth as we discuss the incredible nature of the stars and beyond. Each step on the planet walk is scaled to represent 2.3 million miles so If you were to take a step every 5 seconds, you’d be traveling at the speed of light!
Starting at the White Barn and ending at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, we’ll walk to Neptune and back! This will be a moderate hike with an estimated elevation change of around 900ft and it will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The hike will end at the observatory where we’ll have an opportunity to observe the most important celestial object in our solar system, the sun! The Observatory will have solar viewing between 11am and 3pm so if you walk to the outer planets with us you can see the sun’s great prominence on your return!
This event is hosted by RFO. Tickets are available through SimpleTix. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy/slippery trails. Bring at least one quart of water, and a lunch/snack as we will be taking a break once we reach the bench at Neptune. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: Meadow Trail, although not ADA-compliant, is passable by wheelchair and stroller up to the Brushy Peaks junction. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 600 feet of elevation and steps.
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
For more events at Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their page.
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.
Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.
Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.
Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.
Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.
¡Venga a conocer más acerca de nuestro universo! Los docentes del Observatorio Robert Ferguson (ubicado dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge) nos guiarán en una charla astronómica bilingüe y en el uso de telescopios para que usted y su familia puedan observar el cosmos. El evento comenzará a las 8:30 p.m. en el aula del Observatorio con una presentación.
La admisión es $10 para adultos y gratuita para los menores de edad. Si posees una tarjeta de EBT, el dueño y tres familiares pueden registrarse por gratis a través del programa Museums for All. Regístrate por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado y se llenará pronto. Recomendamos vestirse en capas, traer agua, una linterna pequeña de mano (para aluzar el camino, pero no puede ser usada cerca del Observatorio a menos que tenga un filtro rojo) y si la tienes, una guía a las estrellas. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. El estacionamiento, usualmente $10, es gratis para este evento.
Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a Alma o Arsel en senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767. Condiciones lluviosas cancelan el evento.
Facilidad de acceso: el Observatorio Robert Ferguson se ubica dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Cuenta con un espacio designado para estacionar vans que necesitan acceso y aunque no oficialmente, hay mucho estacionamiento que puede ser accesible en esa misma área y en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. Hay una rampa que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) para ingresar al observatorio. El área de asentamiento en el aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo uno accesible. El telescopio de la sala oeste tiene una rampa portátil, y el telescopio de la sala este es una pantalla grande instalada en la pared.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para aprender más acerca de RFO, visita su página de internet. Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.
Cosmic Senderos
Sat, 5/6, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Come learn more about our universe! Robert Ferguson Observatory (inside Sugarloaf Ridge State Park) docents will guide us in a bilingual astronomical presentation and in the use of telescopes for you and your family to observe the cosmos. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Observatory classroom with a presentation.
Tickets are $10 per adult and free for children under 18 years old. If you have a current EBT card, the owner and three family members from the same household can register for free through the Museums for All Program. Please register in advance, as space is limited and this event will fill up quickly. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend. Wear layers, bring water, a small flashlight (for walking to the gate only; white light is not to be used around the Observatory unless it has a red filter). We’ll meet at the White Barn parking lot. Parking, usually $10, will be waived for this event thanks to the generosity of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
For more information, email Alma or Arsel at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma al 707-247-5767. Rainy conditions cancel.
Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory is located within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van-designated, there is more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp and at the White Barn lot. The observatory has a wooden ramp from the designated parking space to the main level deck. Inside the classroom, seating is fluid and mobile. There is an accessible stall in the bathroom inside the building and an accessible porta-potty at the group camp (directly outside the observatory). The telescope in the west wing has a mobile ramp and the telescope in the east wing projects off a screen attached to the wall.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
To learn more about RFO, visit their website. For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Join us as we walk through the cosmos (on a scale model) and discuss the vast distance between our neighboring planets. The Sugarloaf Ridge Planet Walk is a unique opportunity to connect with the nature of planet earth as we discuss the incredible nature of the stars and beyond. Each step on the planet walk is scaled to represent 2.3 million miles so If you were to take a step every 5 seconds, you’d be traveling at the speed of light!
Starting at the White Barn and ending at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, we’ll walk to Neptune and back! This will be a moderate hike with an estimated elevation change of around 900ft and it will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The hike will end at the observatory where we’ll have an opportunity to observe the most important celestial object in our solar system, the sun! The Observatory will have solar viewing between 11am and 3pm so if you walk to the outer planets with us you can see the sun’s great prominence on your return!
This event is hosted by RFO. Tickets are available through SimpleTix. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy/slippery trails. Bring at least one quart of water, and a lunch/snack as we will be taking a break once we reach the bench at Neptune. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: Meadow Trail, although not ADA-compliant, is passable by wheelchair and stroller up to the Brushy Peaks junction. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 600 feet of elevation and steps.
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
For more events at Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their page.
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.
Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.
Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.
Join us as we walk through the cosmos (on a scale model) and discuss the vast distance between our neighboring planets. The Sugarloaf Ridge Planet Walk is a unique opportunity to connect with the nature of planet earth as we discuss the incredible nature of the stars and beyond. Each step on the planet walk is scaled to represent 2.3 million miles so If you were to take a step every 5 seconds, you’d be traveling at the speed of light!
Starting at the White Barn and ending at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, we’ll walk to Neptune and back! This will be a moderate hike with an estimated elevation change of around 900ft and it will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The hike will end at the observatory where we’ll have an opportunity to observe the most important celestial object in our solar system, the sun! The Observatory will have solar viewing between 11am and 3pm so if you walk to the outer planets with us you can see the sun’s great prominence on your return!
This event is hosted by RFO. Tickets are available through SimpleTix. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy/slippery trails. Bring at least one quart of water, and a lunch/snack as we will be taking a break once we reach the bench at Neptune. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: Meadow Trail, although not ADA-compliant, is passable by wheelchair and stroller up to the Brushy Peaks junction. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 600 feet of elevation and steps.
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
For more events at Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their page.
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.
Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.
Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.
Join us as we walk through the cosmos (on a scale model) and discuss the vast distance between our neighboring planets. The Sugarloaf Ridge Planet Walk is a unique opportunity to connect with the nature of planet earth as we discuss the incredible nature of the stars and beyond. Each step on the planet walk is scaled to represent 2.3 million miles so If you were to take a step every 5 seconds, you’d be traveling at the speed of light!
Starting at the White Barn and ending at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, we’ll walk to Neptune and back! This will be a moderate hike with an estimated elevation change of around 900ft and it will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The hike will end at the observatory where we’ll have an opportunity to observe the most important celestial object in our solar system, the sun! The Observatory will have solar viewing between 11am and 3pm so if you walk to the outer planets with us you can see the sun’s great prominence on your return!
This event is hosted by RFO. Tickets are available through SimpleTix. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy/slippery trails. Bring at least one quart of water, and a lunch/snack as we will be taking a break once we reach the bench at Neptune. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: Meadow Trail, although not ADA-compliant, is passable by wheelchair and stroller up to the Brushy Peaks junction. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 600 feet of elevation and steps.
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
For more events at Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their page.
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.
Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.
Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.