WHO ARE WE ?
The Astronomical Society of the Desert is a non-profit organization composed of amateur astronomers from all walks of life. Our skills range from beginner to advanced, and our ages range from 9 to 90. Our goal is to educate the public about astronomical phenomenon and to foster an appreciation of the beauty of the cosmos.
We hold public star parties once a month from January thru March at the Coachella Valley Preserve in Thousand Palms. The public is invited FREE of charge. Telescopes and giant binoculars are provided by club members. All we ask is that you come with lots of questions. A tour of the sky pointing out all of the Constellations and Planets visible that night is given at the beginning of each star party. Observed through our telescopes and binoculars are Star clusters, Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Comets, Meteors, and other deep sky objects. Please dress warmly as the nights do get cold. Click here for directions.
Star parties are held at our Sawmill Trail Observing site from April thru December. Click here for directions.
On the second Friday of every month from October through May we hold a lecture meeting. Guest speakers, some Internationally known astronomers, discuss the latest topics in Astronomy. Talks are always followed by a question and answer period and refreshments. These meetings are also FREE. Click here for directions.
ASOD members also give presentations at the Living Desert, participate in Earth Day activities, and put on star parties for schools and other Civic organizations.
Our best attended star party was in March 1997, when we held a Lunar eclipse and Comet Hale-Bopp party, This was attended by approximately 1,000 people and covered by both local television stations, local radio stations, and "THE DESERT SUN."
Most people like the day, but Astronomers prefer the NIGHT!
