President's Message
 
Welcome to the website of the Central Valley Astronomers! Astronomy is a wonderful hobby and profession, focusing on the study of the vastness of space beyond our planet. Depending on your level of expertise, it can be intimidating to wade through the variety of information and equipment available.
 
That, however, is exactly why we are here! Whether you just want to learn a few star and constellation names, or you want to photograph the heavens in their beauty, or anything in between, we can help you explore the options and make this fun hobby your own. Our membership comprises amateurs, professionals, and even teachers and professors. We have arranged a variety of activities to help you get to know us and learn about astronomy.
 
Our club meetings are a great way to meet our most active members face to face. Most meetings have an educational element, with a presentation by one of our members or a guest speaker, followed by coming events and general club business. Our dark sky star parties, typically at Eastman Lake, are the best way to learn about the various types of equipment available to amateur astronomers, be it a basic pair of binoculars or the many types of optics available today. We even do camping star parties up at Courtright Reservoir, for those who want to experience the darkest skies available in the area for multiple nights.
 
If you are wondering how to get started, please give one of us a call or send us an E-Mail. If you have an interest in space, we want to help you achieve your goals! Astronomy is a rewarding hobby and a wonderful adventure – we hope to see you soon!
 
Scott J. Davis, President
Central Valley Astronomers
Random Astrophoto From the Gallery

Lunar Eclipse in the Clouds
Fred Lusk - 10/27/2004
Full Size   |   View Info   |   Go To Gallery
 
Astronomy in the News (Space.com RSS Feed)
 
Coming Events (Next 45 Days)
CSUF Room EE-191 Club Meeting @ CSUF Room EE-191
Saturday, December 16, 2023
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Eastman Lake Star Party @ Eastman Lake
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Sunset:  5:05 PM
Darkness:  6:37 PM - 5:41 AM
CSUF Room EE-191 Club Meeting @ CSUF Room EE-191
Saturday, January 20, 2024
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Today's Astronomical Zodiac Constellation
 

Ophiuchus (Serpent Bearer)
November 30 - December 17
The Astronomical Zodiac is based on the position of the sun within the constellation boundaries as defined by the International Astronomical Union. For this reason, the length of time the sun spends in each constellation can be as few as 7 days and as many as 45 days (the Sun stays within Ophiuchus for 18 days). It also includes Ophiuchus, the Serpent-Bearer, as a 13th constellation.
 
This is in contrast to the Tropical Zodiac used by astrologers, which are spread out evenly amongst the 12 constellations, and correspond to different dates.

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