Placerville Community Observatory

Visiting the Placerville Community Observatory is a great experience, especially if you’re interested in astronomy and stargazing. Here’s what you can expect:

Location & Hours

The observatory is located in Placerville, California, within Moskowite Ranch Preserve near Highway 50.

It typically offers free public viewing nights on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting).

Check their official website or social media for updated schedules and special events.

What You’ll See

The observatory is equipped with powerful telescopes, including a 17-inch Planewave CDK telescope and solar telescopes for daytime viewing.

Depending on the night and season, you might see:

Planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars

Star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies

The Moon’s craters in stunning detail

The Sun (during daytime events, using special solar filters)

Visitor Experience

Knowledgeable Volunteers – The observatory is staffed by enthusiastic volunteers and amateur astronomers who explain what you’re seeing and answer questions.

Outdoor Setting – The site is dark and remote, which is ideal for stargazing. Bring a jacket, as it can get cold at night.

No Entrance Fee – The observatory operates on donations, so contributions are appreciated.

Family-Friendly – Great for kids and adults alike; however, young children should be supervised due to delicate equipment.

Tips for Your Visit

Arrive early to get a good spot, especially on popular celestial event nights.

Use red flashlights instead of white lights to preserve night vision.

Check the weather – Clouds can obstruct viewing, and some nights may be canceled due to conditions.

No need to bring your own telescope, but you’re welcome to if you have one.

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