About PAS

The Peninsula Astronomical Society (PAS) is a group of San Francisco Bay Area astronomy enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, and experience. Some members are professionally trained in astronomy, others are just starting and have never looked through a telescope before (though that doesn’t last long!). One thing that we all have in common is an interest in the sky.

The Peninsula Astronomical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Dues and donations to PAS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Membership

Regular annual PAS membership is $25 per year, with options for Junior and Lifetime memberships.

Get the details and sign up on the PAS Membership page.

Meetings

The PAS generally holds its meetings on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 pm. There is no charge to attend, and the public is always welcome and encouraged to join us! Each meeting features a speaker (or speakers) bringing us up to date on different topics in astronomy.

ONLINE MEETINGS
Since the start of the pandemic we’ve hosted meetings online using Zoom and posted recordings on YouTube afterwards. We share connection details in advance of each meeting.

IN-PERSON MEETINGS
In the past these have been either on the Foothill College (between San Jose and Palo Alto) campus in Los Altos Hills, or at the Los Altos Public Library. Foothill College requires a $3 parking fee payable from machines throughout each parking area. (Note: Do not park in spaces marked Staff or you will be ticketed.)

Observatories

FOOTHILL OBSERVATORY

As part of its commitment to bringing astronomy to the public, the PAS operates the Foothill College Observatory. The Observatory is staffed by members of the society who volunteer to conduct regularly scheduled public programs.

OAKRIDGE OBSERVATORY

In addition to operating the Foothill Observatory, the PAS has its own observatory in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. The Oakridge Observatory location has AC power and room for members to set up their own telescopes at our frequent star parties. This site is also the home of the society’s 12″ telescope, available for member use after a checkout. The Oak Ridge site is available only to current PAS members that have a signed “Oak Ridge Disclaimer” on file and have paid the annual Oak Ridge use fee.

Details on the Oakridge Observatory page.

Email and Mailing Address

info@pastro.org

Peninsula Astronomical Society
PO Box 4542
Mountain View, CA 94040

Facebook: Peninsula Astronomical Society

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Twitter: @pastronomical

Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/peninsula-astronomical-society/