Star Party Events
Star Parties at the ranch are by invitation only or accompanied by a HIDAS member in good standing
Email us for an invitation to our next Star Party jvdarkskyranch@gmail.com
2026 Future Star Party Dates at the Ranch
All Dates are on Saturday. Members of HiDAS are welcome to come Friday and Saturday
January 17 (NEW MOON JAN 18)
We had a great time at the Star party.
Only a few members made the trip. The sky was great until about 11pm. We went through all the winter Messier targets and many Fall and spring targets.
The Next STAR PARTY
February 21(NEW MOON FEB 17)
Please plan to arrive before dark if possible. If you intend to camp, please arrive by 4:00 PM to ensure you can set up your site before sunset.
If you are not currently a member and wish to attend, please reach out to us at jvdarkskyranch@gmail.com, and we will attempt to find a sponsor for you for this event.
This website will be updated before 2pm on the 21st if the event is canceled.
March 14 (NEW MOON MAR 19)
April 18 (NEW MOON APR 17)
May 16 (NEW MOON MAY 16)
June 13 (NEW MOON JUN 15)
July 11(NEW MOON JUL 14)
August 15 (NEW MOON AUG 12)
Sept 12 (NEW MOON SEP 11)
October 10 (NEW MOON OCT 10)
November 07 (NEW MOON NOV 09)
December ? (NEW MOON DEC 09)
Please note that Star Parties may be canceled up to and including the day of the event. Any cancellation will typically be posted on the website by 2:00 PM on or before the day of the scheduled Star Party. Please check the website for the most current status before arriving.
Thank you,
If you are not a member and wish to attend an event at the ranch please reach out to us.
jvdarkskyranch@gmail.com
Check out our friends at
for a truly unique and exciting observing experience! Almost everything you need already set up. Plus a Hot Tub!
You didn’t come this far to stop
Round up your group or party of two for a unique stargazing experience featuring a huge telescope operated for you by our host… a hot tub… SHIFTPOD accommodations with padded cots, power stations, and galaxy lamps… huge grill and flat top griddle for your cooking needs… SOUNDBOKS for your music-playing needs… 24 foot redwood bar… pool table… giant chess set… stunning views of the Eastern Sierra… and more!
This is one of our favorite places
Some would say it is MAKKAH for astronomers
100 inch
The first time I saw this beast I couldn't stop staring at it. This is where the universe became endless. Hubble discovering the variable star and soon the universe was no longer just our galaxy.
60 inch
We have been there several times and absolutely love spending time looking through this telescope. You can find an original lockers downstairs with Hubble's name as well as several other important astronomers. The history is as amazing as the telescope.
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