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
If you are not currently a member and wish to attend, please reach out to us at jvdarkskyranch@gmail.com, we will find a sponsor for you for an event.
Camping on site!
You must email to reserve a spot
jvdarkskyranch@gmail.com
Our next star party is
Sept 12 (NEW MOON SEP 11)
Sept 12 (NEW MOON SEP 11)
The Telescope Guys
want to welcome
Mojave Desert Astronomy Club
October 10 (NEW MOON OCT 10) Closed to non members
The Telescope Guys will be at Panamint Valley during the Oct Star Party date. We are setting up for the
2026 California Dark Sky Festival
in one of the best dark skies in SOCAL. Come out and check it out.
Amazing lectures from a Cal Tech Astrophysicist, Huge Telescopes, Solar viewing, Nighttime Photo work shops, Food Truck, and us pointing the giant telescopes for you.
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.
If you are part of an astronomy club and would like your club to visit the Ranch email us!
jvdarkskyranch@gmail.com
2027 Star Party Dates
JAN 16 (New Moon JAN 18)
FEB 20 (NEW MOON FEB 17)
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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