Community Corner

Gaze at the Stars at the National Park Service's Free Summer Festival

The Summer Star Festival takes place August 10 at Paramount Ranch.

The National Park Service is holding its Summer Star Festival at Paramount Ranch Saturday, August 10, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. 

The free event will feature star-gazing, constellation tours, music and children’s activities.

“Though we’re adjacent to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, you’d be amazed at what you can see and experience in our night sky,” said Robert Cromwell, park ranger for the National Park Service. 

Local fifth-grade musicians, as well as the Ranger Band, will welcome visitors with live, astronomy-themed music beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

California Lutheran University physics professor Mike Shaw will present a 30-minute talk starting at 8 p.m., followed by a constellation tour with Hal Jandorf, astronomy professor at Moorpark College and president of the Ventura County Astronomical Society.

From 8:45 to 10:30 p.m., visitors will have access to high-powered telescopes aimed toward the moon, Saturn and other objects in the Milky Way Galaxy. There will also be family-friendly astronomical activities and the opportunity to learn about nocturnal animals.

Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight with a red lens or a red cellophane filter.

Reservations are not required and parking is free.

For additional information, call the Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center at 805-370-2301.


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