See the universe through a telescope you built yourself!
Join us for a hands-on, family-friendly workshop (recommended for 12 years and older) where you’ll learn the fundamentals of telescope design and optics—then build your very own working telescope to take home!
Guided by our experienced instructors, participants will explore how lenses and mirrors gather and focus light, discover what makes different telescope types unique, and assemble a simple yet functional refractor telescope. You’ll finish the session ready to explore the Moon, planets, and stars with your own handmade instrument.
No prior experience is necessary—just curiosity and a love of the night sky. All materials and tools will be provided.
Space is limited; advance registration required.
Attendance is limited and you MUST have a ticket to attend this event; tickets will not be sold at the door. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for future events unless cancelled by RFO. Unless you are notified otherwise by email, the event is not cancelled.
Costs include Sugarloaf Ridge State Park parking fee, and allows all members of a family to work together on one telescope. One telescope per ticket.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution.
The Valley of the Moon Observatory Association (VMOA) is volunteer amateur and professional astronomers plus a small supporting staff organized as a nonprofit association to provide educational programs about science and astronomy for students, the public, and in support of educators.
The VMOA is responsible for the construction, maintenance and utilization of the Robert Ferguson Observatory and functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the auspices of the California State Parks System, and in cooperation with our local state parks.
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