Count meteors with us on this special August night and you’ll likely see dozens of “shooting stars.” This summer delight is part of the Perseids, our best known meteor shower. But what causes it, and why does it occur at the same time each year? Even more intriguing, what prompted its source comet to shift from an expected collision course with Earth? Come learn about the friendly forces in our solar system and how they still give us brilliant fireworks every August, albeit from a safer distance.
This special Perseids Meteor Shower Watch Party is designed as a full, immersive experience. Begin the evening heading out to the observatory's three main telescopes to explore planets, star clusters, and other summer night highlights. Telescope viewing will conclude at 11:00 PM, after which we will turn our attention fully to the night sky, reclining and watching meteors streak overhead as Perseid activity continues to build.
Participants are welcome to remain on the observatory grounds late into the night for meteor watching.
Please note: Guests may stay on the grounds until the event concludes at 3:00 AM, overnight camping is not permitted unless you have a separate reservation with Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Space is limited to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.
Ticket Options
To accommodate different interests, two ticket types are available:
Full Experience Ticket includes telescope observing and late-night meteor watching.
Entry time: 9:00 PM
Observing and Meteor Watch Ticket includes late-night meteor watching only.
Entry time: 10:30 PM
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization. All proceeds go toward 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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