The Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society maintains observatories in the Northern California Sierra mountains for use by its members and for research purposes. The site hosts star parties throughout the year (as many as three a month). In case of bad weather, the alternate site for our star parties is Cronan Ranch.

Please see the Event Calendar page for member star party dates.

HGO Rules

Henry Grieb Observatory General Rules:

THE FACILITY WILL CLOSE TO ALL INCOMING VEHICLES ONE HOUR AFTER SUNSET.

• Access to the observing area will be in accordance with the following priorities:
  • SVAS Members
  • Guests of SVAS Members
• Guest vehicles will not be allowed on the tarmac without telescopes during events when space is limited. Parking is available in the cul-de-sac.
• The gated entrance must be closed behind you when entering or leaving HGO.
• Carry out all your trash. There are no public trash cans.
• Park with a maximum of 3-4 feet between vehicles. Set up your telescope and seating area in front of or behind your vehicle, never to the side. The Observatory Director (only) may relax these restrictions if space permits. If parked against the “off limits” dirt overrun area between the tarmac and the runway then set up telescope on the tarmac side only.

Prohibited Areas and Electrical Power Restrictions

THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE OFF LIMITS AT ALL TIMES:

• The runway
• The dirt “aircraft overrun” strip between the runway and the parking tarmac
• The other observatories south of HGO
• Parking at the south end of the tarmac is for airplane parking, CHP helicopter refueling, and the private observatories. Blue tarmac lines define the area.
• Power outlets on HGO are for telescopes and accessories only. No coffee pots, heaters, camper hookups, etc. are allowed. There are only 30 amps of available power and SVAS does not have access to the main fuse box.

Safety Rules

• Airplane traffic has priority at all times. You may be asked to move your observing site if additional aircraft parking room is required.
• Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, roller-skates, frisbees, and pets are not allowed.
• Children under age 16 must remain under positive parental/guardian control at all times.
• Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and cooking (except the microwave) are not allowed inside HGO.
• Use caution walking in the south area of HGO at night: the class area benches and piers are difficult to see in the dark.
• OPEN FIRES OF ANY TYPE ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• Smoking is strongly discouraged due to damage to mirror coatings. Use an ashtray, not the ground.

White Light Discipline

• All flashlights used after dark must be red filtered to protect astrophotography exposures and night vision of observers.
• Use your car’s owner’s manual to find and remove the fuse for white dome lights, trunk lights, etc. Or cover your lights with tape and/or other coverings.
• If you intend to leave during the night, park so you will not have to engage your white “backup” lights when you depart or cover your lights. Ask for someone to guide you to the gate with a red flashlight. Reinstall your fuse(s) or uncover your lights in the cul-de-sac.
• NEVER yell at anyone who violates the “no white light” rules. Respectfully assist them as you can and explain the necessity of red lighting.

Camping

• Camping is allowed on the SVAS permit property only. The area is defined by HGO, the tree line and the eastern edge of the tarmac. All other dirt areas are off limits due to aircraft overrun or private permit requirements. Camping in cars or on the ground of the tarmac is not allowed.
• RV/5th wheel/pop-up campers are limited to SVAS MEMBERS ONLY. Guests with vehicle campers will be required to set up outside the airport property. Space is limited.
• A maximum of six RV/5th wheel/pop-up campers will be allowed on the property on a first come basis and must remain all night. Camping vehicles must be parked on the northwest end of the tarmac as close together as possible. Back into the dirt as far as possible. There is no RV hookup or power available. Water or sewage dumping is not allowed.

Current Conditions at Blue Canyon

Cronan Ranch

In case of bad weather at Blue Canyon, our member star parties are sometimes held at Cronan Ranch, near Cool, CA.

Directions to Cronan Ranch

From Hwy. 50 Eastbound take Exit #37 – Ponderosa Rd.
Turn left onto Ponderosa Rd.
Travel over the freeway and immediately turn right onto North Shingle Rd.
Follow North Shingle Rd for 11.1 miles to the intersection with Hwy 49 at Coloma. (During these 11 miles North Shingle Rd. will briefly become Green Valley Rd. at 3.8 miles from the freeway and then become Lotus Rd. at 4.4 miles from the freeway. You will also encounter a stop sign at 10.1 miles.)
At Coloma turn left (north) onto Hwy 49 toward Auburn.
Travel 5.3 miles (16.4 miles from freeway) further and turn left onto Pedro Hill Rd.
Almost immediately (.1 mile) turn left to the Cronan Ranch BLM Site. The parking lot is on the right.
From the north/Auburn/ Hwy 80 area, follow Hwy 49 5.2 miles south of the traffic signal in Cool and Pedro Hill Rd. will be on the right.