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Astronomy and astrophotography under California stars
Astrophoto of the Great Orion Nebula (M42) taken from Borrego Springs, California, in November 2009. as•tron•o•my /ə-strŏn'ə-mē/: The scientific study of matter in outer space, especially the positions, dimensions, distribution, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena.



Great Orion Nebula from Borrego Springs, California
November 2009

Latest News
  • 08/11/2010: I am in the final stages of building an observatory in Landers, California! Finally, a permanent location! Click here for the latest updates.

Most Recent Astrophotos
  • 08/11/10: Images from the 2010 Julian Starfest: M20, M27, and the Double Cluster!
  • 02/13/10: Another hiatus finally comes to an end with images of the Leo Triplet and Rosette Nebula from Mojave.
  • 11/13/09: My 3-month imaging hiatus ends with an image of M42 from Nightfall.
Please visit the Gallery for more astrophotographs shot from California.


Astronomy in southern California is strong, for amateurs and professionals alike. The region crackles with astronomical activity that's showcased in events like the RTMC Astronomy Expo, Julian Starfest, Nightfall, Pacific Astronomy and Telescope Show (PATS), and the Southern California Astronomy Expo (SCAE). Professional astronomy is in southern California is exemplified via organizations such as JPL, Cal Tech, the Mt. Wilson Observatory, and the Palomar Mountain Observatory. And what would amateur astronomy be without clubs like the Riverside Astronomical Society (RAS), Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS), San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA), the Mount Wilson Observatory Association (MWOA), the Griffith Park Friends of the Observatory (FOTO), and so many others?

While dark skies in southern California are dwindling, there are still many mountain and desert areas to frequent that offer good conditions for viewing and imaging. With sites from Mt. Piños to Anza Borrego and beyond, southern Californian amateur astronomers are pretty fortunate.

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Southern Californian?
Join the "So Cal Astro Photo" Yahoo group for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers in southern California.

Causes for Concern
These issues are pertinent to southern California astronomers who use and enjoy the open desert lands that are threatened by a number of corporations and special interest groups.

Joshua Tree Adjacent Land Considered for Nation's Largest Landfill

Proposed Power Transmission Lines Cut Through California's Desert