Here are some of the observing sites used by SJAA
members and other amateur astronomers around the Bay Area.
More information and other sites available on TAC's
Sites Page
This is the site of our city star parties and the location
of our monthly general meetings. Houge (rhymes with
"Yogi") Park is in San Jose, near Campbell and Los Gatos.
This location is very convenient for city residents, and
a good location for introducing people to amateur astronomy.
Views of the constellations, brighter deep sky objects,
the moon and planets are typical observing targets. Between
the parking lot and tennis courts is a sidewalk where
public star parties are held. The meeting hall is directly
ahead (south) of the parking lot. There are restrooms
on the other side of the the hall.
Favored for its relatively short distance from the
city, yet reasonably dark sky. It is located in the
hills just east of the Gilroy Outlet Mall. The bowl of
hills that surround the viewing site block some of the
light dome from San Jose and Gilroy.The south horizon is at about 10 degree and there is light
impact from Gilroy. SJAA uses the boat dock for all of
its events. There are bathrooms at the boat dock
In Morgan Hill, go east on East Dunne Ave. for
12 miles. Eventually you'll cross a cattle guard. An
additional half mile brings you to a sign identifying
the Park, and immediately afterward on the right is
a large dirt overflow parking lot which is the observing
site. The main park and campground are a half mile farther
on. The park fee is $5 per vehicle, payable in the drop-box
at the park entrance. You must visit the HQ and pay
your fees. Note that a clip lock is used on the gate.
The gate must be locked when you leave.
Fremont Peak State Park is south of the village of San
Juan Bautista, about a 1 hour drive from San Jose.
There are several areas within the park used by astronomers.The
areas near the ranger house (Observatory and Ranger row
on the are managed under contract to the state by the
Fremont Peak Observatory Association. Contact FPOA for
access if you want to set up a scope. FPOA runs a summer
program at this location using their 30" telescope.
For more information contact FPOA.
The Coutler and SW Lot areas are managed directly by the
park. For latest access information see TAC
Sites
The annual CalStar dark sky party is at Lake San Antonio
in southern Monterey County. For more information
see CalStar
and is approximately 2.5 hours south of San Jose.
Here is some information
about visiting at other times. See the CalStar site
for maps and directions.
Other Sites
One needn't attend the club function to do observing.
Be aware, though, that locked gates and closing times
apply at many sites. Nighttime access may only be available
only with prior arrangement or notice. Check the TAC
sites page for the latest information on other locations.
SJAA is a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized for the
specific purpose of furthering public knowledge and to engage
in scientific research in the field of Astronomy.
SJAA is organized and operated exclusively for public purposes
within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
