The Los Angeles Astronomical Society's Outreach program is a critical element in the LAAS's goals to bring the joy of astronomy to the public at large. Outreach programs usually involve local schools but sometimes includes local adult groups. This is basically a public star party for a small group of people. These programs consist of members of the LAAS bringing their scopes to a specified site at a specific time to show a group of people the stars. These gatherings are always appreciated by the participants and there are many letters of thanks on file.
The outreach program is provided free of charge by the LAAS. If you are interested in having the LAAS come to your location and provide a tour of the sky or an introduction to Astronomy, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Don Degregori. Teachers and schools are especially encouraged to participate in this program as it gives kids wonderful views of worlds much bigger than their own.
Members of the LAAS are always needed to bring themselves and scopes to these events. However, if you cannot bring a scope, that is OK as people who do bring scopes often need a break from the scope either to explain things to a group of people or deal with administrative matters. Please contact the Outreach Coordinator, Don Degregori and let him know if you are interested in this volunteer work. These events happen often and all over LA. If Don knows where you live, he can contact you about programs that are in your area so that you don't have to drive far to get there. These events give you, the LAAS member, a great opportunity to interact with other members of the Society as well as an eager public, thirsting for knowledge of Astronomy.
As we get dates firmed up for Outreach, they will be posted here. Please contact the Outreach Coordinator, Don Degregori, to let him know if you are interested in participating so that he knows that you are coming.
Next Outreach Events:
We really would like to see some new faces with telescopes. Even if you don't bring equipment, your knowledge and helpful mentoring would be very appreciated. If you have not been to a school star party, you will be amazed at the kids, the parents, and the teachers' enthusiasm. When time to pack up, you will feel it was worth the effort. So here is the inforamtion about the upcoming Star Parties! Please email the Outreach Coordinator with questions or intent to participate!
Friday, May 9th
Time: 5:30–9:30 p.m.School: Emperor Elementary School
Address: 6415 N. Muscatel Ave, San Gabriel, 91775
Contact: Dave Heumann (213) 367–3198 (days), Cell phone is (213) 216–7069
AC outlet nearby: Yes
School will provide a bit of thank you food for astronomers?: Yes
Map: link
The green arrow shows the location of the school.
Tuesday, May 13th
Time: 5:30–9:30 p.m.School: Valley Elementary Christian School
Address: 17408 Grand Ave., Bellflower, 90706
Contact: Pam Leestma, 2nd grade teacher, Cell (562) 355–4945; School (562) 920–9902
1. Drive into the main parking lot off of Grand Ave, closest to the buildings
2. Drive through the parking lot and through the gate by the big Multipurpose building on the left
3. Drive 3/4 of the way around that big building and look for an open area between the building and the playground
4. I will be there to guide you if you know what time you want to set up and Miles Ave.
AC outlet nearby: Yes
School will provide a bit of thank you food for astronomers?: Yes
Map: link
The green arrow shows the location of the school.
Saturday, May 17th
Time: 5:30–9:30 p.m.Church: Iglesia Aventista
Address: 3131 Pasadena Ave., Los Angeles, 90031
Contact: Mabel Ramos (626) 348–4093
AC outlet nearby: Yes
School will provide a bit of thank you food for astronomers?: Yes
Map: link
Friday, May 30th
Time: 6:30–9:30 p.m.School: High Point Academy
Address: 1720 Kinneola Canyon Rd., Pasadena, 91107
Contact: John Hihhins, Headmaster, (626) 798–8989;
Also Russell Rucker, one of our LAAS members, (626) 296–8513
AC outlet nearby: Yes
School will provide a bit of thank you food for astronomers?: Yes
Map: link
The green arrow shows the location of the school.
There you have it. If you have nothing to do on Thursday and Friday nights (or Tuesday or Wednesday or Saturday), come on out to the school and show all the enthusiastic kids, parents, and teachers the night sky. They always appreciate it. And if you get WOW's when they look through you scope, you'll feel good. If no scope, come out anyway and help up set up or answer questions from the kids. So, Outreach volunteers, let's pitch in. I'm sure the kids and adults will appreciate our effort.
Thanks,
Don DeGregori,
LAAS
Outreach
(818) 891–3087
So how about it, Outreachers'!
OR contact Don DeGregori by email about attending this party. We need Volunteers!
Please also check out our Public Star Parties.
Back to Star Parties Home.
