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Information Contacts:
Telephone: (415) 455-5370, (415) 388-2070
Same day Hotlines: (415) 566-2357, (415) 455-5370 (messages after
4:00 pm)Mailing Address: MTIA/Astronomy Programs, P.O. Box 3318,
San Rafael, CA 94912
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Directions: << MAP >>
From Highway 101 take the Highway 1, Stinson Beach exit. At Tam
Junction (the first stop light), turn left onto the Shoreline
Highway (also called Highway 1). In about 2 miles turn right
onto Panoramic Highway. In another 3/4 miles the road splits
3 ways. Take the middle fork. In about 5 miles the Pan Toll Ranger
Station will be on your left. Turn right through the gates across
the road from the station and continue for about another 1 1/2
miles to the Rock Springs parking area.
Parking: Parking is free but
limited. Please Car Pool.
When you approach the Rock Springs Parking Area, you will find
the lot has been divided into two sections by a string of orange
cones. Astronomers with telescopes park to the left of the cones,
while the general public is asked to park to the right. There
will be signs and volunteers to assist you. If the lot is filled,
there will be a sign directing you to the upper parking lot.
Go past the entrance to the Mountain Theater for about another
1/4 mile. The road will be closed by a gate, and there will be
a sign directing you to park in the lot to your right. There
is a short trail from the lot to the Mountain Theater.It is recommended
that if you wish to observe after the program and you are in
the upper lot, that you take the trail back to your car then
drive down to Rock Springs for the observing. Some patrons do
not stay for the observing, so you should find a parking space.
Mountain Theater:
The programs, held in the outdoor amphitheater, are about a three
minute walk from from the parking area. We gather at the end
of evening twilight, and when visibility is adequate. But, by
the time the program is concluded (45 minute to 1 hour) it will
be dark. Bring Flashlights. There are lanterns along the path
and on the stairs at the theater, but if you feel that you need
any assistance please do not hesitate to ask one of the State
Park Volunteers to help you. There are also a few flashlights
available for loan at the Mountain Theater which can be returned
at Rock Spring when you are finished with them. (Or for a $5.00
donation you can take the flashlight as a memento of the evening.)
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Closing Time:
A State Park Ranger will announce the park's closing time for
the evening. We ask that all guests vacate the premises promptly
at the end of the viewing session which follows the lecture.
If you plan to stay and observe after the scheduled viewing time,
you must have a pass from the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers
on your windshield or risk being issued a $68.00 parking citation.
Star Party Etiquette:
The observing sessions are courtesy of the San Francisco Amateur
Astronomers. The equipment is the personal property of the members.
Please do not handle or adjust any equipment without the explicit
permission of the owner(s). White light ruins dark adeptness,
so please use only filtered (preferably red) light around the
telescopes. (The greeters in the Mountain Theater have filters
and loaner flashlights for those who do not bring their own.)
The observing sessions last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours after the
programs.
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