Join us for Astronomy Night! Come to Big Oak Canyon for an evening of stargazing, stories, and connection! Learn how to read the night sky and observe its patterns like humans have done for millennia. Weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to look through a telescope at the stars and moon, and will hopefully leave oriented better to the natural rhythms of the sky and the seasons.
As Earth makes its annual orbit around the Sun, seasonal patterns change and plants and animals respond. Noticing seasonal changes among plants, animals, or the night sky helps humans sync with Earth’s natural rhythms. Reawaken the human to nature connection of our ancestors as we gather together to celebrate the changing seasons.
Astronomy Night gatherings will be held on (Saturdays close to) quarter days (summer and winter solstices and spring and fall equinoxes) and cross quarter days. Cross quarter days are in the middle of a season, and generally when it truly feels like the season has begun.
Participants are invited to attend a potluck gathering before the start of the event. The potluck will begin one hour prior to the start of Astronomy Night.
Rain or shine event: In the event of inclement weather and/or cloud cover, in lieu of stargazing there will be astronomy storytelling, song circle, and possible night walk or fire depending on weather conditions.
Astronomy Night Registration Details:
2024 – 2025 Dates
- September 22, 2024 – Fall Equinox – 6:30 to 8:30 pm – Potluck at 5:30 pm
- November 2, 2024 – Mid-Autumn – 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Potluck at 4:30 pm
- December 21, 2024 – Winter Solstice – 4:30 to 6:30 pm – Potluck at 3:30 pm
- February 1, 2025 – Mid-Winter – 5:00 to 7:00 pm – Potluck at 4:00 pm
- March 22, 2025 – Spring Equinox – 7:00 to 9:00 pm – Potluck at 6:00 pm
- May 3, 2025 – Mid-Spring – 7:30 to 9:30 pm – Potluck at 6:30 pm
*Optional campout available. Check-in and orientation for campers will take place 2 hours before Astronomy Night begins (1 hour before the optional potluck). Pre-registration is required for camping. Campers must provide all of their own gear and food.
Who: All ages welcome
Where: Big Oak Canyon (in Silverado Canyon), driving directions will be sent to you via email upon registration
Price: $32 per person, optional campout is an additional $30 per family
Children 3 and under are free to attend.
Optional Campout
What is included:
- Camping area on lower terrace
- Restroom
- Potable water for washing
- Picnic tables
- Parking
What to bring:
- A chair, blanket, or mat to lie or sit on
- Warm clothing, layers, and/or blankets (it can get very cold once the sun goes down)
- A potluck dish to share
- A reusable mug for tea
- A mess kit for each participant (plate, bowl, cutlery)
Scholarships Available
Earthroots is committed to creating nature connection opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) participants. We are offering two full BIPOC Scholarships for this program.
It is Earthroots Field School’s policy and pleasure to make scholarship space available in its programs for those in need.
About the Instructors
Shane Brown
Land Caretaker | Instructor
Shane is the caretaker of Earthroots’ Big Oak Canyon property. He also teaches Astronomy Night, Bird Language, and several other classes and workshops. Shane is always there to lend a helping hand with Earthroots classes, Volunteer Days and other events at Big Oak Canyon. He has a calm and humble personality and loves a good story. He started volunteering with Earthroots when he was a teenager in 2011. He is dedicated to learning and sharing the skills that it takes to be a human living in deep connection to other living things.
Karen Graham
Director of Curriculum and Instruction | Instructor
Karen began her adventure with Earthroots in 2013 with her children in the Forest Kindergarten program shortly after moving to Orange County. She is a mother of four school aged children, and spending time with them outdoors is a priority. Karen was a public school teacher for 14 years in Long Beach, and she has a multiple subject teaching credential and a Master of Education in Dual Language Development. As Earthroots’ curriculum writer, she develops lessons that engage kids with the outside world. Karen is grateful for the opportunity to connect her two passions at Earthroots- her love of nature and teaching children.