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 case of inclement weather or cloud cover, stargazing will be replaced with astronomy storytelling, a song circle, and, depending on conditions, a night walk or fire. If the event is canceled due to rain, participants will be notified.
Astronomy Night Registration Details:
Upcoming dates:
- 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
Stay tuned for Fall 2025 dates!
*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 are welcome. Please note that young children must be able to sit with an adult during stargazing for safety. As it gets dark, stargazing will take place on the helipad, where the edges of the cliffs are not easily visible. Children attending should be able to remain with their parent and actively participate in stargazing.
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.
Angela Capps
Instructor
Angela Capps loves nurturing and encouraging children’s natural imaginations. As an Earthroots teacher and theatre instructor, Angela appreciates that nature connection is essential for the soul.
After studying theatre and improv at South Coast Repertory and Improv Olympic, she received her early childhood education teaching certificate and began teaching preschool music and children’s theatre.
A homeschooling mom of two from Mission Viejo, she developed her fascination with nature as a young child camping with her family in remote locations. At Earthroots, Angela enjoys combining her love for the creative arts with the beauty of the outdoors. She believes that when spending more time in nature, children (and adults) have the opportunity to slow down, find more joy and realize that nature is for everyone!