Robert Ferguson Observatory — Attraction in California

Oh brother.. This place is run by a bunch of hacks!

Went up there for an open house observing run. The docents were full of disinformation. Not to be confused with misinformation. They were literally providing the public with false facts, and then hanging their hat on the fact that someone "blessed them" with a docent title as a catch all for omnipotence.

The 24" dobsonian is in such a state of disrepair, they should be embarrassed to have a for sale sign on it! The optics are crap and the finder scope is broken. The 12 or 14" cassagrain, which they act as if were made of gold, has an antiquated CCD array on it, and is backyard astronomy stuff..

I am sorry. I had very much great expectations for this place, but I report you will stand in line forever to look through garbage and have a bunch of old greybeards who turn the place over to folks subservient to their needs (be prepared to work the parking lot, if you want to volunteer here), not interested in science. Save yourself the time. Google the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, some globular clusters and look at the pics there! ...

Some who have knowledge of astronomy/astrophysics have pointed out the deficiencies of this facility.

The docents don't know didly and it would seem those who work/volunteer there in a higher capacity would prefer to keep it that way. And to that, I don't know why. Do they?

The CCD array has/had the strongest potential as it's quantum efficiency is strong enough to get you out to mag 9 or so. Kinda nice for some of the planetary nebula. But again, it all goes to waste because the operators (docents) aren't trained enough to give you the insight that a tool such as this can provide.

I saw no indications of research, which is sad.

The facility could contribute scientifically, through the study of cephied variables or a host of other functions, including, but not limited to tracking asteroids or other solar objects. Which would intrigue the public! Hello??

All in all, thumbs down for a poorly run operation that acts more as a glee club for an esoteric few greybeards who hold onto the place as if it was their private venue Vs. a...

This is an amazing place! My son and I started coming here about two years ago. When we arrived the staff were so welcoming. My son had a great interest in Astronomy and the programs were very informative. He liked the place so much that we decided to volunteer. In a very short amount of time he was able to learn how to run the CCD telescope and was demoing it for the public on star party nights. I do not know where else you could get an opportunity like that. The only down side to being such a great place is that on the public star party nights it can get a little crowded. The staff does a great job keeping everything organized though with the crowds. If you do not like a lot of people you can attend one of their smaller class events. Months during the winter are usually the least busy for public star parties with the August meteor shower day usually the busiest. If you are going to show up for the August meteor shower do so very early (before sunset) otherwise you may be turned away when they have no more...