Ventura County Astronomical Society

Ventura County Astronomical Society We host general meetings with guest speakers and star parties. Come join us! What is the Ventura County Astronomical Society (VCAS)?

The Mission of VCAS is to inform and educate Ventura County residents about astronomy and to promote interest in, and encourage participation in, astronomy as a hobby. VCAS is a community of astronomy enthusiasts based in Ventura County, California. The society is dedicated to fostering a love for astronomy through education, observation, and social activities. They organize events, provide resour

ces, and create opportunities for members to engage with the wonders of the universe. Why You Should Join VCAS:
Educational Resources and Events:
Lectures and Workshops: VCAS often hosts presentations by knowledgeable speakers on various topics in astronomy. These can range from basic astronomy to advanced astrophysics. Workshops: Learn practical skills such as telescope operation, astrophotography, and star mapping. Star Parties and Observational Opportunities:
Star Parties: VCAS organizes star parties where members gather to observe the night sky. These events are often held at dark-sky locations away from city lights to get the best views of celestial objects. Telescope Viewing: Members have access to various telescopes and observing tools, sometimes provided by the club or through shared resources. Community and Networking:
Social Interaction: Meet and connect with other astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, you’ll find a community that shares your interest. Collaborative Projects: Participate in group projects or research, and exchange ideas and knowledge with fellow members. Access to Equipment and Resources:
Club Equipment: Many clubs have telescopes and other observing equipment that members can use. This is particularly helpful if you’re just starting out or don’t have your own gear. Educational Materials: Gain access to astronomy books, star charts, and software through the club’s resources. Inspiration and Growth:
Motivation: Being part of a club can keep you motivated to continue exploring and learning about astronomy. Inspiration: Engaging with experienced members and participating in various events can inspire you to pursue new areas of interest or projects. Conclusion:
Joining the Ventura County Astronomical Society can provide you with valuable educational resources, a supportive community, and exciting observational experiences. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of astronomy, meet like-minded individuals, or simply enjoy the beauty of the night sky, VCAS offers numerous opportunities to enhance your experience. For more information, events, and to join the VCAS, visit their website. Welcome | Ventura County Astronomical Society (VCAS)
vcas.org
Welcome | Ventura County Astronomical Society (VCAS)
Dedicated to helping stargazers of all ages learn about the joys of amateur astronomy through events, monthly meetings, star parties and community outreach.

06/11/2026
05/17/2026

With its 39 m primary mirror, ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)...

First starparty of the year at Paramount Ranch hosted by VCAS was a great success with around 250 attending. We had many...
05/10/2026

First starparty of the year at Paramount Ranch hosted by VCAS was a great success with around 250 attending. We had many club members volunteering with telescopes and sharing their knowledge of the night sky. Several new members also showed up. Thanks to everyone for helping out and making (as usuall) a great time.

Dave Holland, VP of Observations

Come on out today to the Simi  Valley Street Fair. We are all set up to share Astronomy with everyone. You can take a lo...
05/02/2026

Come on out today to the Simi Valley Street Fair. We are all set up to share Astronomy with everyone. You can take a look at the sun in the solar telescope and see the sun spots. Event is from 9:00-4:00.

Cosmic fireworks  from a safe distance.The supernova SN2026fvx has peaked in brightness and will start a slow fade.It wa...
04/22/2026

Cosmic fireworks from a safe distance.
The supernova SN2026fvx has peaked in brightness and will start a slow fade.
It was a member of the galaxy NGC 4205. It is placed high in our northern sky above the “Big Dipper”.
My image is built of about 5 hours of exposures with a little SeeStar S30.
This supernova is of type 1A. Among the brightest and most consistent nova types.
However its host galaxy NGC 4205 is 76.6 million light years away. From my image Siril gives an estimate of 14.9 magnitude.
You will need a very large telescope or long exposures to see SN2026fvx.
That’s OK you don’t want to see a supernova up close.

Dennis Willett
VCAS

04/13/2026

A rare visitor is about to light up the sky.

Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) is reaching its peak brightness between April 19–20… and it might become visible to the naked eye under dark skies.

For a few short mornings, you’ll be able to watch it evolve:

✨ Subtle on April 17
🔥 Bright and spectacular at peak
🌙 Then slowly fading into the horizon

Look northeast before sunrise, far from city lights.

These moments don’t last… and most people won’t even know it’s happening.

Follow for more sky events you don’t want to miss.

Our monthly meeting with guest lecturer Tim Thompson of Mt. Wilson. All meetings are open to the public. For more inform...
04/11/2026

Our monthly meeting with guest lecturer Tim Thompson of Mt. Wilson. All meetings are open to the public. For more information on upcoming events check out our website www.vcas.org

Tonight, the Moon disappears from the night sky, marking the first New Moon of the year.With no moonlight to wash out th...
01/18/2026

Tonight, the Moon disappears from the night sky, marking the first New Moon of the year.
With no moonlight to wash out the darkness, the sky reaches its deepest calm.
This is the best time to observe faint celestial wonders — distant galaxies, glowing nebulae, and ancient star clusters that reveal themselves only when the night is truly dark.
No spectacle.
No brightness.
Just silence, stars, and the vast rhythm of the universe.
Look up — darkness has meaning.
Watch full video about New MOON: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg5SctA1kMI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg5SctA1kMI...)

Address

PO Box 982
Simi Valley, CA
93062

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