 Our
Observatory is located in Placerville, California at about 1,600 ft.
elevation. The Observatory will be open during the summer months and
during the winter when it is not cloudy. The Observatory has no
heat. It's unique design allows the entire roof to slide away so
that the telescopes inside, and you, can see the sky. So the
temperature inside the Observatory will be about the same as the
outside temperature. The Observatory building itself may often be so
filled with people that many will have to wait outside. So dress as
if you were going to be outside, not in a building.
During the summer months, many evenings may be quite warm. But some
evenings can be very cool. Dress comfortably for typical summer
evening and night activities. BUT, always bring along a jacket or
sweater in case it turns cool. You can leave your jacket or sweater
in the car and retrieve it if you get cold. It is also suggested
that men, women, boys, and girls wear long slacks, even during the
summer months. If it turns cold, you will become cold quickly if you
are wearing shorts or dresses.
During the winter months, some of the best months for Observatory
activities, it will always be cold and often, it will be very cold
or even freezing. Occasionally there may be snow on the ground from
light snow storms on previous days. It is important that you dress
warmly! Dress as if you were going skiing or dress as if you were
going up to play in the snow. Dress with several layers of clothing
so that you can add or remove layers to make yourself comfortable.
It is also important that you wear waterproof shoes or boots. If
your feet get wet or damp you will be very uncomfortable. Bring
along warm gloves to keep your hands warm and a cap to keep your
head warm. You can see from the picture on the right taken from the
Observatory position in March, that the snow is not very far away!
We guarantee you that you will have a miserable experience at our
Observatory if you are freezing the whole time you are here. There
are no cozy campfires and there are no heaters. Plan ahead and fill
your car with plenty of winter clothing for you and all of your
family and you will have an enjoyable observing experience.
On cold winter evenings you may be tempted to get in your car for a
warm up. Please exercise extreme caution if you are sitting in your
car with the motor running. You may be at extreme risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning if you have even the slightest leak in your
exhaust system. We advise you avoide this practice altogether.
Finally, you may check the current weather conditions and
temperature at the Observatory site by pressing
Here. |
