By Robert Andalon

When the sun leaves its post for the day, the true beauties of the sky shine through.

A trip to the park might not sound like the most fitting experience when night falls, but a night spent at “Astronomy in the Park” put on by the Stockton Astronomical Society (SAS)  will persuade one to think otherwise.

“There needs to be more people here to see this,” said Delta College Student Shailee Martinez, an attendee.

She was almost upset at how underrated she felt the event is.

“People would rather go out of their way of Stockton, it’s a shame how many people overlook a quality and family friendly event here in Stockton,” she said.

This star party takes place at Stockton’s Oak Grove Park off Eight Mile Road on a Saturday, which depends on the phase of the moon per month.

Views aren’t visible until after sunset, but guests are welcome as early as sunset. The location is easy to find because the park is right off the exit from the freeway. Once the entrance is made to the park there are plenty of signs posted by the club to guide those who have never attended the event. The Stockton Astronomical Society picks up the park’s entrance fee, making the cost free.

The best part is the star party itself.

Members of the club bring telescopes to the park for those who are curious to discover what surrounds our planet. There are telescopes of all shapes and sizes to use as well as plenty of starry objects to view. The monumental moon is always a delight to see, being the closest object to our home planet, the craters are visible like never before. It is often described as a “Giant Cookie.”

Even objects not visible to the naked eye are possible to view with telescopes such as star clusters, constellations, planets and galaxies. Each month the event takes place there is something new to see. For example, in the month of March, the International Space Station became visible. In April, Jupiter and Venus became visible.

Members of the club are eager and willing to inform anyone who is curious of what lies above.

Astronomy hobbyist and Member of the SAS, Doug Christensen, explains his motivation to share his telescope with others.

“What drives me to come out here-mainly the fun part, it’s the 10 year olds that come and see the Moon, Jupiter, or Saturn, in a telescope for the first time. They get excited,” he said. “It just makes your night.”

Don’t know much about astronomy? Members of the SAS like Doug are knowledgeable and speak passionately to newcomers and veterans alike. The members are open to answer any questions one may have, and when questioned about a particular star they just might know where it is located. The members of the SAS are a friendly and knowledgeable group that welcome anyone who shows an interest for astronomy

Given the friendly environment of the event many people of all age groups bring their loved ones to experience the view of Stockton’s night sky. Age groups of attendants range from children to young adults to the elderly.

Everyone has a great time looking through scopes together, speculating about aliens, and meeting new friends.

“I have witnessed people literally scream their head off after looking through a telescope. I’m not kidding,” said Professor of Astronomy at Delta College Dr. Lee said.

Lee emphasizes one common thing he observed amongst all attendees: “A sense of wonder.”

Bill giving lecture

Bill giving an explanation as to why we always see the same side of the moon.

Bill's telescope + Bill

Bill, a constant contributer for SAS, shows off his 12-inch Dobsonian telescope.

Doug's telescope #2

Unable to provide exact specs of this telescope. But just because it may be one of the smallest, doesn't mean it will be the least powerful.

Doug's telescope

Doug's 10-inch SCT Reflector telescope.

Eric's telescope

Eric, president of the SAS Club, shared his 14-inch Orion Newtonian Refractor.

Francisco's telescope

Francisco, who is also a Delta College student, shared his 5-inch refractor. He stated that he got it from the flea market.

Kevin's telescope

Kevin, a new member from the bay area, brought his is a 10-inch Dobsonian telescope. His telescope is unique because he has modified the stands with piano hinges to make the telescope more portable.

SAS Hang out

The picnic tables reserved by the SAS for all attendees to utilize.

SAS sign

One of the many guidance signs posted around Oak Grove Park to point you in the right direction of the event.

Sky of the night#2

A shot of the night sky. Just a fraction of what was available to view.