Star Party Events

Star Parties at the ranch are by invitation only or accompanied by a HIDAS member in good standing

2026 Future Star Party Dates at the Ranch

All Dates are on Saturday. Members of HiDAS are welcome to come Friday and Saturday

January 17 (NEW MOON JAN 18)

February 21(NEW MOON FEB 17)

March 14 (NEW MOON MAR 19)

April 18 (NEW MOON APR 17)

May 16 (NEW MOON MAY 16)

June 13 (NEW MOON JUN 15)

July 11(NEW MOON JUL 14)

August 15 (NEW MOON AUG 12)

Sept 12 (NEW MOON SEP 11)

October 10 (NEW MOON OCT 10)

November 07 (NEW MOON NOV 09)

December ? (NEW MOON DEC 09)

Please note that Star Parties may be canceled up to and including the day of the event. Any cancellation will typically be posted on the website by 2:00 PM on or before the day of the scheduled Star Party. Please check the website for the most current status before arriving.

Thank you,

The telescope Guys will not be available for the DEC Star Party. We will be supporting our friends at the Geminids Meteor Shower Party
December 11th - 15th, 2025
Panamint Valley — Next to Death Valley

However some HIDAS Members may be at the ranch for the new moon schedule on December 20th. Watch the website to see if the Ranch will be Open.

Private event invitation required (HIDAS)

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Check out our friends at

Eastern Sierra Observatory

for a truly unique and exciting observing experience! Almost everything you need already set up. Plus a Hot Tub!

You didn’t come this far to stop

Round up your group or party of two for a unique stargazing experience featuring a huge telescope operated for you by our host… a hot tub… SHIFTPOD accommodations with padded cots, power stations, and galaxy lamps… huge grill and flat top griddle for your cooking needs… SOUNDBOKS for your music-playing needs… 24 foot redwood bar… pool table… giant chess set… stunning views of the Eastern Sierra… and more!

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A favorite place of ours

The Alien Mailbox

Home of

This is one of our favorite places

Some would say it is MAKKAH for astronomers

100 inch

The first time I saw this beast I couldn't stop staring at it. This is where the universe became endless. Hubble discovering the variable star and soon the universe was no longer just our galaxy.

60 inch

We have been there several times and absolutely love spending time looking through this telescope. You can find an original lockers downstairs with Hubble's name as well as several other important astronomers. The history is as amazing as the telescope.