Monthly Lectures

The SFAA hosts lectures at two venues:

The Randall Museum

The SFAA hosts an unparalleled list of guest speakers throughout the year. Our Speaker Series attracts leaders from all astronomy and physics fields who share with SFAA Members the latest developments from cutting-edge projects each month. Held in the Randall Museum’s Auditorium on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, join us for coffee and nibbles at 7pm followed by the General Meeting at 7.15pm and lecture kick off at 7.30pm.

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Mount Tam

This is an educational program designed to give the general public and students of all ages and background a better understanding of our universe by hearing about current theories and discoveries followed by an opportunity to observe through telescopes.

Evening programs are held each Saturday between the new and first quarter moon from April through October. A talk by a professional astronomer, physicist, or space scientist begins in the Mountain Theater near the end of twilight and lasts about 45 minutes. These presentations are typically enhanced by beautiful images projected on a large screen. The audience is invited to ask questions at the end.

Immediately following each month’s lecture, the audience is invited to remain in the Mountain Theater for a brief Night Sky Tour by the Urban Astronomer, highlighting the prominent constellations, stars and planets visible in the night time sky, before enjoying the observing session (starparty) conducted by the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers in the Rock Springs parking lot.

Following the lecture, audience members are invited to the Rock Spring parking area to view through telescopes provided by members of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The observing session (or “starparty”) lasts from 1 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the seeing conditions and the size of the crowd.

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