High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS)

High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS) The High Desert Astronomical Society is based out of the Luz Observatory in Apple Valley, CA

The High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS) is a nonprofit corporation
that was formed in 1986 to provide trained, volunteer astronomers to
operate and maintain the Lewis Center's astronomical equipment. A second
mandate is to foster and support the members' and general public's
interest in the science of astronomy. HiDAS, through its corporate Board of Directors, oversees the Center's
observator

y operations, which include:

* Acquisition and maintenance of observatory equipment.
* Training, certification and scheduling of its volunteer astronomers.
* Providing support to further the Center's goals of advancing science
and technology education.

08/29/2026

A Neutron Star Passes behind a black hole.

The Luz Observatory —Apple Valley, Ca. ✨️🌌🪐🌕Check out our Calander for public observation dates.
08/29/2026

The Luz Observatory —Apple Valley, Ca. ✨️🌌🪐🌕

Check out our Calander for public observation dates.

A beautiful capture of last night's partial lunar eclipse taken by HiDAS Member Jessica Kim. 🌘
08/28/2026

A beautiful capture of last night's partial lunar eclipse taken by HiDAS Member Jessica Kim. 🌘

LUNAR ECLIPSE VIEWING CANCELEDUnfortunately, due to heavy cloud cover and overcast skies expected tonight, we’ve decided...
08/28/2026

LUNAR ECLIPSE VIEWING CANCELED

Unfortunately, due to heavy cloud cover and overcast skies expected tonight, we’ve decided to cancel tonight’s Lunar Eclipse viewing at the Luz Observatory.

After discussing the conditions with several of our members, we felt it was better to cancel when the likelihood of actually seeing the eclipse is so low.

We’ve included the Clear Sky Chart for the Luz Observatory for reference.

The good news is that we have another event scheduled tomorrow, and the forecast is looking much better, with clear skies expected.

Thank you to everyone who was planning to join us tonight. We hope to see you tomorrow night.

08/27/2026

Tonight's Lunar Eclipse Viewing Update:

We currently expect to open the Luz Observatory as scheduled, weather permitting.

We’ve reviewed the latest forecast from multiple weather sources, including the National Weather Service, and current conditions for tonight at Luz Observatory in Apple Valley appear potentially favorable.

Partly cloudy skies are expected, though cloud cover may vary and could improve or worsen as the evening progresses.

No significant chance of rain is currently forecast, but conditions can change.

Winds are expected to remain relatively light.

It may be a warm evening, so dress accordingly.

Eclipse Timeline
• Moonrise: ~7:15 PM
• Partial Eclipse Begins: 8:12 PM
• Maximum Coverage: 9:12 PM — ~96%
• Eclipse Ends: 10:13 PM

Cloud cover, particularly around moonrise, remains the primary concern. We’ll continue monitoring conditions throughout the day, but the schedule may change if weather conditions deteriorate.

⚠️ Please check the HiDAS page before heading out for the latest weather updates or any cancellation notices.

A huge thank you to NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex Visitors Center for inviting the High Desert Astr...
07/26/2026

A huge thank you to NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex Visitors Center for inviting the High Desert Astronomical Society to be part of another fantastic Space Camp! We truly appreciate the opportunity to share the wonders of the Sun with so many curious and enthusiastic kiddos.

HiDAS President Adrian Newland and HiDAS member David Papp enjoyed sharing their knowledge of the Sun while giving participants safe views of both the Sun's photosphere (its visible surface) and chromosphere (its atmosphere) through our specialized solar telescopes.

Thank you again to the Goldstone Visitors Center for your continued partnership and for inspiring the next generation of explorers. We had an amazing time and can't wait for the next Space Camp!

Address

20702 Thunderbird Road
Apple Valley, CA
92307

Telephone

+17607927090

Website

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