Photos: The Andromeda Galaxy (left) and the Lemmon Comet (right), both captured through telescopes at the Rotary Club of Cameron Park Community Observatory during our recent social.
What a wonderful evening we shared at the Rotary Club of Cameron Park Community Observatory with friends and visiting Rotarians from the Georgetown, Pollock Pines–Camino, West Sacramento, and Point West Rotary Clubs last Sunday night. While enjoying pizza and salad, guests explored the night sky through telescopes and binoculars, guided by a talented team of observatory docents.
The group then gathered in the G. Arthur Court Sky Theater, where President Adam Marshall spoke briefly about the observatory’s origins. He reminded us that this impressive facility was the Rotary Club of Cameron Park’s centennial project, created in 2005 in celebration of Rotary International’s 100th anniversary. Adam recognized several long-term members for their dedication to the original construction and for the countless hours invested in later expansions, including the Sky Theater, solar station, and weather station.
A docent-led solar system tour, led by Chief Docent Randy Hodges, was a highlight of the evening. We learned about stars, galaxies, and constellations—and how the night sky has guided navigation for centuries. The group was treated to breathtaking views of the Milky Way, Big Dipper, Pleiades, Andromeda Galaxy, Double Cluster, and the Pegasus Globular Cluster.
Randy also reminded us to stay cautious about misinformation circulating on social media—including recent false claims about comets passing closer than the Moon or being alien spacecraft. He encouraged everyone to avoid engaging with such posts and to use the “block” option instead.
Inside the observatory building, two large telescopes offered incredible close-up views of Saturn and two comets—Swan, near the Sagittarius constellation, and Lemmon, below the tail of the Big Dipper. For many attendees, this was one of the most memorable and engaging nights of stargazing they had ever experienced.
It truly was a fantastic evening under the stars, filled with fellowship, learning, and discovery. A big thank-you to all the Rotarians who helped make this event a success, Wally’s Pizza for the delicious food—and especially to our dedicated Observatory Docents for sharing their passion and expertise with us all.