About Us

The Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita, California has been providing educational outreach programs to schools, Scouts and the community since 1984.  An estimated 6,000 children and adults look through our telescopes annually, many of whom are observing for the first time. 

All of these programs are free; the club never, ever charges to look through our scopes.  

We hold regular public meetings on the second Thursday of each month at our local Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Valencia.  Those meeting usually include at least one lecture related to astronomy as well as regular club business.  Lecturers include astronomers and scientists from Caltech and JPL as well as knowledgeable club members.

Weather permitting, we can be found at one of our favorite dark-sky observing locations every month on the weekend prior to or during the new moon.

We also host quarterly evening star-parties at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and can often be found at various Santa Clarita City events.

The Local Group is funded entirely by membership dues ($35 annually for the whole family!) and charitable contributions.  We are a California non-profit corporation (46-2740709) classed as a public charity.

Member benefits include:

• Special field trips like renting the 60" telescope at Mt. Wilson.
• Access to one-on-one telescope training.
• Semi-annual dark-sky camping trips.
• Annual end-of-year party.
• Ability to participate in public outreach events such as the COC star parties and other Civic and Scouting events.