Star Party at Moorpark College Offers Free Night of Stargazing and Gravitational Wave Science
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Moorpark College will host a free public star party on Saturday, July 11, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., at the Charles Temple Observatory on campus. The event includes telescope viewing, stargazing and a presentation on gravitational waves from a Caltech scientist.
The evening will feature Dr. Gabriele Vajente, Deputy Head of Systems Science and Engineering at the LIGO Laboratory at Caltech. His presentation, "Gravitational waves: Exploring the dark side of the Universe," examines ripples in space-time produced by high-energy cosmic events such as colliding black holes.
Dr. Vajente will explain how scientists detect these signals, what has been learned since the first gravitational-wave detection, and where the field may be headed. The presentation offers a look at how researchers are using gravitational waves to study parts of the universe that remain invisible to traditional telescopes.
The star party is organized in partnership with the Ventura County Astronomical Society, which regularly supports public astronomy events across the region. The observatory is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.
Moorpark College serves students from across eastern Ventura County and nearby areas. The Charles Temple Observatory has been used for educational programming and community outreach for years, offering residents access to equipment and expertise not always available to the public.
Events like this one allow families and amateur astronomers to explore the night sky with guidance from experienced observers. Telescope viewing will be available throughout the evening, weather permitting, giving attendees a chance to see planets, stars, and deep-sky objects.
Gravitational-wave astronomy is a relatively new field. The first direct detection of gravitational waves was announced in 2016 by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, marking a major milestone in physics. Since then, dozens of additional detections have been made, including signals from merging black holes and neutron stars.
LIGO, or the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, operates two detectors in the United States. The instruments measure distortions in space-time caused by gravitational waves passing through Earth. These distortions are incredibly small, requiring extreme precision to detect.
Dr. Vajente's work at LIGO involves the systems and engineering that make these measurements possible. His presentation will break down the science in a way accessible to general audiences, including those without a background in physics or astronomy.
The event is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking and seating for the presentation. The observatory is located on the Moorpark College campus, which is accessible from Highway 118.
For residents of Simi Valley, Moorpark and surrounding communities, the star party offers a nearby opportunity to engage with current science and observe the night sky in a structured setting. Similar events have drawn families, students and amateur astronomers looking to deepen their understanding of space.
The Ventura County Astronomical Society has been active in the region for decades, hosting star parties, educational programs, and outreach events. The group works with schools, colleges, and public institutions to promote interest in astronomy and provide access to telescopes and expert guidance.
More information about the event can be found on the Moorpark College website or by contacting the college directly. Weather conditions on the night of the event will determine the quality of telescope viewing, though the presentation will proceed regardless.
