Attend a MIRA Star Party
(831) 883-1000, mira.org
The nonprofit Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy set up shop to do serious astronomical research locally starting in 1972. That’s the same year that Boggle hit the shelves. And we could say we are boggled that MIRA is based in Marina, given that it’s one of the foggiest places with terrible visibility of the night sky – but they also have a 36-inch telescope at an observatory way up high at 5,000 feet on Chews Ridge above Carmel Valley. And they aren’t boggled by the galaxies. The good news for curious stargazers is that part of MIRA’s work includes free community events. Check their calendar (and the weather – events cancel if visibility is poor) to join astronomers with some sophisticated gear at locations like Garland Ranch Regional Park and Laguna Seca Recreation Area to take a look up at celestial bodies that will amaze viewers of all ages and all levels of scientific know-how.
