On April 27, Cal State Bakersfield’s Geology Club hosted its second annual Moon Party from 7 p.m.-9 p.m., at Parking Lot J near the Student Dorms. Members of the Kern Astronomical Society, including CSUB Geology Professor Robert Crewdson, brought their own telescopes, ranging from small to large pieces to the event.

Each telescope had its own unique features, such as Star Party Coordinator Jerry Nelson’s setup, which connects to his phone for real-time viewing, or Anthony Miller’s telescope, guided by a device that helps pinpoint stars, planets, and galaxies. For the sky view, we got to check out the Big Dipper, Polaris, Venus, Jupiter, and the moon. My highlight was exploring the moon through different telescope filters, adjusting focus to see its details in varying shades and contrast. 

Everyone was blown away by what they saw, which was a whole universe that still has much more to explore. That’s the beauty of this hobby: endless discovery.

These astronomy enthusiasts are hooked on the hunt, and though telescopes are pricey, they say it’s worth every penny, as there is a special satisfaction in capturing the cosmos. The technology can be complex, but if you’re up for the adventure, the view is totally worth it. 

“The event went well! It was family friendly and accessible, with refreshments for all attendees. The wonderful folks from the Kern Astronomical Society brought a variety of telescopes and accessories, along with their knowledge of astronomy. The Geology Club volunteers had a great time learning about lunar geology and supporting a local organization,” said Geology Club President, Elijah Swanson. 

He also mentioned that the next event for the Geology Club will be a field trip to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum on July 10. For Signups and more information, Contact the President Elect, Cecily Rink, at [email protected].