Moorpark College Observatory

Moorpark College Observatory, also known as the Charles Temple Observatory, sits on the Moorpark College campus in Moorpark, California, and doubles as both a teaching lab and a community stargazing hub.

About Moorpark College Observatory

The observatory serves as an astronomy lab for Moorpark College students, equipped with 12-inch mirror telescopes and larger clock-driven telescopes for tracking objects across the sky. Public events are hosted by volunteers from the Ventura County Astronomical Society (VCAS).

Location & getting there

The observatory is on the Moorpark College campus at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, California, in Ventura County, within reach of the greater Los Angeles area.

Visiting Moorpark College Observatory

Moorpark College Observatory holds free public stargazing events, typically opening with a presentation on what's visible in the night sky before attendees get a turn at the telescopes. Check the college's website or the VCAS for the current event schedule before visiting.

See your named star from here

A community night at Moorpark College Observatory is a natural place to point a telescope at your own named star. Look up its exact coordinates in our catalogue, or see our packages to name one for someone special.