OCA-Anza Observatory

OCA-Anza Observatory is the dark-sky observing site of the Orange County Astronomers, tucked into the high desert near Anza, California, about two hours from Orange County.

About OCA-Anza Observatory

The site is operated by Orange County Astronomers (OCA), a non-profit astronomy club founded in 1967 that today counts around 800 members, making it one of the larger astronomy clubs in the United States. Anza serves as the club's primary dark-sky observing base, away from coastal light pollution.

History

The observatory building at Anza opened in September 1984 around its main instrument, a 22-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope named in honor of William Kuhn.

Telescopes & research

Alongside the 22-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, the grounds hold numerous member-built observatories and open observing pads where OCA members set up their own telescopes for both casual and serious deep-sky viewing.

Location & getting there

OCA-Anza Observatory sits in the high desert of Riverside County, near Anza, California, in North America, roughly two hours' drive from Orange County - far enough from city lights to give genuinely dark skies. Use the map on this page for directions.

Visiting OCA-Anza Observatory

The site includes public areas and a mobile home with a kitchen and bathroom for overnight star parties. OCA runs beginner astronomy courses, public outreach nights, and monthly meetings here, though exact dates and access rules are best confirmed on the club's own website before visiting.

See your named star from here

With its dark desert skies and a resident 22-inch telescope, OCA-Anza Observatory is a genuinely good spot to try to spot a star you have named through Star Register. Look up its coordinates in the star catalogue and ask observers here whether it is visible on the night you plan to attend.