Event

Public Astronomy Program  

CubeSats - the Small Satellite Revolution 

CubeSats and SmallSats | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Learn about the history, current use, and future of small satellites. They are deployed on missions by the major space agencies like NASA as well as universities and even some high schools.


 

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Time: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Pacific

Location: Mount Diablo - Lower Summit Parking Lot
Summit Rd
Clayton, CA 94517

Information for Visitors
Instructions for the Public:

 

Only MDAS Members with CA State Park-training as docents can bring a ’scope to Public Astronomy events!

MDAS members who have current CA State Park Volunteer In Parks Program (VIPP) training take their telescopes to share views of the universe with our visitors, and the Park requires an RSVP for any MDAS member who is VIPP trained and participating in the event.

Location Details

Mount Diablo - Lower Summit Parking Lot

Lower Summit Parking Lot off Summit Road - almost to the top of Mount Diablo

Notes:

Click here for the full schedule of Public Astronomy Nights.

The park gates close around sunset, so be certain to arrive in plenty of time.
The temperature on the mountain can drop considerably during the evening, so dress warmly. Keep in mind that this is a state park and, as such, park rules apply, including any gate fees.

Two or three times during the session, visitors will be escorted off the mountain in groups. Departure will be by way of the North Gate (this becomes Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek once you are outside the confines of the park.)

Events are only canceled due to rain or fire hazard. Don't be put off by somewhat overcast skies. Often, when it is overcast in the late afternoon, by the time night arrives on the mountain viewing is fine.

If you would like advice on current conditions, you can usually reach a person in the South Gate kiosk until sunset at (925) 837-0904. For more information, call the Mt. Diablo "Hotline": (925) 837-2525

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fri 9/18/2026
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Pacific
Diablo Vista Middle School Astronomy Diablo Vista Middle School
4100 Camino Tassajara
Danville, CA
Tue 9/22/2026
7:15 p.m. - 9 p.m. Pacific
General Meeting Lindsay Wildlife Experience
1931 First Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA
Mon 10/5/2026
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Pacific
MDAS Board Meeting
Sat 10/10/2026
6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Pacific
Public Astronomy Program: CubeSats - the Small Satellite Revolution Mount Diablo - Lower Summit Parking Lot
Summit Rd
Clayton, CA