Mount Diablo Astronomical Society | Public Astronomy Program: Planets of Our Solar System

Public Astronomy Program

Planets of Our Solar System

Make a pocket solar system to take home, and see Jupiter and its moons, Venus, and our own moon.

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Pacific

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

Instructions for the Public:

EXCITEMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Participate in hands-on astronomy activities followed by supervised observing through the many different telescopes of MDAS members.
Bring snacks, water, binoculars, and warm clothes. If you bring a flashlight please cover it with red material.
Please note that only Mt. Diablo Astronomy Volunteers may set up telescopes on Public Nights.

PARKING IN THE LOWER SUMMIT LOTS IS LIMITED and FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. If the lots are full when you arrive, you may park outside those lots, with these requirements:
a. Park ONLY in other designated parking areas or completely off the road.
b. Illegally parked cars are subject to ticketing or towing by Park personnel.
c. It is rare, but possible, that nearby parking will not be available.

Location Details

Mount Diablo - Lower Summit Parking Lot

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

Summit Rd
Clayton, CA 94517
(click to get directions)

check weather forecast
check clear sky chart
Click here for schedule of 2026 Public Astronomy Nights

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.