Supernova! Why do some stars explode? Which star is next? Take home a sky map of stars likely to explode as supernovae. Save Mount Diablo is partnering with Mount Diablo Astronomical Society on this public stargazing night. Participate in hands-on astronomy activities, followed by supervised observation through the many different telescopes of MDAS members to view Moon, planets, stars, galaxies and more. Save Mount Diablo participants will also gather before the MDAS activities for a short hike on the Mary Bowerman Trail to do a few night hike activities. Bring binoculars, warm clothes (temperatures can drop significantly), snacks, water, folding chairs, and blankets. If you bring a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane or red cloth.

***There will be a $10 park entrance fee, exact cash is required.

Time: Evening, beginning about a half hour before sunset. You may stay until 11:00 p.m.** Plan to enter the park entry gate at least 45 minutes before the program starts.

Parking: 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.

**Leaving: The Park gates will be locked and visitors will only be able to leave the program and exit the park by escorted caravans of cars through the North Gate a few times during the evening. Caravans will be announced at intervals during the program (1st caravan: about 8:30 pm, 2nd caravan: about 10:00pm, and last caravan: 11:00pm) and for safety, visitors must only leave with these escorts.

NOTE: Astronomy Program is weather permitting (including “High Fire Danger”). Rain cancels. Go to: http://www.mdas.net and click on Event Calendar or call Mt. Diablo State Park – (925) 837-2525. 2025MDASPublicPrograms

Participant Limit: 20 people

Land: Mount Diablo State Park

Rating: Easy

Distance: < 1 mile

Elevation change: 50 feet

Leader: TBA

Meet: Lower Summit Parking Lot, Mount Diablo State Park

GPS Coordinates: 37.880353, -121.919517

Directions: From Danville, take Southgate Road into Mount Diablo State Park; from Walnut Creek, take Northgate Road into Mount Diablo State Park. Continue up the mountain past the Junction Ranger station 4.5 miles; the lower lot is on the right just before the Summit Museum.

(Photo by Richard Crapuchettes)

FAQs

Are dogs allowed on Discover Diablo hikes?

No. Some Discover Diablo hikes take place on land owned by other organizations (such as Mount Diablo State Park & East Bay Regional Park lands) and many of the trails on these properties have a strict no-dog policy.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. On the hike day, we will have a roster with your registration information on it. Please make sure to check in with the hike leader.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes. If you would like to change anything, please reach out to discoverdiablo@savemountdiablo.org.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact us at discoverdiablo@savemountdiablo.org.