About Us

The Community Observatory


The Community Observatory opened in 2006 and, with an all-volunteer staff of docents, provides free viewing through our many telescopes, including our 17-inch and 14-inch reflecting telescopes.  


The Community Observatory was a Rotary Club of Cameron Park Centennial Project in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Rotary International. The Rotary of Cameron Park members raised all of the funds and donated time and materials to build the observatory on land owned by the El Dorado County Office of Education adjacent to the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College .

In 2011, Rotary Club of Cameron Park  built the G. Arthur Cort Sky Theater where visitors can sit in reclined seating outside and view the constellations or enjoy a sky tour by one of our docents.


In addition to nighttime viewing, the Community Observatory provides free and safe solar viewing on the first Saturday of every month.  We also provide safe solar viewing to many schools, clubs, and organizations.

Our Mission

  • Serve as a public resource that creates a sense of wonder and excitement about our place in the Universe and stimulates further interest in astronomy and science
  • Provide valuable daytime and nighttime experiences for visitors of all ages both at the Observatory and through outreach programs
  • Create a sense of community with our visitors through online communication methods
  • Recruit, train, and retain experienced Lead and Assisting Docents in order to fully staff all events
  • Keep observing equipment fully functional and available


Hours (Weather Permitting)

Open Friday and Saturday Nights (holidays excluded). Please check our calendar before the scheduled event to confirm we're open. Weather, including high humidity, can prevent us from opening.


Evenings

Winter Hours (October 11 - March 29)
7:30 - 9:30 PM

Summer Hours (April 4 - November 1)
9:00 - 11:00 PM


Solar Saturday (Safe Solar Viewing)

1st Saturday of every month

10:00 AM - Noon

In 2019, the Community Observatory Foundation became a 501(c)(3) organization by joining the Rotary Club of Cameron Park Community Foundation (Rotary Community Foundation).  When making donations to us, you must note that it's for the Community Observatory. EIN: 68-0399212