GMARS - Goat Mountain Astronomical Research Station (Riverside Astronomical Society) - Landers, California

Twilight I.

Visited GMARs on August 28, 2024 after joining the Riverside Astronomical Society (RAS) and it was wonderful. Alex was a super friendly and very knowledgeable astronomer. I arrived on a hot early afternoon, and he not long after. He strode over and we shook hands and chatted about the facility, why it exists, the different types of viewing areas and their structures. Was given a tour of the Western House where folks can gather on more festive star party nights. However, being more solitary and busy with work on weekends, I arrived before the Labor Day weekend starparty. Aside from Alex, only one other RAS member showed and he was parked over 100 yards away. So, I basically had the place to myself.

When twilight arrived for me to get the gear ready for viewing, I was so thrilled. It had been a few years since I was able to do some serious visual astronomy and all my gear functioned flawlessly. Seeing and transparency were great as the winds died down by sunset. The sky was wonderfully steady. By about 10-pm-ish, Alex came by to check up on me and we chatted some more, with me showing him M22 through my 10" Orion reflector, one that I customized to fit Celestron's Starsense dock.

There are some homes in the area but all are dispersed. Purists may get irked by the minor light dome coming from Twenty Nine Palms in the south, but for me, the Bortle 3-4 skies were awesome and I couldn't have been happier to see all the globs I had intended to see. Seeing M13 in a 7mm ep reminded me why I got into astronomy. Truth be told, this place is a gem; if one lives out of their car, one needs to rough it a bit, but it's not a big deal. I viewed until past midnight, went to sleep in my car, awoke at about 3-am-ish and the still skies and rising fall constellations were just super, with Orion now rising in the east. I left by 4-am.

The drive there, however, (and I don't mean the dirt roads leading to the place--as I already anticipated this after viewing google maps repeatedly to ingrain within me a mental map), especially going up the 62 from LA and continuing through Yucca Valley, and northbound on 247, is just not the most pleasant drive. Quite a lot of cars all the way until one gets to the 247, and that road climbs as well. Locals drive the road adeptly and take the curves quite aggressively, and they are a bit impatient with those who are simply going the speed limit with a heavily weighed-down vehicle. The saving grace was that I saw three CHPs on the 62 and one on the 247. The the return trip was, however, essentially all downhill, so that was super. Will return with my wife the next time! Thanks RAS, GMARs, and a special thanks to you Alex! And Bill too, although I have yet to meet Bill! Clear skies everyone.

Jeremiah P.

Amazing location for astronomy! Highly recommend astronomers to take their telescope 🔭 and check out the cosmos. Friendly people and friendly skies. Ad Astra!

Zazzmatazz (.

Goat Mountain Astronomical Research Station is an excellent site for amateur to professional astronomers. Situated north of Landers, the night sky is incredibly dark, permitting observation of even the most faint of objects.

There are multiple pads on the south end of the site available for use, with 120v AC power supplied to each one for your telescope and equipment.

During star parties, the main house is available with restroom facilities, a kitchen, lounge and sleeping quarters.

Travel to this site is a little more difficult than most places, given the 2 miles of washboarded dirt roads that will rattle the fillings out of your teeth. Don't expect to get here after a good rainstorm.

WARNING: During Star Parties, PLEASE turn off your headlights before entering GMARS. If you are unfamiliar with the site, simply flag down an RAS member and they will help you onto the site. Light control is imperative!

Barbara S. -. V. D.

One weekend a month they have a star party! We were in the area for vacation. Bring a thick coat, red flashlight and enjoy talking to the members.

Elizabeth W.

Dark skies...free star-be-cue. .friendly folks.... knowledgeable...willing to share their know how and views thru their telescopes. The Riverside Astronomical Society operates this amazing place amongst the Joshua Trees!! Highly recommend.

Ernesto H.

Since 2002, the Riverside Astronomical Society has called GMARS home. GMARS stands for Goat Mountain Astronomical Research Station, Goat Mountain being the prominent hill to the northeast of the property. That may sound a bit intense and serious, but it's the dark-sky site where we have our ridiculously FUN monthly star parties! Over the years it has been developed into a full-fledged star party mecca, for both members and non-members alike. Below are some details about the property and the general area

Eloy O.

Super friendly atmosphere., family friendly ambiance with a passion for astronomy. Visit the Riverside Astronomy web site for a "universe" of information.

Mike L.

Catch the star parties there on the darkest Saturday of every month. And keep Landers dark, turn out the lights.