The Courtright Reservoir is a lake reservoir located within California’s Sierra National Forest, about 215 miles (346 km) east of San Jose, California. Please note that while there are no designated stargazing areas, the reservoir is accessible by the public May through November and offers secluded hiking trails, mountain peaks, and lake access, excellent for boating and fishing, with wide open night skies suited for gazing. Occasional stargazing events are hosted at the reservoir by local astronomy organizations and groups, including NASA’s local Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Please note that while camping is allowed, they are first-come-first-served without any reservations accepted. For more information, visit online or call 559-855-5355 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.