An exciting amateur astronomy project occurs each summer and fall at Palomar Mountain's Observatory Campground. A group of amateur astronomers from all across Southern California bring the beauty and the awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at a location only two miles from the world renowned Palomar Observatory. The Explore the Stars program provides visitors an opportunity to see views of the universe rarely seen by the public. Only a short drive from light-polluted Southern California cities brings you to the beauty of dark skies and the power of large telescopes provided by knowledgeable amateur astronomers. The Explore the Stars program provides an entertaining, educational, very memorable experience to visitors of all ages. The program, jointly sponsored by the southern California astronomy community and the Palomar District of the Cleveland National Forest, brings together an unusual combination at each event: amateur astronomers, dark skies, and more than a hundred non-astronomers. Typical star parties put on for the public are held in populated areas where the Moon, planets, and a few of the brighter double stars make up the major venues. The skies just aren't dark enough to show off the grandeur of deep sky objects. On the other hand, amateur astronomers typically seek out dark sky sites far from light pollution and as far as possible from one of the banes of the hobby: Coleman-style lanterns. Unfortunately Coleman-style lanterns infest the most common place the public congregates under dark skies: public campgrounds in the wilderness. So it is rare to find a group of amateur astronomers in a public campground. This is what makes Explore the Stars such an interesting event. Part of Observatory Campground has been converted into an "astronomy-friendly" environment. No bright lights (such as lanterns and white lights) are permitted in the Northern end of the campground after 9 P.M. Once a month, amateur astronomers from the Southern California astronomy community gather at Observatory Campground and put on a show and star party for the public. The program, now in its eighth year has wowed audiences not only with true dark sky observing of deep sky objects, but also with predicted passes of the Space Shuttle, and International Space Station. Over the course of the past eight years more than four thousand people have attended Explore the Stars events. Many go away with a new hobby in their eye, all go away with a new understanding of the recreational resource right over their heads. No longer do they view astronomy as something scientists "do". They understand that the excitement of astronomical exploration and observation is for anyone who wants to take the time to find a dark sky and look up. Participants are taught that getting a pair of binoculars and a good book on astronomy (with star charts) is the best way to get started in the hobby. Make plans to attend one of these free programs that will give you the opportunity to look at the wonders of the night sky from dark sky locations. The programs are on Saturday nights. Amphitheater presentations begin at dusk. Types of objects you will see: Galaxies See whole galaxies containing billions of stars with your own eyes through large telescopes. Globular Clusters See beautiful clusters composed of millions of stars that look like fine jewelry cast into the night sky. Planetary Nebulae See the results of stars blasting their outer gaseous shells into outer space. Supernova Remnants See the dramatic results of stars that have destroyed themselves through incomprehensible stellar explosions. Double Stars See beautiful double stars whose companions are made up of various colors: baby blues, oranges, golds, and greens. The Moon and Planets The Moon is always an impressive sight in a telescope. Jupiter, Saturn, and other planets will be viewed as conditions permit.