Southern California Desert Video Astronomers
The Integratron by day
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For the past 3 years in August, for the Perseid Meteor Shorers, we have had the privileged to project our images onto the historic "Integratron".
Located in Landers, California, this unusual building has become an iconic relic. It documents one man's devotion to controlling one of the great mysteries of our very existence, as humans, here on planet Earth! Controlling the "forces of life", itself! Now, the intrigue of the mystery goes on in everyone who experiences this incredible "machine".
The event that brought us to this amazing place was a benefit organized to raise funds for the Mojave Desert Land Trust . This environmentally driven group is responsible for acquiring land and putting it into trusts that protect it for the enjoyment of future generations. They support dark skies and care for our fragile planet.
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 ____________________________  Photo by Valeree WoodardGetting ready as the clouds clear. Lots of equipment to set up  Photo by Alex McConahayTurned out to be a beautiful evening for all  Photo by D.O. A globular cluster on the dome.  Photo by Valeree Woodard Guests line up for a view of Andromeda.   Photo by Valeree Woodard Our Astronomers for the evening. From left to right, Alex McConahay, Tom O'Key & Leonard Holmberg. ____________________________________  click HERE for Mojave Land Trust Information |
Be sure to check back for more photos from this
worth while event.
Colliding Moons
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by D.O.
Photo by David Jesse McChesney
A rotating image of Jupiter projected onto the Integratron
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On Friday August 13th 2010, we once again were privileged to project our images onto the historic "Integratron".
This has become an annual e benefit organized to raise funds for the Mojave Desert Land Trust .
This environmentally driven group is responsible for acquiring land and putting it into trusts that protect it for the enjoyment of future generations. They support dark skies and care for our fragile planet.
Viewing conditions were excellent. The Crescent moon set early and the calm warm desert night did not disappoint.
Display of raffle prizes & Various items available for purchase
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Early setup
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Photo by Valeree Woodard
Telescope Central
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Ric Knudsen & Gary kicking back before the show
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The smooth music stylings of Clive Wright entertains the crowd
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Photo by Valeree Woodard
Tom introduces SCDVA
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Luke Savola from the National Park Services
projects a dark sky presentation as the sun sets in the West
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Andromeda with the handle of the Big Dipper in the background
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M51
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Dome of the Integratron turns into the surface of the moon
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M82
The handle of the Big Dipper as it sets behind the dome.
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Captured is a Meteor as it streaks by M82
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Moon Dome
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We received some great comments from the crowd of over 150. Everyone was excited & amazed to see the images that were projected onto the surface of the geodesic dome. The deep sky images and projected rotating planets were a sight to see. The views were so cool that we were blown away, as well!
The history of the Giant Rock Airport,
it's connection to the Integratron and it's creator, George Van Tassel with the help of alien abductors,is an interesting read and well worth the time.
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August 2009 Perseid Event
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We thank everyone for making the event possible and giving us the chance to be part of it all!
The backdrop behind the night's event was the annual Perseid Meteor Showers. Though, not many were seen, our images of the night sky softly lit the scene with colorful views of our beautiful universe.
It was a warm night in the Desert. The Milky Way glistened above us, though visibility hampered somewhat by smoke from Santa Barbara wildfires filtering in to our desert skies. Even so, we were able to pull off another winning night with great images despite atmospheric clarity and breezy conditions.
Overall, we definitely received some great comments from the crowd of over 300 people attending this special event. Everyone was excited to see the images that were projected onto the surface of the geodesic dome. A first in the history of it's existence, the deep sky images were beautifully framed by the Integratron. In fact, the views were so cool that we were blown away, as well!
This fascinating and cosmically influenced building has amazing sound influencing mechanics. Outside it was bathed in cosmic light amplified by our telescopes, while inside, attendee's were treated to a soothing sound bath that has become a famous feature of the building. It's hyperbolic dome creating a phenomenal experience that can only be described as "soulfully stirring"!
Aliens among us?
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Photo by Sue Fosseen
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Photo by Sue Fosseen
The Dumbbell Nebula (M27)
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Photo by Sue Fosseen
The Ghostly Swan Nebula (M17)
Floating on the
The Integratron
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Photo by Sue Fosseen
The Swan Nebula
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Photo by Sue Fosseen
The Ring Nebula
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Photo by Rebecca Unger
Relaxing & star gazing under the dark night skies
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Photo by Rebecca Unger
Enjoying a Sound Bath in the upper level of the Integratron
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Photo by Sue Fosseen
REACH FOR THE STARS !
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