IMPORTANT UPDATE: Starting Spring 2023, all non-driver trip participant spots will be selected at random due to high demand. Links will accept sign-ups until 12AM Sunday.
Come join The Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Professor Vahe Peroomian to explore both the land and the sky in Joshua Tree!! We will start our morning by driving to the park, having some lunch, and doing a 4 mile, 1000ft elevation gain hike up Ryan Mountain to see beautiful landscape views. After cooking some dinner, we’ll find a good place to set up some telescopes and look at the stars!! We’ll be back at USC late Saturday night.
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at USC is an undergraduate group that seeks to promote a better understanding of physics and all related fields in their community through social and academic events and programming. Check them out here: https://www.uscsps.org/.
PACKING LIST:
2-3 L H2O
Sturdy/hiking shoes
Lunch
Flashlight/headlamp
Mess kit (plate, bowls, utensils)
Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
Layers (it’ll get cold at night!)
WAIVERS
WE WILL PROVIDE:
Dinner
Fun
PROFESSOR: Vahe Peroomian
DEPARTMENT: Astronomy and Physics
Professor Peroomian teaches both Physics and Astronomy at USC, conducts research inquiring into the nature and implications of geomagnetic storms, and additionally finds passion as an avid photographer! To see some of his landscape photography, astronomical imaging, and authorship, view his personal website here.
PEAK: Ryan Peak
DIFFICULTY: 3/5
SCENERY: Panoramic views of Pinto Basin, Lost Horse Valley, Queen Valley, and Pleasant Valley
FUN FACT: The night sky in Joshua Tree National Park is one of the darkest in Southern California, making it an International Dark Sky Park
TRIP LEAD: Anika Kapai