RTMC Expo Information

Astronomers Whether you are a beginner or an
advanced amateur astronomer.., we welcome
ou to attend the RTMC Astronomy Expo, Me-
morial Day weekend

May 26-30, 2016
(Thursday through Monday morning)
Camp Oakes
Big Bear City, California

What Will You Find

Beginner or Advanced

-See the stars from the clear air of YMCA Camp Oakes
. Learn of new developments in amateur telescope making
. Check out commercial telescopes and equipment brought by vendors for observers
. Listen to excellent presentations covering observing, telescopes, and getting started in astronomy
. Enjoy all the swap meet’s astro-goodies on both Saturday and Sunday, and
. Socialize and observe with friends.

Main Telescope Field at the RTMC Astronomy Expo

The Riverside Telescope Makers Conference (RTMC) was founded in 1969 by Clifford W. Holmes for amateur telescope makers to share their craft. In 1975, the RTMC moved to its current home at Camp
Oakes, a YMCA camp near Big Bear City. In 2000, the official name of the conference was changed to
the “RTMC Astronomy Expo.” Located 50 miles northeast of Riverside in the San Bernardino mountains,
the site offers space for camping, several dormitories and 18 three -sided shelters, a meeting/dining hall,
and the Charles Walker Observatory. The camp is located at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Click on the
following link to view a labeled aerial photograph of Camp Oakes.

RTMC now serves all aspects of amateur astronomy, from our Beginners’ Corner to advanced topics,and from telescope making to “armchair” astronomy. RTMC also includes events for the whole family with
swimming, canoeing, rock wall climbing, hiking, a zipline, and activities for spouses and young kids.
Amateur astronomers attend RTMC because they can rub shoulders with many people who really know
telescopes and love talking about them. Here, you can see and look through a great variety of tele-
scopes, from small to very large, under some pretty dark skies at high altitude. You can also attend
talks by professional and amateur astronomers on many different aspects of telescope use and con-
struction, and on astronomy in general.

Vendors representing major telescope manufacturers, and private vendors selling many other items
have booths at the telescope field and along the paths leading to it.
They will show a variety of wares,including the latest astronomical equipment and software in use, often at reduced prices. The vendors contribute door prizes for Saturday and Sunday evenings. We don’t know exactly what prizes we’ll have in advance, but items range from clothing to eyepieces, accessories, and telescope systems.