[Chaos-l] Semi-Observing At Medoc Mountain Last Night

[Michael Hrivnak]

Depending on the weather, I may try to come out on Sunday night.  I wouldn't 
get there until about 8pm though- is that too late?  Would I be able to get in 
at that time?

Michael

On Saturday 17 January 2009 14:15:31 Robert Nielsen wrote:
> Everyone,
>
> I happened to go to Medoc Mountain State Park last night, as sort of a
> "scouting" expedition, and met with Allen Davis who lives nearby (he's
> the guy who setup near us at MASP with the Tak 150 refractor complete
> with turret, etc).   I didn't mention it on the listserve because the
> observing was only going to be for a few hours (the last quarter moon
> rose around midnight and there were clouds off and on until about 8:30
> PM) and I didn't think most people would be interested in driving 3
> hours for less than six hours of possible observing.
>
> Plus it was COLD!!!!
>
> Did I mention it was COLD?
>
> In fact, I didn't even bring a scope last night, although Allen did hook
> up his "trailer of astronomical gear" to his truck and brought it over
> and setup a 4-inch refractor for both of us to use.   Mostly, we spent
> about half the time observing and the other half of the time talking in
> front of a nice, warm fire.    I thoroughly enjoyed it.   And I feel
> prepared to try to go there next weekend for an extended observing trip,
> if the weather cooperates.
>
> My plans are to be there multiple nights ... all of which will be
> dictated by the weather.   The park ranger (Nicole Crider, who I met
> last night) will be presenting an astronomical program for the public on
> Monday (yes, Monday) night the 26th, and I was planning on taking a
> vacation day from work that Monday if needed and staying and helping
> with that.   But if things work out, I might be there Friday, Saturday,
> and Sunday nights as well.  I'm planning on setting up the scope in the
> middle of their large field, and setting up a tent and camping in the
> nearby campground.   I will get the necessary permit for "observing", so
> if anyone else wants to join me next weekend just let me know and I will
> get the permit for everyone involved.  I also plan on getting one of the
> campsites with electrical connection to recharge my batteries for the
> next night of observing.   I will be bringing the "monster tent" ... and
> if someone wants to just bring a pad and sleeping bag, they are welcome
> to stay in my tent if you like.
>
> The campground is very nice (in my opinion).   Apparently there was a
> major renovation that happened about 4-5 years ago, and there is now a
> heated bathhouse with warm showers and all that.   If this works out as
> nicely as I think it might, perhaps we can reserve one of the group
> campsites for a mini-CHAOS-star party in the spring.
>
> And yes, the skies are amazing out there.   You don't normally get to
> see the winter Milky Way extend all the way to AND THROUGH Gemini!
> Allen has said that there have been nights when he has been there when
> M33 was a naked-eye object.  It wasn't (for my older eyes) visible
> naked-eye last night, but using the tricks I learned last CHAOS meeting
> for determining limiting magnitude, I could see ALL FOUR BOWL STARS in
> the little dipper.   I think that means I could see down to magnitude
> 5.  I guess that's what 10 degree temperature and 20% humidity will get
> you ...
>
> So let me know if you would like to come, or also if you would like to
> camp.
>
> And remember that Astronomy Days is also next weekend.   Walter has
> signed me up for the "middle of the day" shift on Saturday, which means
> I might have to drive back and forth on Saturday but I think I can swing
> it.   If you have different shifts and want to come next weekend to
> Medoc Mountain, I'm sure Walter can work something out.  The "trick" is
> that the gate to the observing field and campground closes at 6 PM at
> night, and opens at 8 AM in the morning.   It takes (from my house in
> Chapel Hill) 1 hour and 34 minutes to drive there.  We might be able to
> get the ranger to open/close it at different times if needed ... but I
> want to start off right with the staff at the park, because I think I
> might be doing a lot of observing there.
>
> Robert
>
>
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