We had an Astrofest planning meeting this morning and it was reported that Ruby's has rooms available for SLAS for the Astrofest but not for every night. It seems someone there made a mistake reserving rooms, but for anyone interested you'll have to contact Ruby's directly. There will still be reserved camping for SLAS members and other volunteers in the Park, probably at the same group camping site at the Sunset Campground as in years past. These camp sites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For other area lodging check out: http://www.utah.com/database/lodging/index.phtml?search_id=24519&all_lodging =1&. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Monday, April 09, 2012 11:09 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Sieg's eclipse site scouting trip I think Kim has an excellent point. Kim, what's the chance of finding motel rooms for one night at Bryce, or camping spots there? Thanks, Joe ________________________________ From: Kim <kimharch@cut.net> To: 'Utah Astronomy' <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, April 9, 2012 8:41 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Sieg's eclipse site scouting trip There seems to be a lot of bad information and misconceptions circulating about the timing of this eclipse from southern Utah. For example, from here at Bryce, the eclipse does indeed "end" just a few minutes before sunset. However, the end referred to is 4th contact, or the moment when the Moon's shadow finally leaves the limb of the Sun, nearly an hour after the end of the annular phase. Someone else can look up the precise timing and elevation of the sun above the horizon at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th contacts, but it's certainly placed high enough for great observing before, during and after annularity, both visually and photographically. The graphic that Patrick shared proves for me just how unreasonable and unnecessary it is to place oneself right on the centerline for this eclipse. Unless you just have to have that photo of the Moon perfectly centered within the ring of sunlight, then the choices discussed here (e.g. Kanarraville) are not so important. Factor that with the poor preparation for large crowds at some locations and it just doesn't make sense to go there. Bryce Canyon NP is offering at least three public observing areas, lots of parking, informed interpreters to share the experience with the public, and evening lectures after the eclipse. But go ahead, go to California or Kanarraville. ;-) Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Wiggins Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2012 8:45 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Sieg's eclipse site scouting trip Hi Craig, Sunset times will vary depending on local horizons but you can get a fair guesstimate using this interactive map which NASA set up for the eclipse: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2012May20Agoogle.html For Kanarraville it shows the end of annularity at about 01:36:04 UTC at which time the Sun will be about 11 degrees above a flat horizon. Considering Kanarraville's horizon in the direction of the eclipse has been surveyed to be a few degrees high the Sun will set only a few minutes after the end of annularity. patrick _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".