Taylor, I haven't been to Goosenecks, but I have been to Goblin Valley. Skies at Goblin Valley should be about as dark as they get. You may see a bit of light pollution to the north due to a coal-fired electric generating plant at Huntington (near the site of Monday's mining disaster). When I've camped there with family and some Boy Scouts, we've found our own campsites away from the public campground. There are many dirt roads to explore to find a site that suits you. Horizons may be a bit of a problem because the park is located in a portion of the San Rafael Reef, a dramatic formation that might be 1500 feet or so higher than the terrain to the west. May I recommend an alternate site? Many of us like to observe from a BLM site within the San Rafael Swell, known as the Wedge Overlook. It's a bit higher in elevation, has excellent horizons and is fairly remote. There's also a lot of interesting stuff to explore during the daytime on improved dirt roads. If you plan to be here over a New Moon weekend, there's a good chance that some of us will be there, too. You're equipment should be OK. I don't know of anyone who has had problems leaving equipment behind. One caution: The only improvement at the Wedge is a concrete pit toilet. You'll find no water at the Wedge, and I don't think there's any at Goblin Valley, either. Whether you're traveling by car or motorcycle (I tip my hat!) bring plenty of your own water. October can still be warm. Weather is often clear - it's a perfect season for observing in the deserts of Utah. Hope this helps some. Others will undoubtedly have suggestions for you, too. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces+kimharch=cut.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces+kimharch=cut.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Taylor Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 6:58 AM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] observing sites in Utah Hello Utah astronomy enthusiasts, I don't live in Utah but am planning an observing trip to the southeastern part of the state for early this October. In doing research for the trip, I ran across the Utah-Astronomy website and since I saw a link to e-mail all members of the list, I hope you all don't mind my asking a couple of questions. Since my last visit over 15 yrs. ago, I have longed to return to Utah but the demands of work and family have precluded taking time for such a journey. I enjoy astronomy and tent camping and am looking for locations in southeastern Utah where the skies are inky black and camping is available. I am currently focusing on Goosenecks State Park and Goblin Valley State Park as possible locations for stargazing. I have camped at Goosenecks before so I know what it's like there but I only passed by Goblin Valley and have not stayed at the campground. I like the idea of camping at B.L.M. sites but since I will be on a motorcycle and planning to take excursions during the daytime, I prefer the relative security of a campground since I'll be leaving valuable equipment behind while I go off exploring. Has anyone ever observed at Goblin Valley State Park and if so, can you recommend a particular campsite that would be well located for stargazing? Do you have any other tips about these parks or other parks in southeastern Utah that you would recommend? What weather conditions might I expect in early October? Is the sky generally clear then? I appreciate any advice that anyone might offer. I'd be pleased to have company if some of you would like to meet up in October! Thanks, Taylor Christiansen Western North Carolina _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com ______________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned by Cut.Net Managed Email Content Service, using Skeptic(tm) technology powered by MessageLabs. For more information on Cut.Nets Content Service, visit http://www.cut.net ______________________________________________________________________ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.8/940 - Release Date: 8/6/2007 4:53 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.8/941 - Release Date: 8/7/2007 4:06 PM