Great Basin Astronomy Festival
Hi Folks, I have not seen any reports on Great Basin Astronoomy Festival. Perhaps, because basically it was a wash. So, I figured I would jump into the void regarding my experience there. I arrived Friday morning and grabbed an awesome camp spot at Baker Creek Campground. I got there early because last years astronomy festival was on Labor Day weekend, and it was really crowded. This year I arrived early enough to have the pick of the best campsites. Anyhow, Some friends arrived later in the afternoon. I espoused the great and dark skies ar Great Basin and a buddy of mine brought his family, along with his 6" refractor. We had planned to attend both Friday and Saturday nights' star observing at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with private observing at our campsite. However, the monsoon was kicking into high gear and Friday night was spotty at best. At about 11:00 the clouds parted in the north and east, but after about an hour, the cloud cover returned. Unfortunately, what did appear, only leant to the whetting of our observing appetites, and when the cloud cover returned, I for one, was severely disappointed. We all were disappointed. We hoped for the best for Saturday night, but it was even worse. There was not even a sucker hole on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of a partial constellation. Needless to say, we did not even attempt to go up to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to observe with the big scopes. All day Saturday, it was cloudy and the cover never really broke, so I am thinking on Saturday night, they did not even bother to get set up. On Saturday, while waiting for the Lehman Caves tour, I happened to see Ranger Kelly and we briefly chatted. He mentioned that Thursday night observing was spectacular. Hearing this was even more disappointing, since I was considering arriving Thursday afternoon. And even if I had done so, my friends who had shown up, would still have missed Thursday nights observing. Oh well... a day late, but at least, not a dollar short. Hey... I'm trying to inject some humor into this post. Anyhow, due to the monsoon, and not wanting to conflict with other national park star festivals, Kelly mentioned that perhaps next year he was thinking of moving the G. Basin Astronomy Festival to June. I suggested September, but he said he wanted to make it available to more folks who were on summer vacation. From my perspective, due to the cloud cover, June seems to be one of the worst months for observing. But this is my experience only from the Salt Lake area. Perhaps at G. Basin, the June observing would be great. Although my friends and I were disappointed, I am sure the folks from SLAS who had made great efforts to bring their scopes and set up for the public were even more disappointed. It truly is a labor of love, and even though I did not get a chance to observe at G. Basin, I just wanted to say thanks to the SLAS members for taking the time and dedication to make such an awesome effort for the public. Last year I had met Steve and Dale out there, and it was a lot of fun. So, thanks guys. Also, a huge thanks to Kelly and Great Basin Nat'l Park for making the accommodations available to have this astronomy festival. It is public funds working for the benefit of all of us. Last of all, I just wanted to say that even though the observing Friday and Saturday nights was a wash, Great Basin is a spectacular place to visit. I am somewhat enamored with the place, as I am with all desert environments. But, it is so much more than just a desert environment. There are many things to do, and one could spend a week there and still only see and experience a fraction of what the Park has to offer. My friends who joined me on this camp trip were also thrilled and blown away by their experience. Visiting Bristlecone Pines that are 3500 years old, and in the same day, visiting Lehman Caves and seeing subterranean structures that took 1.5 million years to form, was exciting and fun. And of course, just the camping experience is worth it all. I am hoping next year will be better for viewing, because I will be back. Thanks to SLAS, Kelly, and Great Basin Nat'l Park, Jon
Jon: Thanks for your complete report. Rodger Fry, Mark Shelton, Mat Hutchings along with his daughter and myself were all at GBNP. I returned home Early Sunday morning and have been going to sit down and write up a short report. I have since mowed and trimmed the lawn and prepared for one of those ugly medical procedures that will occur in one hour from now.Thursday was a wonderful day. I am sorry you missed it. We had an excellent afternoon of observing with the clubs PST and with a SolarMax 60 until 4:30. It was spent shooting around clouds most of the afternoon.Thursday evening the skies cleared and we had a simply excellent night of observing with the public. We all estimated right around 100 guests for the evening. The skies were very clear and VERY dark but they were also very unsteady. Splitting my favorite Iotacass was near impossible. But since I wasn't there for my entertainment we showed the folks who were there what they came to see and they were very appreciative.Great Speakers, including Rodger, and Tyler Nordgren. Tom Sevcik was once again at the park participating as a volunteer.I'll try to provide a more complete report once I have recovered from the anesthesia but in the mean time I want to echo your feelings about not only the park but the Rangers, the astronomy festival volunteers, Mike and Ann, the staff and everyone involved with GBNP
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 10:24:43 -0600 From: stormcrow60@xmission.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival
Hi Folks, I have not seen any reports on Great Basin Astronoomy Festival. Perhaps, because basically it was a wash. So, I figured I would jump into the void regarding my experience there. I arrived Friday morning and grabbed an awesome camp spot at Baker Creek Campground. I got there early because last years astronomy festival was on Labor Day weekend, and it was really crowded. This year I arrived early enough to have the pick of the best campsites. Anyhow, Some friends arrived later in the afternoon. I espoused the great and dark skies ar Great Basin and a buddy of mine brought his family, along with his 6" refractor. We had planned to attend both Friday and Saturday nights' star observing at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with private observing at our campsite. However, the monsoon was kicking into high gear and Friday night was spotty at best. At about 11:00 the clouds parted in the north and east, but after about an hour, the cloud cover returned. Unfortunately, what did appear, only leant to the whetting of our observing appetites, and when the cloud cover returned, I for one, was severely disappointed. We all were disappointed. We hoped for the best for Saturday night, but it was even worse. There was not even a sucker hole on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of a partial constellation. Needless to say, we did not even attempt to go up to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to observe with the big scopes. All day Saturday, it was cloudy and the cover never really broke, so I am thinking on Saturday night, they did not even bother to get set up. On Saturday, while waiting for the Lehman Caves tour, I happened to see Ranger Kelly and we briefly chatted. He mentioned that Thursday night observing was spectacular. Hearing this was even more disappointing, since I was considering arriving Thursday afternoon. And even if I had done so, my friends who had shown up, would still have missed Thursday nights observing. Oh well... a day late, but at least, not a dollar short. Hey... I'm trying to inject some humor into this post. Anyhow, due to the monsoon, and not wanting to conflict with other national park star festivals, Kelly mentioned that perhaps next year he was thinking of moving the G. Basin Astronomy Festival to June. I suggested September, but he said he wanted to make it available to more folks who were on summer vacation. From my perspective, due to the cloud cover, June seems to be one of the worst months for observing. But this is my experience only from the Salt Lake area. Perhaps at G. Basin, the June observing would be great. Although my friends and I were disappointed, I am sure the folks from SLAS who had made great efforts to bring their scopes and set up for the public were even more disappointed. It truly is a labor of love, and even though I did not get a chance to observe at G. Basin, I just wanted to say thanks to the SLAS members for taking the time and dedication to make such an awesome effort for the public. Last year I had met Steve and Dale out there, and it was a lot of fun. So, thanks guys. Also, a huge thanks to Kelly and Great Basin Nat'l Park for making the accommodations available to have this astronomy festival. It is public funds working for the benefit of all of us. Last of all, I just wanted to say that even though the observing Friday and Saturday nights was a wash, Great Basin is a spectacular place to visit. I am somewhat enamored with the place, as I am with all desert environments. But, it is so much more than just a desert environment. There are many things to do, and one could spend a week there and still only see and experience a fraction of what the Park has to offer. My friends who joined me on this camp trip were also thrilled and blown away by their experience. Visiting Bristlecone Pines that are 3500 years old, and in the same day, visiting Lehman Caves and seeing subterranean structures that took 1.5 million years to form, was exciting and fun. And of course, just the camping experience is worth it all. I am hoping next year will be better for viewing, because I will be back.
Thanks to SLAS, Kelly, and Great Basin Nat'l Park, Jon
_______________________________________________ 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
I guess I need to comment on Great Basin. I had a very great time there. The atmosphere at the park was totally diffenent then the Bryce Canyon Festival. I felt very relaxed and appreciated as the weekend progressed. Viewing on Thursday was good. Not great with the atmosphere in turmoil but good. VERY NICE DARK SKY I had the chance to meet and talk to some outstanding astronomers from Lake Tahoe, and Elko. There were some observers from Las vegas........... but they came and went without much comment. We did get washed out on Friday and Saturday nights, but that did not change my feelings towards the Park and the trip in general. I for one would rather go to Great Basin's Star Party then Bryce anytime. The food was good, the companionship with fellow observers was great and I can not tell you how COOL the Cave is. I now know all of the secrets of Steve and Roger. If you are looking for some dirt on them I have it. LOL Just Kidding I can not wait to go back and have a weekend with clear sky's Mark Shelton ________________________________ From: Steve Fisher <iotacass1@hotmail.com> To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 11:08 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival Jon: Thanks for your complete report. Rodger Fry, Mark Shelton, Mat Hutchings along with his daughter and myself were all at GBNP. I returned home Early Sunday morning and have been going to sit down and write up a short report. I have since mowed and trimmed the lawn and prepared for one of those ugly medical procedures that will occur in one hour from now.Thursday was a wonderful day. I am sorry you missed it. We had an excellent afternoon of observing with the clubs PST and with a SolarMax 60 until 4:30. It was spent shooting around clouds most of the afternoon.Thursday evening the skies cleared and we had a simply excellent night of observing with the public. We all estimated right around 100 guests for the evening. The skies were very clear and VERY dark but they were also very unsteady. Splitting my favorite Iotacass was near impossible. But since I wasn't there for my entertainment we showed the folks who were there what they came to see and they were very appreciative.Great Speakers, including Rodger, and Tyler Nordgren. Tom Sevcik was once again at the park participating as a volunteer.I'll try to provide a more complete report once I have recovered from the anesthesia but in the mean time I want to echo your feelings about not only the park but the Rangers, the astronomy festival volunteers, Mike and Ann, the staff and everyone involved with GBNP
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 10:24:43 -0600 From: stormcrow60@xmission.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival
Hi Folks, I have not seen any reports on Great Basin Astronoomy Festival. Perhaps, because basically it was a wash. So, I figured I would jump into the void regarding my experience there. I arrived Friday morning and grabbed an awesome camp spot at Baker Creek Campground. I got there early because last years astronomy festival was on Labor Day weekend, and it was really crowded. This year I arrived early enough to have the pick of the best campsites. Anyhow, Some friends arrived later in the afternoon. I espoused the great and dark skies ar Great Basin and a buddy of mine brought his family, along with his 6" refractor. We had planned to attend both Friday and Saturday nights' star observing at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with private observing at our campsite. However, the monsoon was kicking into high gear and Friday night was spotty at best. At about 11:00 the clouds parted in the north and east, but after about an hour, the cloud cover returned. Unfortunately, what did appear, only leant to the whetting of our observing appetites, and when the cloud cover returned, I for one, was severely disappointed. We all were disappointed. We hoped for the best for Saturday night, but it was even worse. There was not even a sucker hole on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of a partial constellation. Needless to say, we did not even attempt to go up to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to observe with the big scopes. All day Saturday, it was cloudy and the cover never really broke, so I am thinking on Saturday night, they did not even bother to get set up. On Saturday, while waiting for the Lehman Caves tour, I happened to see Ranger Kelly and we briefly chatted. He mentioned that Thursday night observing was spectacular. Hearing this was even more disappointing, since I was considering arriving Thursday afternoon. And even if I had done so, my friends who had shown up, would still have missed Thursday nights observing. Oh well... a day late, but at least, not a dollar short. Hey... I'm trying to inject some humor into this post. Anyhow, due to the monsoon, and not wanting to conflict with other national park star festivals, Kelly mentioned that perhaps next year he was thinking of moving the G. Basin Astronomy Festival to June. I suggested September, but he said he wanted to make it available to more folks who were on summer vacation. From my perspective, due to the cloud cover, June seems to be one of the worst months for observing. But this is my experience only from the Salt Lake area. Perhaps at G. Basin, the June observing would be great. Although my friends and I were disappointed, I am sure the folks from SLAS who had made great efforts to bring their scopes and set up for the public were even more disappointed. It truly is a labor of love, and even though I did not get a chance to observe at G. Basin, I just wanted to say thanks to the SLAS members for taking the time and dedication to make such an awesome effort for the public. Last year I had met Steve and Dale out there, and it was a lot of fun. So, thanks guys. Also, a huge thanks to Kelly and Great Basin Nat'l Park for making the accommodations available to have this astronomy festival. It is public funds working for the benefit of all of us. Last of all, I just wanted to say that even though the observing Friday and Saturday nights was a wash, Great Basin is a spectacular place to visit. I am somewhat enamored with the place, as I am with all desert environments. But, it is so much more than just a desert environment. There are many things to do, and one could spend a week there and still only see and experience a fraction of what the Park has to offer. My friends who joined me on this camp trip were also thrilled and blown away by their experience. Visiting Bristlecone Pines that are 3500 years old, and in the same day, visiting Lehman Caves and seeing subterranean structures that took 1.5 million years to form, was exciting and fun. And of course, just the camping experience is worth it all. I am hoping next year will be better for viewing, because I will be back.
Thanks to SLAS, Kelly, and Great Basin Nat'l Park, Jon
_______________________________________________ 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
I am sorry that I didn't make it this trip. Last years trip was wonderful and, like you Mark, I will go there rather than Bryce if given the choice. Glad you had fun. Dale ________________________________ From: Mark Shelton <woodturninginc@yahoo.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 11:26 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival I guess I need to comment on Great Basin. I had a very great time there. The atmosphere at the park was totally diffenent then the Bryce Canyon Festival. I felt very relaxed and appreciated as the weekend progressed. Viewing on Thursday was good. Not great with the atmosphere in turmoil but good. VERY NICE DARK SKY I had the chance to meet and talk to some outstanding astronomers from Lake Tahoe, and Elko. There were some observers from Las vegas........... but they came and went without much comment. We did get washed out on Friday and Saturday nights, but that did not change my feelings towards the Park and the trip in general. I for one would rather go to Great Basin's Star Party then Bryce anytime. The food was good, the companionship with fellow observers was great and I can not tell you how COOL the Cave is. I now know all of the secrets of Steve and Roger. If you are looking for some dirt on them I have it. LOL Just Kidding I can not wait to go back and have a weekend with clear sky's Mark Shelton ________________________________ From: Steve Fisher <iotacass1@hotmail.com> To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 11:08 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival Jon: Thanks for your complete report. Rodger Fry, Mark Shelton, Mat Hutchings along with his daughter and myself were all at GBNP. I returned home Early Sunday morning and have been going to sit down and write up a short report. I have since mowed and trimmed the lawn and prepared for one of those ugly medical procedures that will occur in one hour from now.Thursday was a wonderful day. I am sorry you missed it. We had an excellent afternoon of observing with the clubs PST and with a SolarMax 60 until 4:30. It was spent shooting around clouds most of the afternoon.Thursday evening the skies cleared and we had a simply excellent night of observing with the public. We all estimated right around 100 guests for the evening. The skies were very clear and VERY dark but they were also very unsteady. Splitting my favorite Iotacass was near impossible. But since I wasn't there for my entertainment we showed the folks who were there what they came to see and they were very appreciative.Great Speakers, including Rodger, and Tyler Nordgren. Tom Sevcik was once again at the park participating as a volunteer.I'll try to provide a more complete report once I have recovered from the anesthesia but in the mean time I want to echo your feelings about not only the park but the Rangers, the astronomy festival volunteers, Mike and Ann, the staff and everyone involved with GBNP
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 10:24:43 -0600 From: stormcrow60@xmission.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival
Hi Folks, I have not seen any reports on Great Basin Astronoomy Festival. Perhaps, because basically it was a wash. So, I figured I would jump into the void regarding my experience there. I arrived Friday morning and grabbed an awesome camp spot at Baker Creek Campground. I got there early because last years astronomy festival was on Labor Day weekend, and it was really crowded. This year I arrived early enough to have the pick of the best campsites. Anyhow, Some friends arrived later in the afternoon. I espoused the great and dark skies ar Great Basin and a buddy of mine brought his family, along with his 6" refractor. We had planned to attend both Friday and Saturday nights' star observing at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with private observing at our campsite. However, the monsoon was kicking into high gear and Friday night was spotty at best. At about 11:00 the clouds parted in the north and east, but after about an hour, the cloud cover returned. Unfortunately, what did appear, only leant to the whetting of our observing appetites, and when the cloud cover returned, I for one, was severely disappointed. We all were disappointed. We hoped for the best for Saturday night, but it was even worse. There was not even a sucker hole on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of a partial constellation. Needless to say, we did not even attempt to go up to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to observe with the big scopes. All day Saturday, it was cloudy and the cover never really broke, so I am thinking on Saturday night, they did not even bother to get set up. On Saturday, while waiting for the Lehman Caves tour, I happened to see Ranger Kelly and we briefly chatted. He mentioned that Thursday night observing was spectacular. Hearing this was even more disappointing, since I was considering arriving Thursday afternoon. And even if I had done so, my friends who had shown up, would still have missed Thursday nights observing. Oh well... a day late, but at least, not a dollar short. Hey... I'm trying to inject some humor into this post. Anyhow, due to the monsoon, and not wanting to conflict with other national park star festivals, Kelly mentioned that perhaps next year he was thinking of moving the G. Basin Astronomy Festival to June. I suggested September, but he said he wanted to make it available to more folks who were on summer vacation. From my perspective, due to the cloud cover, June seems to be one of the worst months for observing. But this is my experience only from the Salt Lake area. Perhaps at G. Basin, the June observing would be great. Although my friends and I were disappointed, I am sure the folks from SLAS who had made great efforts to bring their scopes and set up for the public were even more disappointed. It truly is a labor of love, and even though I did not get a chance to observe at G. Basin, I just wanted to say thanks to the SLAS members for taking the time and dedication to make such an awesome effort for the public. Last year I had met Steve and Dale out there, and it was a lot of fun. So, thanks guys. Also, a huge thanks to Kelly and Great Basin Nat'l Park for making the accommodations available to have this astronomy festival. It is public funds working for the benefit of all of us. Last of all, I just wanted to say that even though the observing Friday and Saturday nights was a wash, Great Basin is a spectacular place to visit. I am somewhat enamored with the place, as I am with all desert environments. But, it is so much more than just a desert environment. There are many things to do, and one could spend a week there and still only see and experience a fraction of what the Park has to offer. My friends who joined me on this camp trip were also thrilled and blown away by their experience. Visiting Bristlecone Pines that are 3500 years old, and in the same day, visiting Lehman Caves and seeing subterranean structures that took 1.5 million years to form, was exciting and fun. And of course, just the camping experience is worth it all. I am hoping next year will be better for viewing, because I will be back.
Thanks to SLAS, Kelly, and Great Basin Nat'l Park, Jon
_______________________________________________ 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php _______________________________________________ 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
Thanks for the fine reports, guys! ________________________________ From: Steve Fisher <iotacass1@hotmail.com> To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 11:08 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival Jon: Thanks for your complete report. Rodger Fry, Mark Shelton, Mat Hutchings along with his daughter and myself were all at GBNP. I returned home Early Sunday morning and have been going to sit down and write up a short report. I have since mowed and trimmed the lawn and prepared for one of those ugly medical procedures that will occur in one hour from now.Thursday was a wonderful day. I am sorry you missed it. We had an excellent afternoon of observing with the clubs PST and with a SolarMax 60 until 4:30. It was spent shooting around clouds most of the afternoon.Thursday evening the skies cleared and we had a simply excellent night of observing with the public. We all estimated right around 100 guests for the evening. The skies were very clear and VERY dark but they were also very unsteady. Splitting my favorite Iotacass was near impossible. But since I wasn't there for my entertainment we showed the folks who were there what they came to see and they were very appreciative.Great Speakers, including Rodger, and Tyler Nordgren. Tom Sevcik was once again at the park participating as a volunteer.I'll try to provide a more complete report once I have recovered from the anesthesia but in the mean time I want to echo your feelings about not only the park but the Rangers, the astronomy festival volunteers, Mike and Ann, the staff and everyone involved with GBNP
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 10:24:43 -0600 From: stormcrow60@xmission.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin Astronomy Festival
Hi Folks, I have not seen any reports on Great Basin Astronoomy Festival. Perhaps, because basically it was a wash. So, I figured I would jump into the void regarding my experience there. I arrived Friday morning and grabbed an awesome camp spot at Baker Creek Campground. I got there early because last years astronomy festival was on Labor Day weekend, and it was really crowded. This year I arrived early enough to have the pick of the best campsites. Anyhow, Some friends arrived later in the afternoon. I espoused the great and dark skies ar Great Basin and a buddy of mine brought his family, along with his 6" refractor. We had planned to attend both Friday and Saturday nights' star observing at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with private observing at our campsite. However, the monsoon was kicking into high gear and Friday night was spotty at best. At about 11:00 the clouds parted in the north and east, but after about an hour, the cloud cover returned. Unfortunately, what did appear, only leant to the whetting of our observing appetites, and when the cloud cover returned, I for one, was severely disappointed. We all were disappointed. We hoped for the best for Saturday night, but it was even worse. There was not even a sucker hole on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of a partial constellation. Needless to say, we did not even attempt to go up to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to observe with the big scopes. All day Saturday, it was cloudy and the cover never really broke, so I am thinking on Saturday night, they did not even bother to get set up. On Saturday, while waiting for the Lehman Caves tour, I happened to see Ranger Kelly and we briefly chatted. He mentioned that Thursday night observing was spectacular. Hearing this was even more disappointing, since I was considering arriving Thursday afternoon. And even if I had done so, my friends who had shown up, would still have missed Thursday nights observing. Oh well... a day late, but at least, not a dollar short. Hey... I'm trying to inject some humor into this post. Anyhow, due to the monsoon, and not wanting to conflict with other national park star festivals, Kelly mentioned that perhaps next year he was thinking of moving the G. Basin Astronomy Festival to June. I suggested September, but he said he wanted to make it available to more folks who were on summer vacation. From my perspective, due to the cloud cover, June seems to be one of the worst months for observing. But this is my experience only from the Salt Lake area. Perhaps at G. Basin, the June observing would be great. Although my friends and I were disappointed, I am sure the folks from SLAS who had made great efforts to bring their scopes and set up for the public were even more disappointed. It truly is a labor of love, and even though I did not get a chance to observe at G. Basin, I just wanted to say thanks to the SLAS members for taking the time and dedication to make such an awesome effort for the public. Last year I had met Steve and Dale out there, and it was a lot of fun. So, thanks guys. Also, a huge thanks to Kelly and Great Basin Nat'l Park for making the accommodations available to have this astronomy festival. It is public funds working for the benefit of all of us. Last of all, I just wanted to say that even though the observing Friday and Saturday nights was a wash, Great Basin is a spectacular place to visit. I am somewhat enamored with the place, as I am with all desert environments. But, it is so much more than just a desert environment. There are many things to do, and one could spend a week there and still only see and experience a fraction of what the Park has to offer. My friends who joined me on this camp trip were also thrilled and blown away by their experience. Visiting Bristlecone Pines that are 3500 years old, and in the same day, visiting Lehman Caves and seeing subterranean structures that took 1.5 million years to form, was exciting and fun. And of course, just the camping experience is worth it all. I am hoping next year will be better for viewing, because I will be back.
Thanks to SLAS, Kelly, and Great Basin Nat'l Park, Jon
_______________________________________________ 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
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The worst day of camping is still better than your best day at work.
Hi Folks,
I have not seen any reports on Great Basin Astronoomy Festival. Perhaps, because basically it was a wash. So, I figured I would jump into the void regarding my experience there. I arrived Friday morning and grabbed an awesome camp spot at Baker Creek Campground. I got there early because last years astronomy festival was on Labor Day weekend, and it was really crowded. This year I arrived early enough to have the pick of the best campsites. Anyhow, Some friends arrived later in the afternoon. I espoused the great and dark skies ar Great Basin and a buddy of mine brought his family, along with his 6" refractor. We had planned to attend both Friday and Saturday nights' star observing at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with private observing at our campsite. However, the monsoon was kicking into high gear and Friday night was spotty at best. At about 11:00 the clouds parted in the north and east, but after about an hour, the cloud cover returned. Unfortunately, what did appear, only leant to the whetting of our observing appetites, and when the cloud cover returned, I for one, was severely disappointed. We all were disappointed. We hoped for the best for Saturday night, but it was even worse. There was not even a sucker hole on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of a partial constellation. Needless to say, we did not even attempt to go up to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to observe with the big scopes. All day Saturday, it was cloudy and the cover never really broke, so I am thinking on Saturday night, they did not even bother to get set up. On Saturday, while waiting for the Lehman Caves tour, I happened to see Ranger Kelly and we briefly chatted. He mentioned that Thursday night observing was spectacular. Hearing this was even more disappointing, since I was considering arriving Thursday afternoon. And even if I had done so, my friends who had shown up, would still have missed Thursday nights observing. Oh well... a day late, but at least, not a dollar short. Hey... I'm trying to inject some humor into this post. Anyhow, due to the monsoon, and not wanting to conflict with other national park star festivals, Kelly mentioned that perhaps next year he was thinking of moving the G. Basin Astronomy Festival to June. I suggested September, but he said he wanted to make it available to more folks who were on summer vacation. From my perspective, due to the cloud cover, June seems to be one of the worst months for observing. But this is my experience only from the Salt Lake area. Perhaps at G. Basin, the June observing would be great. Although my friends and I were disappointed, I am sure the folks from SLAS who had made great efforts to bring their scopes and set up for the public were even more disappointed. It truly is a labor of love, and even though I did not get a chance to observe at G. Basin, I just wanted to say thanks to the SLAS members for taking the time and dedication to make such an awesome effort for the public. Last year I had met Steve and Dale out there, and it was a lot of fun. So, thanks guys. Also, a huge thanks to Kelly and Great Basin Nat'l Park for making the accommodations available to have this astronomy festival. It is public funds working for the benefit of all of us. Last of all, I just wanted to say that even though the observing Friday and Saturday nights was a wash, Great Basin is a spectacular place to visit. I am somewhat enamored with the place, as I am with all desert environments. But, it is so much more than just a desert environment. There are many things to do, and one could spend a week there and still only see and experience a fraction of what the Park has to offer. My friends who joined me on this camp trip were also thrilled and blown away by their experience. Visiting Bristlecone Pines that are 3500 years old, and in the same day, visiting Lehman Caves and seeing subterranean structures that took 1.5 million years to form, was exciting and fun. And of course, just the camping experience is worth it all. I am hoping next year will be better for viewing, because I will be back.
Thanks to SLAS, Kelly, and Great Basin Nat'l Park, Jon
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participants (6)
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Dale Wilson -
erikhansen＠thebluezone.net -
Joe Bauman -
Mark Shelton -
Steve Fisher -
stormcrow60＠xmission.com