Great Basin National Park
Hello: On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National Park for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved. At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent. Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you. Lowell Lyon
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas? Erik. Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks) Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000 ----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Spencer, I think that Wolf Creek is not too bad for this. You have excellent view in the east, south and southwest. The west does have some light polution but the seeing can be very good for much of the sky at times. Also, it is only about 75 minutes from Salt Lake. Rodger Fry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Spencer Ball" <spencer@spencerball.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:21 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks)
Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Thank you, Rodger. Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rodger C. Fry" <rcfry@comcast.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:35 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
Spencer,
I think that Wolf Creek is not too bad for this. You have excellent view in the east, south and southwest. The west does have some light polution but the seeing can be very good for much of the sky at times.
Also, it is only about 75 minutes from Salt Lake.
Rodger Fry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Spencer Ball" <spencer@spencerball.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:21 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks)
Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Wolf Creek is often good. I had one of the best viewing experiences there using an 8" Ultima on both Saturn and Jupiter at 500x. We also clearly saw the volcanoes on Mars through both a 9.25" SCT and a 16" Reflector during a favorable opposition at Wolf Creek. The Wedge Overlook is often very good. Surprisingly, SPOC often has excellent seeing and it is much closer. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Spencer Ball Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:21 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks) Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000 ----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
SPOC is where I enjoyed the best views of Saturn and Jupiter I have seen, in a thick fog. All that could be seen were Jupiter and Saturn but the air was totally calm.
Wolf Creek is often good. I had one of the best viewing experiences there
using an 8" Ultima on both Saturn and Jupiter at 500x. We also clearly saw the volcanoes on Mars through both a 9.25" SCT and a 16" Reflector during a favorable opposition at Wolf Creek. The Wedge Overlook is often very good.
Surprisingly, SPOC often has excellent seeing and it is much closer.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Spencer Ball Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:21 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks)
Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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The best seeing I ever had was also on a foggy night when all you could see was Saturn. Craig -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:28 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
SPOC is where I enjoyed the best views of Saturn and Jupiter I have seen, in a thick fog. All that could be seen were Jupiter and Saturn but the air was totally calm.
Wolf Creek is often good. I had one of the best viewing experiences there
using an 8" Ultima on both Saturn and Jupiter at 500x. We also clearly saw the volcanoes on Mars through both a 9.25" SCT and a 16" Reflector during a favorable opposition at Wolf Creek. The Wedge Overlook is often very good.
Surprisingly, SPOC often has excellent seeing and it is much closer.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Spencer Ball Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:21 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks)
Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to Great Basin National
Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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The best view of Jupiter I've ever had was at Wolf Creek but it also has some of the worst seeing as well. Typically you can get great seeing or great transparency at WC but not both. When I view up there I often adjust my targets based on the night's particular conditions and like many sites conditions can change through-out the night. I guess we can say the same for most sites including SPOC. Bob Taylor ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:01:21 AM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park Wolf Creek is often good. I had one of the best viewing experiences there using an 8" Ultima on both Saturn and Jupiter at 500x. We also clearly saw the volcanoes on Mars through both a 9.25" SCT and a 16" Reflector during a favorable opposition at Wolf Creek. The Wedge Overlook is often very good. Surprisingly, SPOC often has excellent seeing and it is much closer. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Spencer Ball Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:21 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks) Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
Spencer: Darkness can be obtained by driving to it, transparency requires waiting and studing weather maps, but good seeing comes and goes without any effort on your part. I've had horrible seeing in the low western desert and the top of Wolf Creek. I've had spectactular seeing briefly at SPOC but even on that night it was only there for less than 10% of the time. The very best seeing I have ever had was in a Harmons parking lot in September it was consistent and lasted for hours and I was looking across an asphalt parking lot due south down the entire Salt Lake valley. Go figure. DT --- On Tue, 8/11/09, Spencer Ball <spencer@spencerball.com> wrote:
From: Spencer Ball <spencer@spencerball.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 9:21 AM Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks)
Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to
Great Basin National Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Transparency does require some luck and enduring bad nights. Good transparency through parking lot lights seems a waste of time and rather useless, I suspect other locals at that point in time also enjoyed good transparency. I have enjoyed very good transparency at many dark sky locations in Utah, Wolf Creek, Monte Cristo, The Wedge, and Island in the Sky included.
You pay your money and you take your chances. Spencer:
Darkness can be obtained by driving to it, transparency requires waiting and studing weather maps, but good seeing comes and goes without any effort on your part. I've had horrible seeing in the low western desert and the top of Wolf Creek. I've had spectactular seeing briefly at SPOC but even on that night it was only there for less than 10% of the time. The very best seeing I have ever had was in a Harmons parking lot in September it was consistent and lasted for hours and I was looking across an asphalt parking lot due south down the entire Salt Lake valley. Go figure.
DT
--- On Tue, 8/11/09, Spencer Ball <spencer@spencerball.com> wrote:
From: Spencer Ball <spencer@spencerball.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 9:21 AM Does anyone know of the best place for the best high power planet observing in Northern Utah? ...even including places subject to city lights? and maybe close by? (I know that Big Cottonwood Canyon sucks)
Spencer Ball 3690 E. Ft Union Blvd # 101 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 (801) 453-2000
----- Original Message ----- From: <erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Great Basin National Park
As I recall, the horizons are VERY limited in the upper campground, with Wheeler Peak dominating the southern horizon, and the lower areas even worse for horizons. The sky was dark and transparent though.
It is great that Las Vegas and some groups in California are supporting that, SLAS seems to have a full plate and we should not and cannot be everything to everybody. As far as NP for star gazing I rank Great Basin at the bottom, for numerous reasons. It is worthwhile to visit with good camping, especially if you want a good hike, but there are better places and closer places for star gazing. The Baker area may be good for group star gazing but isn't it a good drive from the camping areas?
Erik.
Hello:
On Saturday June 27th my wife and I went down to
Great Basin National Park
for an event put on by the park. There is a new Visitor's Center just north of Baker Nevada with a large parking area. I'd guess there were almost as many scopes as I've seen at Bryce Canyon supported by representatives from the Clark Planetarium, the Las Vegas Club and groups from California. Tom Sevcik, who many remember was Vice-President when I was club president, is an integral part of the star parties put on at Great Basin. Tom might be a good contact person for what's happening and when. The interpretive ranger at Great Basin is Roberta Moore. Her number is 1-775-234-7274. If you want to support a public event, Tom and Roberta might want to be involved.
At the Wheeler Peak campground with an elevation of just under 10,000 feet elevation, there is an open field that could be a good place to set up some scopes for private observing. The horizons aren't the best as the mountain itself and the trees do limit viewing near the horizons somewhat. I'll bet the seeing at this elevation plus the remote location of the site would best the Wolf Creek location a lot of us frequent.
Just a few thoughts from my experience. Thank you.
Lowell Lyon _______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
_______________________________________________ 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 Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
participants (8)
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Craig Smith -
daniel turner -
Don J. Colton -
erikhansen＠TheBlueZone.net -
Lowell Lyon -
robtaylor3661＠comcast.net -
Rodger C. Fry -
Spencer Ball