Planning an observing trip to Utah
Hello all: I live in Alabama and recently joined the group because I am planning a trip to Utah in late May in hopes that I can get out under some really dark skies. I was in the Escalante area in 2005 (before I was into observing) and based on the light pollution data, this seems like a great spot. I wanted ask the group if this is a wise choice because I don't know the area climate very well; I am basing my decision mostly on light pollution data and the fact that I am at least vaguely familiar with the area. Is the weather good for observing this time of year? I also noticed that there is a star party at Bryce Canyon during the time that I will be there. Is anyone going to attend? Another decision I am wrestling with is wether or not I should ship my scope out there ahead of me or look into the possibility of renting one. I will be flying because I do not have the time to make the drive. A preliminary search for rentals did not turn up much. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any responses. Quentin Jones Birmingham, AL qrjones@gmail.com link to my local astronomy club: http://www.bas-astro.com
Hi Quentin, Welcome to Utah-Astronomy. You are not our most distant member (I think Rob on Maui claims that distinction) but I'm guessing you are the 2nd most distant. :) On 16 Mar 2008, at 12:57, Quentin R. Jones wrote:
Hello all:
I live in Alabama and recently joined the group because I am planning a trip to Utah in late May in hopes that I can get out under some really dark skies. I was in the Escalante area in 2005 (before I was into observing) and based on the light pollution data, this seems like a great spot. I wanted ask the group if this is a wise choice because I don't know the area climate very well; I am basing my decision mostly on light pollution data and the fact that I am at least vaguely familiar with the area.
I can't speak to the city of Escalante but it is close to Bryce Canyon and since I do talks there several times a year, I can say Bryce is great. Just too bad you wont be there for the Bryce astronomy festival in late June. However, the festival has become an annual thing so if you plan a return trip to our "Land of Zion" you might want to plan to be here during the time of the festival. Info on all astronomy programs at Bryce (and there are many) can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/astronomyprograms.htm You might also want to contact park ranger Kevin Poe (kevin_poe@nps.gov) for pointers from a "local" about observing in the Bryce area. If you'll be flying into and/or out of Salt Lake the astronomy club here has a number of events set for May that you'd be very welcome to attend. See the schedule here: http://slas.us/calendar.asp?list=Yes&Year=2008
Is the weather good for observing this time of year?
It is prior to the monsoon season but Kevin would probably have a better feel for weather. Another UA list member Jerry Foote (Jerry, you listening?) lives about an hour's drive south of Bryce. Maybe he will chime in about May weather in southern Utah.
I also noticed that there is a star party at Bryce Canyon during the time that I will be there. Is anyone going to attend?
At least two of us will be there from the Salt Lake City area, me and Ken Harris. I do an indoor lecture followed by an outdoor star ID and talk while Ken helps Kevin and others with copes at the star party.
Another decision I am wrestling with is wether or not I should ship my scope out there ahead of me or look into the possibility of renting one.
I don't know of any telescope rentals. But, heck, who knows, maybe if you offer to let the public look through your scope a time or two at Bryce, Kevin might arrange to let you ship your scope right there to Bryce ahead of time. Carpe Noctem! patrick
Quentin, maybe I can offer a few thoughts, as well. May weather is generally good in Utah, but the last time I was in the Escalante area for a Memorial Day weekend we were backpacking in a blizzard. Weather can still be iffy. Storms don’t usually last long, though. The town of Escalante is rather small, so sites only a few miles away should be quite dark. There are great 4-wheel drive trails in the area if you are renting a Jeep or SUV. Otherwise, there are also many spots easy to get to in a passenger car. One of the best might be Kodachrome Basin not too far from Bryce Canyon. It is lower in altitude and might be a bit warmer than up on the plateau where Bryce Canyon is located (roughly 8,000 – 9,000 feet elevation at Bryce). I have a scope (10-inch Newtonian) I may be willing to loan. Keep in touch. Kim Hyatt -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Wiggins Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 3:18 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Planning an observing trip to Utah Hi Quentin, Welcome to Utah-Astronomy. You are not our most distant member (I think Rob on Maui claims that distinction) but I'm guessing you are the 2nd most distant. :) On 16 Mar 2008, at 12:57, Quentin R. Jones wrote:
Hello all:
I live in Alabama and recently joined the group because I am planning a trip to Utah in late May in hopes that I can get out under some really dark skies. I was in the Escalante area in 2005 (before I was into observing) and based on the light pollution data, this seems like a great spot. I wanted ask the group if this is a wise choice because I don't know the area climate very well; I am basing my decision mostly on light pollution data and the fact that I am at least vaguely familiar with the area.
I can't speak to the city of Escalante but it is close to Bryce Canyon and since I do talks there several times a year, I can say Bryce is great. Just too bad you wont be there for the Bryce astronomy festival in late June. However, the festival has become an annual thing so if you plan a return trip to our "Land of Zion" you might want to plan to be here during the time of the festival. Info on all astronomy programs at Bryce (and there are many) can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/astronomyprograms.htm You might also want to contact park ranger Kevin Poe (kevin_poe@nps.gov) for pointers from a "local" about observing in the Bryce area. If you'll be flying into and/or out of Salt Lake the astronomy club here has a number of events set for May that you'd be very welcome to attend. See the schedule here: http://slas.us/calendar.asp?list=Yes&Year=2008
Is the weather good for observing this time of year?
It is prior to the monsoon season but Kevin would probably have a better feel for weather. Another UA list member Jerry Foote (Jerry, you listening?) lives about an hour's drive south of Bryce. Maybe he will chime in about May weather in southern Utah.
I also noticed that there is a star party at Bryce Canyon during the time that I will be there. Is anyone going to attend?
At least two of us will be there from the Salt Lake City area, me and Ken Harris. I do an indoor lecture followed by an outdoor star ID and talk while Ken helps Kevin and others with copes at the star party.
Another decision I am wrestling with is wether or not I should ship my scope out there ahead of me or look into the possibility of renting one.
I don't know of any telescope rentals. But, heck, who knows, maybe if you offer to let the public look through your scope a time or two at Bryce, Kevin might arrange to let you ship your scope right there to Bryce ahead of time. Carpe Noctem! patrick _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://gallery.utahastronomy.com Visit the Wiki: 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. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1331 - Release Date: 3/16/2008 10:34 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1331 - Release Date: 3/16/2008 10:34 AM
participants (3)
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Kim -
Patrick Wiggins -
Quentin R. Jones