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
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
Also violent winter snowstorms. Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Use extreme caution if exploring the slot canyons and don't camp in a wash. Tell a ranger where you are, if camping solo, when you enter a patrolled area. I just watched Len Randolph (local weatherman) say that wetter-than-usual conditions were expected when the new water year starts on Oct. 1. Of course, long-range government weather forecasts mean nothing. "Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get." BTW, does anyone know if Taylor is getting these replies to the list mailman, or should his address be added to the CC line? On 8/8/07, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
October can still be warm. Weather is often clear - it's a perfect season for observing in the deserts of Utah.
Yes, although I have camped at the Wedge in Janurary. The first night it snowed, the rest of the week it was sunny with day time highs in the mid 60's. Nighttime above freezing for most of night.
I don't know if Taylor can hear our comments, he did ask for them. Erik Also violent winter snowstorms. Hope for the best, but be prepared for
the worst. Use extreme caution if exploring the slot canyons and don't camp in a wash. Tell a ranger where you are, if camping solo, when you enter a patrolled area.
I just watched Len Randolph (local weatherman) say that wetter-than-usual conditions were expected when the new water year starts on Oct. 1. Of course, long-range government weather forecasts mean nothing.
"Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get."
BTW, does anyone know if Taylor is getting these replies to the list mailman, or should his address be added to the CC line?
On 8/8/07, Kim <kimharch@cut.net> wrote:
October can still be warm. Weather is often clear - it's a perfect season for observing in the deserts of Utah.
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He's joined the list (I checked) --- Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
BTW, does anyone know if Taylor is getting these replies to the list mailman, or should his address be added to the CC line?
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You're a good man, Rich Tenney. On 8/8/07, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
He's joined the list (I checked)
--- Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
BTW, does anyone know if Taylor is getting these replies to the list mailman, or should his address be added to the CC line?
Anbody going to the Wedge Fri.? I'm thinking about it if my generator, computer screen and noisy slewing won't bother anyone. Thanks, Joe
I am going to Wolf Creek and you would be welcome. Regards, Don Colton -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces+djcolton=piol.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces+djcolton=piol.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 11:16 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] observing sites in Utah Anbody going to the Wedge Fri.? I'm thinking about it if my generator, computer screen and noisy slewing won't bother anyone. Thanks, Joe _______________________________________________ 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
Thanks, Don. But I think I'll head to the Wedge or the West Desert because it's a little darker and mountains make me itch. Best wishes, Joe "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> wrote: I am going to Wolf Creek and you would be welcome. Regards, Don Colton -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces+djcolton=piol.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces+djcolton=piol.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 11:16 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] observing sites in Utah Anbody going to the Wedge Fri.? I'm thinking about it if my generator, computer screen and noisy slewing won't bother anyone. Thanks, Joe _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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 --------------------------------- Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.
Joe, You should try Cedar Mountain Campground sometime, it is higher, more out of possible dust. The club goes to the Wedge because it is better for a large group. I think the view is better at the Wedge though.
Erik Anbody going to the Wedge Fri.? I'm thinking about it if my generator,
computer screen and noisy slewing won't bother anyone. Thanks, Joe
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I've camped there, the goblins come out during full moon. Full moon walks during Halloween are very interesting. The best thing about the campgrount is it has a shower. I think the best site in SE Utah is CanyonLands, Island District.
Erik 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
You might also consider Natural Bridges National Monument. They have a campground and are supportive of amateur astronomers. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces+djcolton=piol.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces+djcolton=piol.com@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
Just back from last night's star party at Bryce Canyon. With that experience fresh on my mind I can't help but add to this thread that Bryce is an incredible place to observe from. While it's true that skies over other continental US sites have been shown to be darker than Bryce, the difference is very small. Plus Bryce rangers and staff do star parties several times a month and always welcome help from other amateurs (amateurs who can be granted free access to the park in return for their help). As long as I talking about Bryce, I've got to mention the Perseid meteors we saw last night. The outdoor part of my program ran from 10:00 to midnight and during that time we saw several early Perseids, most of which were quite bright and one which streaked through the sky and exploded at the zenith with a pulse of light that lit up the country side. That last one's train lasted for several minutes. Alas no sonic boom was heard so it must have broken up on the edge of the atmosphere. And a big thanks to Fox News. I was about half way to Bryce yesterday when the shuttle was about to launch so I surfed all of the news stations on Sirius Satellite Radio. Most ignored the launch. A couple had network "talking heads" talking over the NASA TV audio. But Fox News broadcast nothing but NASA TV's audio from about 5 minutes before launch until main engine cut off without a single reporter breaking in to tell us what NASA was saying. Kudos to Fox News. Ok, it's 6:00 and there's another star party tonight (Utah Diabetes Camp in Tooele http://slas.us/displayevent.asp?EventID=1074 ) which, hopefully many of you will be helping out with, so I guess I ought to turn in. Nigh, night! Patrick
Hi Patrick, I saw one of those "short stuby' perseids from my backyard Tuesday night while waiting for a ISS pass. On that subject are thier going to be some ISS/Shuttle sightings this mission?
Erik Just back from last night's star party at Bryce Canyon. With that
experience fresh on my mind I can't help but add to this thread that Bryce is an incredible place to observe from. While it's true that skies over other continental US sites have been shown to be darker than Bryce, the difference is very small.
Plus Bryce rangers and staff do star parties several times a month and always welcome help from other amateurs (amateurs who can be granted free access to the park in return for their help).
As long as I talking about Bryce, I've got to mention the Perseid meteors we saw last night. The outdoor part of my program ran from 10:00 to midnight and during that time we saw several early Perseids, most of which were quite bright and one which streaked through the sky and exploded at the zenith with a pulse of light that lit up the country side. That last one's train lasted for several minutes. Alas no sonic boom was heard so it must have broken up on the edge of the atmosphere.
And a big thanks to Fox News. I was about half way to Bryce yesterday when the shuttle was about to launch so I surfed all of the news stations on Sirius Satellite Radio. Most ignored the launch. A couple had network "talking heads" talking over the NASA TV audio.
But Fox News broadcast nothing but NASA TV's audio from about 5 minutes before launch until main engine cut off without a single reporter breaking in to tell us what NASA was saying. Kudos to Fox News.
Ok, it's 6:00 and there's another star party tonight (Utah Diabetes Camp in Tooele http://slas.us/displayevent.asp?EventID=1074 ) which, hopefully many of you will be helping out with, so I guess I ought to turn in.
Nigh, night!
Patrick
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Several very poor opportunities tonight and the next several days (by poor I mean 10 degrees or less above the horizon). The first one I'm even going to try to see is a so-so pass next Tuesday evening with one slightly better the following evening. As it stands now the only really good pass will be during the SLAS star party on the 18th (65 degrees). Patrick On 09 Aug 2007, at 09:07, erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net wrote:
Hi Patrick, I saw one of those "short stuby' perseids from my backyard Tuesday night while waiting for a ISS pass. On that subject are thier going to be some ISS/Shuttle sightings this mission?
Erik
Oh well, better luck next time! :( Erik
Several very poor opportunities tonight and the next several days (by
poor I mean 10 degrees or less above the horizon). The first one I'm even going to try to see is a so-so pass next Tuesday evening with one slightly better the following evening.
As it stands now the only really good pass will be during the SLAS star party on the 18th (65 degrees).
Patrick
On 09 Aug 2007, at 09:07, erikhansen@TheBlueZone.net wrote:
Hi Patrick, I saw one of those "short stuby' perseids from my backyard Tuesday night while waiting for a ISS pass. On that subject are thier going to be some ISS/Shuttle sightings this mission?
Erik
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participants (9)
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Chuck Hards -
Don J. Colton -
erikhansen＠TheBlueZone.net -
Joe Bauman -
Joe Bauman -
Kim -
Patrick Wiggins -
Richard Tenney -
Taylor