Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you, -- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503 It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com
Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503
It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503
It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
_______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
I met this morning in A.F. Canyon with Bonny Armstrong, the park ranger overseeing this effort. We looked at a few sites she has in mind -- all of them would work, though I think the Tibble Fork location is perhaps the best of them (closer to the mouth of the canyon); Cascade springs would be even better, but it's further from Utah County, but could draw more folks from Heber/Park City area. The idea is to have the rangers do a half-hour presentation, and then volunteers with scopes (that's us) give the visitors a tour of what's up in the sky. I will be out of the country July 17th (that's a Friday night), so I need volunteers for that evening. Hopefully John Craig can still come, and Bonny mentioned Richard Keele had also previously contacted her, but hasn't responded lately. PLEASE, if anyone else is available that evening, this is a wonderful opportunity to launch a year-round effort by the rangers at Timp Cave in AF Canyon to promote dark-sky awareness to the local community. If you can make it up that night, please contact Bonny (her number is listed below in this thread) as well as replying to this list thread. Thanks everyone.../Rich Tenney PS, I will be here helping with the star party in September (11th). From: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503
It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
_______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
Yes, I contacted Bonny last month to let her know I could make it. I will have an 8 inch scope that tracks. Also I am trying to get a few people in my local area, we have a small astronomy group and have had one small star party. I will post on our facebook page to see who can come. https://www.facebook.com/groups/EagleMountainAstronomyGroup/ On Thursday, June 18, 2015 1:54 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote: I met this morning in A.F. Canyon with Bonny Armstrong, the park ranger overseeing this effort. We looked at a few sites she has in mind -- all of them would work, though I think the Tibble Fork location is perhaps the best of them (closer to the mouth of the canyon); Cascade springs would be even better, but it's further from Utah County, but could draw more folks from Heber/Park City area. The idea is to have the rangers do a half-hour presentation, and then volunteers with scopes (that's us) give the visitors a tour of what's up in the sky. I will be out of the country July 17th (that's a Friday night), so I need volunteers for that evening. Hopefully John Craig can still come, and Bonny mentioned Richard Keele had also previously contacted her, but hasn't responded lately. PLEASE, if anyone else is available that evening, this is a wonderful opportunity to launch a year-round effort by the rangers at Timp Cave in AF Canyon to promote dark-sky awareness to the local community. If you can make it up that night, please contact Bonny (her number is listed below in this thread) as well as replying to this list thread. Thanks everyone.../Rich Tenney PS, I will be here helping with the star party in September (11th). From: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503
It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
_______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
I would seriously consider pine hollow trailhead. It is about the same distance as Tibble Fork. I have observed there several times now. Reasonably dark skies and mostly sheltered from headlights of passing traffic. Last night I went to Tibble Fork to see if I liked it better but even at close to midnight there were tons of people there and too many that would sit with headlights going. After about 20 min I packed it up and went back to Pine Hollow where it was much much quieter. As I was setting up I heard the one other group in the parking lot there mentioning telescopes and at first I thought they were seeing me set up and were talking about me. Then I noticed a green laser pointing at the sky and went over to talk with them. They were having their own star party there with a nice Orion 14" dobsonian. They were kind enough to share views and I was totally out classed with my little 5" EQ mount reflector. They were heading out as I was getting started. I spent another few hours observing the ring nebula (which looked much less impressive after seeing it in the 14") and a handful of other nebulas and galaxies in the area. Then I worked on some astrophotography for a bit (just learning). At any rate, while not as nice as some isolated desert sites like Vernon or Pit and Pole, it's the best site I know within 30 mins of my home. I do not have a big scope but I would be happy to help with any star parties on the dates you listed. I live just 10 min outside the canyon. On Thu, Jun 18, 2015 at 1:55 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
I met this morning in A.F. Canyon with Bonny Armstrong, the park ranger overseeing this effort. We looked at a few sites she has in mind -- all of them would work, though I think the Tibble Fork location is perhaps the best of them (closer to the mouth of the canyon); Cascade springs would be even better, but it's further from Utah County, but could draw more folks from Heber/Park City area. The idea is to have the rangers do a half-hour presentation, and then volunteers with scopes (that's us) give the visitors a tour of what's up in the sky. I will be out of the country July 17th (that's a Friday night), so I need volunteers for that evening. Hopefully John Craig can still come, and Bonny mentioned Richard Keele had also previously contacted her, but hasn't responded lately. PLEASE, if anyone else is available that evening, this is a wonderful opportunity to launch a year-round effort by the rangers at Timp Cave in AF Canyon to promote dark-sky awareness to the local community. If you can make it up that night, please contact Bonny (her number is listed below in this thread) as well as replying to this list thread. Thanks everyone.../Rich Tenney PS, I will be here helping with the star party in September (11th). From: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503 It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
_______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
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Hadn't thought about Pine Hollow, sounds like a good option. I've also used the equestrian parking lot just above Tibble Fork, but it could have a lot of horse poop this time of year. On Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 10:01 AM, Joel Stucki <joel.stucki@gmail.com> wrote:
I would seriously consider pine hollow trailhead. It is about the same distance as Tibble Fork. I have observed there several times now. Reasonably dark skies and mostly sheltered from headlights of passing traffic. Last night I went to Tibble Fork to see if I liked it better but even at close to midnight there were tons of people there and too many that would sit with headlights going. After about 20 min I packed it up and went back to Pine Hollow where it was much much quieter. As I was setting up I heard the one other group in the parking lot there mentioning telescopes and at first I thought they were seeing me set up and were talking about me. Then I noticed a green laser pointing at the sky and went over to talk with them. They were having their own star party there with a nice Orion 14" dobsonian. They were kind enough to share views and I was totally out classed with my little 5" EQ mount reflector. They were heading out as I was getting started.
I spent another few hours observing the ring nebula (which looked much less impressive after seeing it in the 14") and a handful of other nebulas and galaxies in the area. Then I worked on some astrophotography for a bit (just learning). At any rate, while not as nice as some isolated desert sites like Vernon or Pit and Pole, it's the best site I know within 30 mins of my home.
I do not have a big scope but I would be happy to help with any star parties on the dates you listed. I live just 10 min outside the canyon.
On Thu, Jun 18, 2015 at 1:55 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
I met this morning in A.F. Canyon with Bonny Armstrong, the park ranger overseeing this effort. We looked at a few sites she has in mind -- all of them would work, though I think the Tibble Fork location is perhaps the best of them (closer to the mouth of the canyon); Cascade springs would be even better, but it's further from Utah County, but could draw more folks from Heber/Park City area. The idea is to have the rangers do a half-hour presentation, and then volunteers with scopes (that's us) give the visitors a tour of what's up in the sky. I will be out of the country July 17th (that's a Friday night), so I need volunteers for that evening. Hopefully John Craig can still come, and Bonny mentioned Richard Keele had also previously contacted her, but hasn't responded lately. PLEASE, if anyone else is available that evening, this is a wonderful opportunity to launch a year-round effort by the rangers at Timp Cave in AF Canyon to promote dark-sky awareness to the local community. If you can make it up that night, please contact Bonny (her number is listed below in this thread) as well as replying to this list thread. Thanks everyone.../Rich Tenney PS, I will be here helping with the star party in September (11th). From: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503 It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com
I'm sure Bonny would glady take your recommendation to go to Pine Hollow. I was only concerned about the somewhat more limited horizon there, but after hearing your account of all the headlights, that does sound better. If either or both of you could make it up that night (the 17th of July), please let Bonny know. Her contact information should be up-thread. Thanks you two! /Rich From: Craig Smith <cs2560@gmail.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2015 11:35 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers Hadn't thought about Pine Hollow, sounds like a good option. I've also used the equestrian parking lot just above Tibble Fork, but it could have a lot of horse poop this time of year. On Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 10:01 AM, Joel Stucki <joel.stucki@gmail.com> wrote:
I would seriously consider pine hollow trailhead. It is about the same distance as Tibble Fork. I have observed there several times now. Reasonably dark skies and mostly sheltered from headlights of passing traffic. Last night I went to Tibble Fork to see if I liked it better but even at close to midnight there were tons of people there and too many that would sit with headlights going. After about 20 min I packed it up and went back to Pine Hollow where it was much much quieter. As I was setting up I heard the one other group in the parking lot there mentioning telescopes and at first I thought they were seeing me set up and were talking about me. Then I noticed a green laser pointing at the sky and went over to talk with them. They were having their own star party there with a nice Orion 14" dobsonian. They were kind enough to share views and I was totally out classed with my little 5" EQ mount reflector. They were heading out as I was getting started.
I spent another few hours observing the ring nebula (which looked much less impressive after seeing it in the 14") and a handful of other nebulas and galaxies in the area. Then I worked on some astrophotography for a bit (just learning). At any rate, while not as nice as some isolated desert sites like Vernon or Pit and Pole, it's the best site I know within 30 mins of my home.
I do not have a big scope but I would be happy to help with any star parties on the dates you listed. I live just 10 min outside the canyon.
On Thu, Jun 18, 2015 at 1:55 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
I met this morning in A.F. Canyon with Bonny Armstrong, the park ranger overseeing this effort. We looked at a few sites she has in mind -- all of them would work, though I think the Tibble Fork location is perhaps the best of them (closer to the mouth of the canyon); Cascade springs would be even better, but it's further from Utah County, but could draw more folks from Heber/Park City area. The idea is to have the rangers do a half-hour presentation, and then volunteers with scopes (that's us) give the visitors a tour of what's up in the sky. I will be out of the country July 17th (that's a Friday night), so I need volunteers for that evening. Hopefully John Craig can still come, and Bonny mentioned Richard Keele had also previously contacted her, but hasn't responded lately. PLEASE, if anyone else is available that evening, this is a wonderful opportunity to launch a year-round effort by the rangers at Timp Cave in AF Canyon to promote dark-sky awareness to the local community. If you can make it up that night, please contact Bonny (her number is listed below in this thread) as well as replying to this list thread. Thanks everyone.../Rich Tenney PS, I will be here helping with the star party in September (11th). From: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503 It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com
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The sites up top would definitely have a better southern view, but the somewhat long narrow winding road would probably discourage some attendees. Unfortunately I sold my scope and it doesn't look like I'll be getting another soon or I would love to help. On Mon, Jun 22, 2015 at 4:58 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA < uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
I'm sure Bonny would glady take your recommendation to go to Pine Hollow. I was only concerned about the somewhat more limited horizon there, but after hearing your account of all the headlights, that does sound better. If either or both of you could make it up that night (the 17th of July), please let Bonny know. Her contact information should be up-thread. Thanks you two! /Rich From: Craig Smith <cs2560@gmail.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2015 11:35 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
Hadn't thought about Pine Hollow, sounds like a good option. I've also used the equestrian parking lot just above Tibble Fork, but it could have a lot of horse poop this time of year.
On Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 10:01 AM, Joel Stucki <joel.stucki@gmail.com> wrote:
I would seriously consider pine hollow trailhead. It is about the same distance as Tibble Fork. I have observed there several times now. Reasonably dark skies and mostly sheltered from headlights of passing traffic. Last night I went to Tibble Fork to see if I liked it better but even at close to midnight there were tons of people there and too many that would sit with headlights going. After about 20 min I packed it up and went back to Pine Hollow where it was much much quieter. As I was setting up I heard the one other group in the parking lot there mentioning telescopes and at first I thought they were seeing me set up and were talking about me. Then I noticed a green laser pointing at the sky and went over to talk with them. They were having their own star party there with a nice Orion 14" dobsonian. They were kind enough to share views and I was totally out classed with my little 5" EQ mount reflector. They were heading out as I was getting started.
I spent another few hours observing the ring nebula (which looked much less impressive after seeing it in the 14") and a handful of other nebulas and galaxies in the area. Then I worked on some astrophotography for a bit (just learning). At any rate, while not as nice as some isolated desert sites like Vernon or Pit and Pole, it's the best site I know within 30 mins of my home.
I do not have a big scope but I would be happy to help with any star parties on the dates you listed. I live just 10 min outside the canyon.
On Thu, Jun 18, 2015 at 1:55 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
I met this morning in A.F. Canyon with Bonny Armstrong, the park ranger overseeing this effort. We looked at a few sites she has in mind -- all of them would work, though I think the Tibble Fork location is perhaps the best of them (closer to the mouth of the canyon); Cascade springs would be even better, but it's further from Utah County, but could draw more folks from Heber/Park City area. The idea is to have the rangers do a half-hour presentation, and then volunteers with scopes (that's us) give the visitors a tour of what's up in the sky. I will be out of the country July 17th (that's a Friday night), so I need volunteers for that evening. Hopefully John Craig can still come, and Bonny mentioned Richard Keele had also previously contacted her, but hasn't responded lately. PLEASE, if anyone else is available that evening, this is a wonderful opportunity to launch a year-round effort by the rangers at Timp Cave in AF Canyon to promote dark-sky awareness to the local community. If you can make it up that night, please contact Bonny (her number is listed below in this thread) as well as replying to this list thread. Thanks everyone.../Rich Tenney PS, I will be here helping with the star party in September (11th). From: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
No, I imagine not! I'm waiting to hear back from her as to the intended location, and will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks for your willingness to help out!/R From: John M. Craig <jmcraig@xmission.com> To: Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [UVAA] Timp Cave Star Party / Dark Sky Summer Program - looking for volunteers
Quoting Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com>: Hi Rich, I could probably help on 17 18 July. 10 & 11 already booked. One dumb question: I assume this is not at the cave mouth, right? (Just checking--definitely not interested in schlepping stuff up the trail!) I could bring two scopes--if I can get my RC Cass behaving. John
I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you,
-- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503 It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com
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Unfortunately I am already booked for July, but could help in September. David O. Treviño On Tuesday, April 21, 2015 2:48 PM, Richard Tenney via UVAA <uvaa@mailman.xmission.com> wrote: I got this in my inbox today: Hi Rich,Timpanogos Cave National Monument would like to start a Dark Sky program this summer. We are partnering with the US Forest Service to present two programs this summer on the importance of preserving our night skies against light pollution. We are looking for an astronomy club to assist with a program in July and one in September. After a short presentation by a Ranger, we would like to have some telescopes available, with astronomers to introduce our visitors to interesting features of space and the night sky. If your club would be interested and willing to help with our new program, please contact me at this e-mail address or the phone number below. Thank you, -- Bonny ArmstrongBiological Science TechnicianTimpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah801-756-5238 x503 It turns out I will be in Sweden the first two weeks of July this year, but can do the September Event. Is there anyone on either list that could manage the July event? This is a really big deal, IMO, getting more National Park and Forest Service personnel interested and involved, and I don't want to blow this opportunity to make Utah a much more dark-sky friendly place! Please contact me directly (don't just hit reply to these lists) if you can help out in July. The dates she has in mind are the either the 10th or 11th, or the 17th or 18th (new moon is the 16th). These are Fridays/Saturdays. She has no idea yet how much interest this will generate. Her guess was 50, but I'm thinking it could turn out to be much higher. I'd like to get at least 5 scopes and operators there. /Rich Tenneyretenney@yahoo.com _______________________________________________ UVAA mailing list UVAA@mailman.xmission.com https://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/uvaa
participants (6)
-
Craig Smith -
David Trevino -
Joel Stucki -
John M. Craig -
Richard Keele -
Richard Tenney