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Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | >> (show all) Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party       #4238953 - 12/09/10 04:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The next Wickenburg star party will be January 8,2011. Moonset is 9:58PM, and Luna is 19% illuminated. The location is Sophie's Flat Trailhead, and one of us locals will make sure that there is TP in the NEW BLM outhouse. All you Greater Phoenix area guys who are looking for a nice new site are more than welcome to come by. See the last month posting for directions, or ask and I'll repost. Will post a current conditions follow up early on Jan. 8. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4240034 - 12/10/10 08:43 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Are you going to have those gals selling cookies and such again? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4240679 - 12/10/10 03:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ron, I'll ask and get back to you. Are you thinking about a special request? Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4240867 - 12/10/10 04:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   No, I was thinking of bringing extra munchies but did not want to keep someone from fund raising. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4248578 - 12/14/10 03:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ron, I was told that there WOULD be someone at the star party selling yummies! Later, Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4249964 - 12/15/10 09:41 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very good! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4251844 - 12/16/10 08:46 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Scott; this is the tread you want to watch. January 8th is the next one. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4251908 - 12/16/10 09:37 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I think I can make this one. Post Extras:       skyguy88 super member Reged: 11/13/06 Loc: Prescott, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4256805 - 12/18/10 04:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi All, Is this a seriously dark event? I travel with a video observing system (Mallincam). It would be fun to head for lower elevation and warmer air (I'm in Prescott) but I do shed some light and I don't want to offend anyone. Bill Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyguy88]       #4256942 - 12/18/10 05:54 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Bill, This event has two functions: A public star party, and an invitation to amateurs to try out the site. On one side of the road we have ~1 acre, and on the other side we have ~4 acres. Verizon broadband is strong at the site. Come on down! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4257573 - 12/19/10 12:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Bill; I've seen your set up at Watson Lake for the Prescott outreach star parties; I think you would fit it very well in Wickenburg. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4258280 - 12/19/10 12:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Scott; this is the tread you want to watch. January 8th is the next one. Just noticed this thread and sadly I already have plans for that night so I will keep trying to make them as they're announced. Thanks for the heads up though, I'm sure it'll be great. Is there a plan for a Messier Marathon in Wickenburg? Post Extras:       rocco13 Got Milk? Reged: 07/29/06 Loc: Phoenix, Arizona Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4258437 - 12/19/10 01:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That would be a great idea, Scott. I would very much be up for a MM closer to home than where it's going to be this upcoming spring. The new site is just too far for me. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rocco13]       #4258475 - 12/19/10 01:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The new site was nice at the AASP but was it really worth the drive compared to Wickenburg? No, quite honestly. Im a big fan of Wickenburg and like how it is a hidden astronomy retreat. No big clubs, just a good group of people enjoying the skies as it should be. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4259939 - 12/20/10 08:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I agree that while the amenities are nice at the larger star parties, the drive to Hovatter is a little far and I'm interested in a smaller gathering. Hopefully we can all start getting out to Wickenburg once in awhile. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4260055 - 12/20/10 09:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   There are some really dark skies just outside of Wickenburg. Aguila offers 7th magnitude skies and its only about 20 minutes further past Wickenburg and just outside of Wickenburg is Vulture Mine Road which offers another dark site. Then of course the site we will be using for this event. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4260118 - 12/20/10 10:02 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: The new site was nice at the AASP but was it really worth the drive compared to Wickenburg? No, quite honestly. Im a big fan of Wickenburg and like how it is a hidden astronomy retreat. No big clubs, just a good group of people enjoying the skies as it should be. Once they finish construction on I-10 the comparison may be more fair; but for us in the northern part of Phoenix/Arizona the drive to Wickenburg is pretty painless and fairly short. The close proximity of Wickenburg (FOOD!!) is a huge plus. I'm a bit biased as I'm not a big fan of I-10 or the congestion on the south west side of town. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4261074 - 12/20/10 07:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Great ice cream parlors in Wickenburg And yes, I-10 traffic makes me nutty, the Carefree Hwy. is a much nicer (and calmer) ride! Post Extras:       skyguy88 super member Reged: 11/13/06 Loc: Prescott, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4285049 - 01/01/11 03:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Ron and John, for the encouragement. Further encouragement comes from the zero on the thermometer here last night and a foot of snow on the ground. Is there AC power at the site? I can do batteries but AC is easier. Bill Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyguy88]       #4285869 - 01/01/11 10:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have not been there yet but descriptions of the site would indicate no. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyguy88]       #4287230 - 01/02/11 04:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   No snow on the ground at Sophies Flat. As of this morning, the road is still in fine shape, no washouts, and only a couple of damp spots. Even a lowrider can make it easily. Sorry Bill, no power is available at the site. Look for an update of conditions midmorning on Saturday. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4289223 - 01/03/11 02:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My four day weekend got frozen out so I'm way behind on projects and probably won't make it out this weekend. Post Extras:       skyguy88 super member Reged: 11/13/06 Loc: Prescott, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4289547 - 01/03/11 05:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: No snow on the ground at Sophies Flat. As of this morning, the road is still in fine shape, no washouts, and only a couple of damp spots. Even a lowrider can make it easily. Sorry Bill, no power is available at the site. Look for an update of conditions midmorning on Saturday. Thanks,John. I'll collect some electrons and try to make it Saturday. Bill Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyguy88]       #4290776 - 01/04/11 09:03 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   John; for the 2011 calendar year, are there dates that the Wickenburg Public star party won't be held on the second weekend(not counting weather canceled events)? Eric is putting together calendar and I'd like to have this event listed. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4291929 - 01/04/11 06:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ron, We've been shooting from the hip as far as our dates for star parties. Can we wait until after the weekend for a decision? I'll need to sit down with my cohorts-in-crime and a 2011 calendar. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4293239 - 01/05/11 09:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   No hurry. Eric is working on the 2011 calendar and I'm pretty sure edits can be done down the road. Besides, we're rarely in a big hurry. Real life seems to preclude that. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4300434 - 01/08/11 12:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The mid-morning conditions report is as follows: 0% clouds 100% sunshine Air temp current- 58F Wind-calm Restroom-has TP Just a reminder-Take Constellation Rd. past the rodeo grounds. There will be a sign at the turnoff to Blue Tank Rd. advising a left turn onto Blue Tank. Hope to see some of you there. Edited by Jwemes (01/08/11 12:48 PM) Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4300727 - 01/08/11 03:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I had toyed with the idea of going up there, but between the rather chilly weather and a broken side-view mirror, I might get up there next month. Post Extras:       skyguy88 super member Reged: 11/13/06 Loc: Prescott, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4300815 - 01/08/11 04:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm having equipment problems so I'm not going to make it tonight. I'll try next time. Bill Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyguy88]       #4301773 - 01/09/11 01:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We had a nice night. Had two C11s, C9.25, 6" f/5 refractor, my 16" dob andbmy little Firstscope mini dob. The skies were pretty good, a lot of moisture in the air though. I played with the 16" most the night. Hadvsome very pleasing views of M42 and saw six stars in the Trapezium, got up to 300x on it. M81 and M82 were also nice in the 16" and the 6" refractor. M31 was good but not the best I've seen. Caught a pleasing glimpse of the Horsehead and several other popular objects. It was a fun night over all but the clouds returned about 10 pm so we headed out. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4333578 - 01/23/11 04:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   After seeing both the Rodeo Grounds and the BLM site I came to this conclusion. I believe we should use the Rodeo Grounds for the public events, it is easier to get to for everyone and more suitable for the public. The BLM site is excellent but for the public its a bit of a drive in the desert. The BLM site should be used as a dark site for astronomers and star parties. This is just a thought of course but I think if this event is geared for public outreach then it should be done at the Rodeo grounds. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4336117 - 01/24/11 07:18 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Kevin, Thanks for the suggestion. We'd love to stay at the Rodeo Grounds, but the Town of Wickenburg (like all towns) is trying to increase revenue, and has rented out the Rodeo Grounds every weekend through May to various organizations. There is an accomodation made to those who rent, that they can use the large parking lot for parking trucks and trailers if they choose. The result is that we never know in advance if the parking lot will be available, or if the lights in the arena will be on or off. There's another site that could be used for public outreach, with minimal dirt road, but at that location, we'd have to work around the boondocking RVs of our winter visitors. Look at 33deg. 52' 55.94"N 112deg. 49' 08.33" W on google earth, and there is an image of the alternate site. Zooming in enough, one can see RVs camping there. Image date: Feb. 15, 2007. While we're here, Saturday, Feb 5, 2011--Wickenburg Public Star Party, at Sophies Flat..Look for a conditions update midmorning Saturday. Hope to see you there. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4364036 - 02/04/11 09:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So what's the scoop, is there still a star party scheduled for tomorrow, 2/5? And what time will it start? My son and I will most likely be there if it's still a go. I've got a new power tank and will bring the LX200. I'll probably get there very early, I'm a little rusty on setting up the big gun. And for us "navigationally challenged" can you tell us how to get to Constellation Rd. if we're coming from Phoenix on I-74? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4364572 - 02/05/11 07:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Scott, Yep! We're on for tonight! I'll be updating weather and temps about midmorning. If you're on SR74 westbound, turn right when you reach US60. As you enter Wickenburg, and before the Hassayampa bridge, turn right just past the Dunkin Donuts at El Recreo Drive. Stay right onto Constellation, and keep going. 1 mile past the rodeo grounds, the pavement ends. Another mile and a little, and you'll turn left at the wye (look for the star party sign). One more mile and a little, and you'll be at Sophies Flat. We set up in the East side parking lot (near the outhouse). People will start showing up around 4 PM. Bring warm clothes, we're at ~2400 elev. See you there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4364832 - 02/05/11 10:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Melissa and I will be coming tonight as well and maybe a friend of mine but it wont be till about 7. I will have the 16" again. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4365166 - 02/05/11 12:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm probably going out there myself. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4365178 - 02/05/11 12:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Finally, a group that likes to set up early! I'll be wearing long johns but David is a teen, much smarter than the rest of us so he'll be underdressed and shivering He's also perpetually hungry so that'll be a challenge for me. Looking forward to it, it's been a few years since I've shown anyone the sky through my scope. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4365214 - 02/05/11 12:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's the morning report! Temps currently: (shade) 57 degrees. Sun temps: 68 Wind is 0 mph No cloud cover, but lots of water vapor-sky looks like diluted milk at this time. Looking at NOAA and Clear Sky Charts, it looks like the current seeing conditions will improve by 6PM. Keeping fingers crossed. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4365344 - 02/05/11 01:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Lots of high clouds around. Maybe I'll sit tight for another hour or so. See what happens. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4365560 - 02/05/11 03:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I usually show up no matter what, then head home pouting if it's socked in We'll be there and say some prayers that it clears. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4365785 - 02/05/11 04:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   After working on the model to kill time and taking a shower (maybe if I'm nice and clean for the stars, the clouds will go away ), I'm leaving for Wickenburg now; it'll take me about an hour and a half. I'll meet you at Sophie's Flat after an early dinner at Anita's Cocina. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4367281 - 02/06/11 11:34 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   John & John, just wanted to thank you both for a very nice afternoon and evening under the stars, and thank you again for loaning me the visual back. I was up at midnight re-tapping the threads on my Tele-Vue back so it'll work next time. The clouds cleared off just in time and our neighbors toned it down with the ATV's, they even stopped by for some peeks at DSO's and the planets. I got a kick out of showing our visitor Jo from Surprise quite a few objects while her husband was getting some help with his scope. Best view of the night was M81/82, or at least I thought so David was practicing starhopping again with the ST80 and SA2000, he's even accusing me of cheating now when I use the LX200 go-to Jim (hm insulators), always nice to see you at an event. Thanks again guys, I'm already looking forward to getting back there in March. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4367373 - 02/06/11 12:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That was a fun evening! I'm glad I went up there. The clouds were gone by about 8 PM (except way to the southeast). The two little boys seemed to enjoy the views through the scopes. I enjoyed M42 through John's scope and the Pleiades through my binocs, at least until my neck started aching as they were at the zenith (should've brought my mat!). Maybe I'll see you guys next month! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4369225 - 02/07/11 07:38 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Scott and Jim, Both of you, thanks for coming up. You know that you are always welcome. John W Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4369416 - 02/07/11 09:39 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Im going to try to get out next month, had some last minute change of plans. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4387279 - 02/15/11 02:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   When is the next star party? My work schedule is changing so I will have Saturdays off so I will be able to make it out earlier and hopefully start bringing out the solar scopes before the sun sets. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4387511 - 02/15/11 08:20 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm pretty sure there is still one planned for the first Sat. in March, don't have a calendar handy but I think it's the 5th (?) Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4388763 - 02/15/11 06:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yup! March 5 with a 1% moon. Weather should be excellent, and Yavapai county graded the road sometime in January. Hope to see you there! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4390261 - 02/16/11 12:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well shoot, with a nice road that will let in just about anybody. Oh wait, I see Scott did make it. I'm hoping to make it on the 5th (or April 2nd - maybe both) for my Messier thing. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4392097 - 02/17/11 08:15 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I knew you'd come through with a wisecrack! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4392324 - 02/17/11 10:40 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm over due for a star party so I'm hoping to make it this time. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4395765 - 02/18/11 08:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well finally got Saturdays off of work so I will be out on March 5th early with everyone else. Im going to bring the 16" dob and for anyone curious about solar scopes I'll have my Lunt 100 H-alpha scope out as well. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4401199 - 02/21/11 09:50 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Pulled the trigger on a Explore Scientific 9mm 100 degree and 4mm Radian yesterday so I will have those out for their first dark sky run. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4416765 - 02/28/11 11:26 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I might be getting out there. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4419133 - 03/01/11 01:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As of today (Tuesday), the road is still in excellent shape, despite the rain and snow. It is approx 0.0000001% muddy (that's just an estimate), but will be nice and dry by Saturday. Look for a mid-morning weather report on Saturday. See you there. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4425731 - 03/04/11 12:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks like we're going to have fantastic weather! I'm staying at my mother's house tonight (she's almost halfway to Wickenburg from where I live) and heading up there tomorrow, probably in the morning. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4426019 - 03/04/11 02:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'll be out there as well. Looking forward to it. Got the Explore Scientific 20mm and 9mm eyepieces to test out. Looking forward tom seeing everyone again. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4427483 - 03/05/11 09:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks like we are going to have a beautiful night tonight! Whos all coming for sure? Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4427510 - 03/05/11 09:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I am! I stayed at my mother's house last night and she let me use her computer this morning (she finally has high-speed internet--YAY!) to find out what's going on tonight at Wickenburg. I'll probably leave in a short while. I'd like to take a short hike, then get some Mexican food for lunch, then figure out something to do to kill time until dinner. (Maybe shoot the clock. ) Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4427634 - 03/05/11 10:33 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm pretty sure David and I will be there unless something comes up or those high clouds drift in. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4427811 - 03/05/11 11:59 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's the mid-morning report: Winds are calm. Current Temp 72F No cloud cover, but relatively high humidity has given us a very dilute milkiness (sp) to the sky. Low temp this morning was 51F. Hope to see you all there! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4428632 - 03/05/11 06:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Meh, got glue drying so I'm stay put to unclamp things when done. Skies don't look real encouraging either. You guys have fun! Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4429817 - 03/06/11 10:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We missed ya Ron, you were there in our thoughts In typical fashion the clouds cleared out just before nightfall and we had a pretty decent evening of observing. Our spectators cleared out pretty fast, the cold always gets 'em. One young guy (Brandon) from a nearby guest ranch stuck around to the end, he seemed pretty eager to gobble up as much information as possible. Great views through Kevin's scope (Thor's Helmet was very cool) and I was wowed by Sky Safari on his iPad. My wife's iPad might mysteriously disappear John & John, thanks again for a fine evening and your good hospitality, hopefully we'll see you 4/2 for a mini-Messier Marathon. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4429818 - 03/06/11 10:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Last night turned out to be an excellent evening! It looked a bit iffy with all the high clouds in the early evening then cleared into a beautiful blue sky. I ended up not bring out the Lunt LS100 solar scope due to the high clouds, one less thing to worry about later that night. We had about eight people out last night plus six astronomers and five scopes. ST-80, LX200 10", C-9.25, C-11 and then my 16" Truss dob. All the scopes showed impressive views. I spent most of the night trying out my new Explore Scientific 20mm and 9mm 100 degree EPs that proved to be very impressive in the 16". The view of M42 with the 20mm was just awesome, a massive field for a 20mm. Putting in the 9mm I zoomed in on the Trap. resolving 6 stars. The seeing was good but not excellent. After M42 I started out with some stuff I've been meaning to observe for a while. First on the list was Thor's Helmet, I always put it on a list and then never get around to it so I made a point to this time! With the 20mm the nebula was barely visible in the 16", but with the addition of the OIII the nebula and structure became easily visible. The curved head cap and horns could easily be seen, it was an impressive sight and a better view then I thought Id get. After Thor's Helmet I hopped over to the Horsehead to give it a try, with the addition of the H-Beta it was just barely visible, I've seen it easily visible in the 16" before so the seeing was not good for this object for the night. After the Horse John H. had me swing over to a very nice edge on galaxy in Lynx. It reminded me of NGC7331 but not as detailed. The galaxy was easily seen at 90x but the view was very good at 203x. As the night progessed I played around with a few favorites, Leo Triplet, M81 and M82, M51 and M101. The M81 and M82 were impressive as they were high enough out of the muck. The others were a bit low and in the light of Phoenix. M46 was a sight, the planetary nebula popped right out without any filter. The Eskimo was also impressive at 200x, I wish I would have tried some higher power though. As the night started closing in on 10pm many of us became board, so we all attempted on splitting Sirius and the Pup. I've done this with the 16" several times but no luck on this night, even at 456x. I caught a glimpse of Saturn just rising in the C-9.25, not bad for where is was at the time. The rings could be seen as well as Titan. Over all it was a fun night, I need to make it out more often as it really is a great group out there and good skies being out 45mins from home. Thanks for a fun time everyone. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4435036 - 03/08/11 02:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Enjoyed the evening! I saw the zodiacal light for the first time; I never realized it was so bright! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4438551 - 03/09/11 09:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just a reminder, that the next Wickenburg Public Star Party will be April 2. Lunar illumination will be only 0.8%. Although we have no desire to take away from the Arizona Messier Marathon at the Antenna site, anyone interested in doing the MM from Wickenburg is more than welcome. The site is administered by BLM, so there are no fees for camping, and no permits are required. Anyone interested, who would like directions, please let us know, and we'll repost. BTW.. Kevin has some fab optics in that 16" dob. Thors' Helmet was spectacular. As usual, look for a mid-morning conditions report on Sat. morning. BTW, the Sophie's Flat site is only 3.5 miles from downtown Wickenburg, where one can find motels, markets, restaurants, and...ice cream. Clear, Dark, and Steady, Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4439328 - 03/10/11 08:37 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So far David and I plan on being there, I'll sack out on the portable hammock and he'll curl up in the back of the car. John, what's the best place for breakfast in downtown Wickenburg on Sunday morning? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4450168 - 03/14/11 09:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Scott, You know that I won't lie, but you asked for my opinion... Country Kitchen is easily reached from Constellation road, and the breakfasts are okay. Sunday morning after about 9AM, you'll think that you've invaded a retirement home 'cause of the over 65 crowd. Anita's is downtown, and a favorite based on longevity. Not my fave. There is a Denny's North on Tegner, but Denny's is Denny's. West of Downtown on US 60 is El Ranchero. If you can do a Hispanic Breakfast, I'd vote for El Ranchero. The secret bottom line (you and David only) can be disclosed on Saturday night! Clear, Dark, and Steady, John W Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4451115 - 03/15/11 09:13 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'd definitely be up for Hispanic, hopefully Ron will too, but I'll wait to hear what the bottom line is Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4452758 - 03/15/11 11:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I like good breakfast burrito's; or Denny's breakfasts. Country Kitchen is not as good as it used to be. Or my tastes have changed. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4453218 - 03/16/11 09:07 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm just trying to figure out what the Hispanic version of biscuits & gravy is.....tortillas & enchilada sauce, or sopapillas & hot salsa Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4453827 - 03/16/11 02:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Anita's was OK so I'm game to try something different. It's my understanding those are the only two South of the Border eateries in town. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4456717 - 03/17/11 08:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I might be out there that Saturday night. Edited by hm insulators (03/17/11 08:49 PM) Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4480376 - 03/28/11 06:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I drove out there yesterday; just not quite as far as the site (didn't read the directions before I left; a spur of the moment trip) and the road was in great shape. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4480495 - 03/28/11 07:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We're on for Saturday night! If anyone wants to make it a 2-nighter, that's fine, as Sophies' Flat is BLM, and BLM camping rules apply. As usual, look for a midmorning climate update on Saturday. At this time, NOAA says 'partly cloudy', and is talking about a trough moving through on Sunday. We'll just have to wait and see. They usually change their collective minds. Nightime temps should be 50-60, and Daytime temps should be 80's. Snakes and Scorps are out, so wear appropriate footgear. Anyone needing directions, just request, and we'll repost. See you there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4480597 - 03/28/11 08:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   wont be there but hope you guys have fun. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4481787 - 03/29/11 10:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The temps sound great, we'll be there for the night and keep our fingers crossed for clear skies. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4491287 - 04/02/11 12:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's the mid morning report: Air Temp 82 Percentage of cloud cover 45% No wind. However, Clear Sky Charts and NOAA Phoenix are indicating that conditions will deteriorate throughout the day. Cloud cover and wind are expected to increase. Unless we are completely socked in by 5PM, I'll still be out, in case anyone shows. Of course, we still might get lucky! Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4491413 - 04/02/11 01:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hmmmm, I'm going to check back here around 1:30 and see what the general consensus is before I pack. I enjoy the drive, scenery, and especially the company but it's a lot of packing to do just to sleep overnight in the back of the car! Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4491526 - 04/02/11 01:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'll probably make a final decision about three o'clock as to whether or not I want to make the drive. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4491780 - 04/02/11 04:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As of 1 PM, we're at 40% cloud cover, Temp 87, wind calm. Still, a tossup, check NOAA Phoenix and Clear Sky Charts. We'll be there, maybe we'll see you too. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4491856 - 04/02/11 04:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   From NOAA: This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 7 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. We are seeing that in Northern Phoenix already with the wind. Scott and I will talk about 2:30 but it looks pretty iffy for us now. For me the drive is fairly trivial but I'm loath to do all that packing and unpacking. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4491858 - 04/02/11 04:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   David's itching for a road trip so at this time I'm going to pack camping and fishing gear, we're going to head for Lynx Lake. I will however check back here around 2:45 just in case. We can always change our plans at the last minute. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4491925 - 04/02/11 05:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Conditions are the same..... it's a cr**shoot. If you guys don't show, you may be the smart ones. If the wind does pick up, seeing will take a dump for sure. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4491934 - 04/02/11 05:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yep, we're hanging out the "Gone Fishing" sign It's looking pretty socked in out there so we'll do a camping trip instead. Hope to see you guys in May. One last observing session before the heat cranks up? Enjoy the evening. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4491941 - 04/02/11 05:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   No wind at all where I live (near 7th Street and Maryland Avenue), and I just looked out my bedroom window. The sky currently looks to be 30 to 35% cloud-covered. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4491985 - 04/02/11 06:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wind finally died down here; but so did any interest in chancing it at Wickenburg (I've been spelling it berg all week!!) so maybe next weekend. Moon should still be tame. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4491994 - 04/02/11 06:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I just looked at both the Weather Channel and NOAA's websites. NOAA's water vapor image showed a lot of high-cloud cover immediately to the northwest of the greater Phoenix area, plus they were forecasting quite a bit of wind. (If it's windy here in Phoenix, it might be windier in Wickenburg, especially at the star-party sight.) I think I'm going to can it for this month. Too bad, because I was hoping to see Ron and Scott and John again. Hopefully, next month for one more session before it starts getting crazy-hot. (We could also next month or in June try for that Cherry Road site.) Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4491997 - 04/02/11 06:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Wind finally died down here; but so did any interest in chancing it at Wickenburg (I've been spelling it berg all week!!) so maybe next weekend. Moon should still be tame. Or, that might be one possibility--maybe we can shoot for next week? If we're all available then? Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4492051 - 04/02/11 07:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I think we should consider it. Starry Night shows about an 1/8th moon near Orion and setting around 11:30 (usually after I pack it in ). Should not be bad viewing at all with good views of the moon to boot. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4492134 - 04/02/11 07:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If you guys are interested in Sophie's Flat for next weekend, we're good to go. However, NOAA longterm is talking about a weather front coming thru. You're always welcome to come up and use the site, as it is BLM-not private. Let's see how the forecast develops, and I'll give you Friday/Saturday updates if it's marginal. Oh... And I'll show up too! The next scheduled public star party is May 7, but April 30 is also great, with a 6.1% moon, rising at 3:49 AM. Clear, Dark, and Steady... Edited by Jwemes (04/02/11 07:49 PM) Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4492198 - 04/02/11 08:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As it turns out, even if the weather had cooperated, I wouldn't have made it. A while back, I was trying to go to the store to buy some salad greens, and lo and behold, the car has a flat tire! I found a small nail in the tread, so it's off to the mechanic Monday morning; a very short drive. You'd think with today's technology and all the steel belts and all that nonsense, they would come up with a tire that's impervious to nails! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4492207 - 04/02/11 08:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Most tubeless suffer nails rather well. Still need to patch but they usually hold air for a long time. Plan B is the nineth then. Plan C is the 30th. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4493856 - 04/03/11 04:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm working next Sat. so my next attempt will be May 7th. Let us know how the skies were Sat. night. When David and I were sitting around the campfire at Hilltop, Lynx Lake, we noted it was rather clear although the winds were blowing! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4493966 - 04/03/11 05:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Windy and cloudy in Phoenix. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4494076 - 04/03/11 06:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   At nightfall, Sophie's Flat was at ~98% cloud cover. The wind had been gusting to ~15 Mph. No members of the public showed (there are some smart folks out there!). Skies stayed cloudy for the most part until 5AM Sunday. But the cloudy sunset was pretty! Let's keep an eye on the forecast for next Saturday. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4496764 - 04/04/11 09:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well poo, weather looks darn iffy for this coming Saturday too. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4496820 - 04/04/11 10:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We had the same at the AAMM on Saturday night, I ended up leaving around 8:30pm actually as it showed no signs of breaking up. From the sounds of it I feel I made the right choice Friday night was AWESOME though, perfect all night. Picked off several tiny NGCs up in Leo Minor, caught 3C 273 up in Virgo (Brightest Quasar). Called it quits around midnight but woke up about 4:30am to bagged Palomar 8 and 9 as well as Pluto! It was a fun time, I hope to make it out to Wickenburg next month. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4506837 - 04/09/11 11:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   With all this rain, even if clears up I don't want to try that road in my car till it dries out a bit. Many parts of it are just fine but some sections look down right nasty if wet. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4507119 - 04/09/11 01:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm waiting till next month. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4507457 - 04/09/11 04:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The current cloud cover is 100%. Temp 54F Wind is SE at 2. Despite the fact that the rain seems to have moved to the east, there are still wet-looking clouds to the west. Forecast clearing is questionable. April 30 and May 7 should both be better nights. Edited by Jwemes (04/09/11 04:57 PM) Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4526059 - 04/18/11 10:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   April 30th is over booked for me, so I'm shooting for the 7th. With the monsoons (and really wacky weather this year) June is iffy so May is it for me. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4526110 - 04/18/11 11:15 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Im might possibly be able to do April 30th. I have to check what I have going on though. May 7th is National Astronomy Day so I will be at the Challenger Space Center all day helping with astronomy programs and events then stargazing for the public at night. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4528547 - 04/19/11 09:27 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   May 7th is looking like my best shot but I'll be traveling solo, don't have custody of the kids that weekend. I might even travel real light, take the motorcycle there with some binos or something. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4531605 - 04/20/11 01:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I've been tempted but the NS11 needs some use for a change. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4535327 - 04/21/11 08:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We've set May7 as the date for the public outreach star party, but the site is available to anyone at any time. Kevin, let us know if you are going to be up for Apr 30. Otherwise, we'll look for a big public turnout for Nat'l Astronomy Day on May 7. At this point, daytime highs are ~90F. If we could eliminaate the clouds, things would be FAB! Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4545746 - 04/26/11 03:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Bump for pwatcher. Post Extras:       pwatcher member Reged: 04/22/11 Loc: arizona Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4545893 - 04/26/11 04:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm a "maybe" for this, depending on how much of recently ordered gear has arrived in time to get somewhat familiar with it. I have a thread over in the Beginners Forum describing my re-entry into this hobby! I live in Ahwatukee, so will need to look up the driving directions to your location. It's ok to send me an email as well if you wish. thanks! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: pwatcher]       #4546109 - 04/26/11 06:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm thinking it would be faster for you to head up 17 to Carefree Highway, take that west till it hits 60. Just past the Dunkin Donuts and before McDonalds (the road is making a sweeping left hand turn into the old downtown) you'll see El Recreo Drive, it turns onto Constellation Road about a quarter mile in. Follow that out a mile or so to Blue Tank Road on the left. Another half mile and you're there. Better directions are at the start of this thread somewhere. But if you preview those instuctions above using google maps you'll be fine. I didn't have not actually gone down Blue Tank far enough to see the sight. I do know it seems like you travel five miles when in fact it is much shorter than that. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4546171 - 04/26/11 06:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Paul, Don't worry about the new toys that arrive in time, just show up. The May 7 event is a public outreach, which just happens to coincide with the 'National Astronomy Day'. There will be a couple of scopes besides what you bring, and the overriding point is that YOU, enjoy yourself. We never know how many of the public may show, and you're invited to check out the site, and enjoy the night sky. Look for a mid-morning update of local weather conditions on Saturday. Plan to arrive before sunset, to check out the scenery, and set up, look for the signs to assist in directions, and most of all, we'll see you there! Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4547308 - 04/27/11 09:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hope you can make it Paul, it's always nice to meet somebody new. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4549827 - 04/28/11 02:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Love to see you out there; don't worry if your new scope doesn't arrive "in time." I don't even own a telescope but I do bring binoculars out there. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4565930 - 05/06/11 06:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just a reminder, Wickenburg Public Star Party, tomorrow, May 7. You're welcome with or without a telescope. The sky will be dark enough to align those lousy GEMs by 7:50 or so, local time. Moon will be ~20% illuminated, and not set until ~11:30 PM. Current forecasts are for daytime highs to 99 and lows down to 50. Skies should be clear, with ~10 mph breezes. The crawling creatures are out, so please wear appropriate footgear, and be aware. Sophie's Flat is the location. Just ask, and we'll repost directions. Look for an update--midmorning tomorrow. Clear, Dark, and Steady, Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4566433 - 05/06/11 11:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm looking forward to it! Tomorrow morning, I'm driving up to Williams for "Train Days" and I'll be hitting Wickenburg on the way back. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4566692 - 05/07/11 04:40 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Should be an awesome night, hope you guys have fun! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4567395 - 05/07/11 01:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's the midmorning report: Cloud cover....0% Air Temp.......90 degrees Wind........... light..0 to 5 mph It looks to be a nice night for observing in the low desert! Hope to you you there! Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4567645 - 05/07/11 03:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Got the ST80 & binos strapped to the motorcycle and should be there by 6:00 at the latest. Look forward to seeing everyone! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4569604 - 05/08/11 02:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If the public keeps showing the interest like they did last night we may have to get a bit more organized; with perhaps a focus for the evening, a list of pre-selected targets with information displayed on a red light laptop; or maybe a large sheet of paper and a tripod like you see at meetings. Then assign targets to the different scopes and rotate among a list every 20-30 minutes so the group can mingle through the scopes and get a great mix of objects. After seeing them line up their chairs we could get a short talk up of the nights focus; what will be available in the scopes and suggest a pattern to use when walking through - e.g. clockwise or something. I was very impressed with the size of the crowd that showed up that decided to drive two miles into the desert. For folks that show up with scopes and willing to coordinate with you for a more structured out reach I think we have some potential here. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4569738 - 05/08/11 03:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   When ever I do an event for the public every scope is on a different target. The astronomer is usually the one picking their targets but no one is assigned. Once the group has seen the object a last call is given and then the astronomer picks another target. Before the viewig gets started a talk is usually given with a basic presentation that describes the current seasons constellations, the easy to see objects and maybe describing some up and coing events. The group is then given a short lesson on star party and telescope safety such as red lifts only, keep flash lights pointed down, do not grab the telescope for any reason and hold onto the white step ladders. We could has talks given at each event but it would have to be something geared to the public. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4570016 - 05/08/11 06:12 PM Attachment (22 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   looking towards the sunset hm insulators is checking out the sky already. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4573204 - 05/10/11 11:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It was a lovely night out there! The moon was a bit brighter than I expected, but the sky was nice and clear and the weather was warm, especially because I still had on the long pants I was wearing up in Williams at 7000 feet. There was one little boy that I was talking to who was really interested in the telescopes and space. We need more kids like him! So are we still talking about June 4 for the next event? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4573373 - 05/10/11 01:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Heartfelt thanks to you guys who came out! The turnout was quite a surprise. Our next date is June 4, 2011. The moon will be 9.9% illuminated, and set at 10:09 local time. Look for a conditions update, midmorning on the 4th. Thanks again, Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4588724 - 05/18/11 01:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking forward to it! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4606260 - 05/27/11 03:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just a reminder that the next Wickenburg Public Star Party will be June 4, at Sophie's Flat. We'll start under a 9.9% illuminated moon, setting at 10:09. By 9PM. NGC 5139 should be visible to the South, and the Summer Milky Way will be climbing through the Phoenix light dome. To all those who are at RTMC this weekend, freezing and blowing, and those who are stuck at home for various reasons, you are welcome to come out and enjoy our last star party until Sept 24, under the dark skies of Wickenburg. Look for an update of conditions, midmorning on Saturday. See you there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4606347 - 05/27/11 04:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hope you guys have fun. I will be heading up to Payson for a night of viewing but it should be a great night no matter where you observe. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4606441 - 05/27/11 05:06 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Kevin, There was a rumor out of Aguila that you're in the wisdom tooth misery. Heal quickly! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4606454 - 05/27/11 05:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yea I had all four wisdom teeth removed yesterday morning. I'm feeling pretty good today though, haven't had any of the serious pain killers at all today. Nothing hurting just a little tight in the jaw area. But doing well over all, just sitting around hanging out. Thanks for asking though. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4607583 - 05/28/11 12:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Kevin.....owwwwww. Hope you're feeling better soon. John, hope you have a nice crowd out there again, we should make it out again in Sept. Our family is heading for the Grand Canyon on June 5th so I'll be packing on the 4th. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4608092 - 05/28/11 06:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Scott, We'll most likely have a herd of Civil Air Patrol cadets either in June of September. I can't thank you enough for your effort in coming out every month. Have fun at the Canyon. PS: The Desert View Tower gives great photographs at sunrise. If the sky is clear, you can see almost all the way to Lee's Ferry. The Marble Platform is spectacular. If you're inclined, read "Beyond the 100th Meridian" and " A Canyon Voyage". Visit the Kolb gallery...A skeleton (bullet in cranium) was found in the ceiling after the last Kolb brother died. If you visit Desert View, make sure to see Hermits' Rest, and Hopi House. Terrific examples of architecture. PPS: If you're inclined, there's a bar at the El Tovar, that has outdooor seating.....A view of the Canyon and a glass of your favorite can only be beaten by a couple of things. Stay Safe, John W Post Extras:       Faith_J Sketcher Extraordinaire Reged: 11/17/04 Loc: South coast of England Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4608825 - 05/29/11 08:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Yea I had all four wisdom teeth removed yesterday morning. I'm feeling pretty good today though, haven't had any of the serious pain killers at all today. Nothing hurting just a little tight in the jaw area. But doing well over all, just sitting around hanging out. Thanks for asking though. Ouch! Know the feeling. I had four wisdom teeth removed in 1994. For the following week, I looked like I'd been in a fight with Mike Tyson...I hope you don't look as bad! Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4609121 - 05/29/11 12:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A skeleton in the ceiling of Kolb Studio? Now that I hadn't heard before. A client unhappy with their portraits? I've been there many times John. Desert View is really nice, Hermit's Rest is a personal favorite for the view. My son and I are doing a long day hike down to Phantom Ranch and back out, we weren't able to obtain a permit for overnight stay at Indian Gardens. We're also taking bicycles so I'm looking forward to some long leisurely rides along the Rim Trail. Thanks for the tips! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4609185 - 05/29/11 12:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I will be up there in 3 weeks or the Grand Canyon Star Party. Cant wait! Post Extras:       bob71741 scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 02/16/08 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4609636 - 05/29/11 04:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   "My son and I are doing a long day hike down to Phantom Ranch and back out" Scott - Don't know how you are doing your roundtrip, but would suggest going in to Phantom using The Kaibab Trail and out via The Bright Angel for contrasting scenery. No water on the Kaibab, but can easily be done in a few hours and best in early AM due to open exposure. I had a complete tour of Kolb Studios back in the 80's; all of downstairs-living quarters and all-very, very interesting before renovation. Unfortunately they closed it while trying to renovate it due to safety issues, and I did not take pictures as I left my camera in the truck. Lots of interesting stories about the skeleton, but all speculation. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: bob71741]       #4610909 - 05/30/11 12:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That's the route we are taking Bob, my father and I went the same way 27 years ago, it was the third hike we had done in the Canyon and the one we enjoyed most. My son and I will sit out the daytime heat at Phantom Ranch, as soon as shade hits the river trail we'll head towards Indian Gardens, take a break & rest, then hit the switchbacks. We hope to be on the Kaibab between 4 & 5. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4620198 - 06/04/11 12:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks like it will be very nice, if a little warm, tonight. Oh well, better warm than cold! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4620301 - 06/04/11 12:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wickenburg mid morning conditions: temp 91F winds light-5mph 0% cloud cover. We should have a good night. The nasties are out, so bring appropriate footgear. See you there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4620681 - 06/04/11 04:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Have fun guys. Make sure you check out the new supernova on M51. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4620833 - 06/04/11 05:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Wickenburg mid morning conditions: temp 91F winds light-5mph 0% cloud cover. We should have a good night. The nasties are out, so bring appropriate footgear. See you there! Closest to proper gear that I have are moto cross boots. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4622630 - 06/05/11 04:23 PM Attachment (21 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Went for a hike, sans boots, to the top of one of the hills nearby to get this view of the star party area. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4624394 - 06/06/11 01:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Beautiful evening Saturday. I even brought my little mat for lying on the ground, although I didn't use it much as I was looking through the various scopes and helping David, the little boy who had brought his little telescope. Toward the end of the evening, I finally got a look at the supernova in M51. Through the telescope I looked through (Walt's homemade Dob), the supernova appeared as bright as the central hub. That was the highlight of the evening. Post Extras:       azskies Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/29/07 Loc: Prescott, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4627443 - 06/08/11 01:04 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I can't believe there was a super nova in M51! Another reason to be ! I was rear ended in Phoenix on Friday and couldn't take out my scope Saturday night! And it was a perfect night in my area! Jeff Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: azskies]       #4627752 - 06/08/11 08:53 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I hope the only damage was to your vehicle, and not your neck. Whiplash is not enjoyable... Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4628637 - 06/08/11 05:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dang Jeff! Sorry to hear that. Post Extras:       azskies Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/29/07 Loc: Prescott, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4631110 - 06/09/11 09:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My wife and I both have whiplash and sore stiff backs. He was not traveling slow when we were hit, that's for sure. My new Suburu It didn't dawn on me to call you Ron. We were so confused and upset. We were more worried about my mom than anything at the moment. We couldn't get a ride to the rental car. Jeff Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: azskies]       #4638324 - 06/14/11 10:02 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thank goodness you had a newer car, and Subbies are especially stout, as they handle those crashes rather well in protecting the occupants. Let the bodies heal and the insurance get you a new car. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4638932 - 06/14/11 04:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hope you feel better! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4661181 - 06/27/11 10:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Is there a star party this month? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4661968 - 06/27/11 07:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Kevin, No, we're all currently aestivating because of the heat. For the record, it's 104F in the shade right now. It was so hot earlier today that the flies were walking. Next Public Star Party is scheduled for September 24. See you then, John W Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4662789 - 06/28/11 10:09 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Where in the world did you learn that word John? (aestivating) Pretty much sums up my summers here. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4663027 - 06/28/11 12:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   "Estivate" is the summer counterpart to winter's "hibernate." Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4663406 - 06/28/11 03:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ron, I run a serious risk of pigeonholing myself as a "wonk", but I love our language. As an old geezer who worked in construction for a long time, I feel qualified to say that we are measured by the way we use our native language, and that the ability to use a vocabulary is a powerful tool. I'm here, aestivating my way through the 'Chubasco', and looking forward to those magnificent thunderstorms. However, I look forward to drier skies, and the Milky Way blazing for us in the evening on September 24. BTW, how do you rate to get that kind of assistance for the GCSP? If I fake some kind of serious disability, can I qualify also? Clear, Dark,and Steady, Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4770210 - 08/26/11 10:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Still a month out but not a bad time to bump this thread as a friendly reminder and something to look forward to as we muddle through the monsoon (even if the high country seems to be hogging it this year). I have a tripod/poster holder for use by the Wickenburg club if you are interested. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4771732 - 08/27/11 09:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hmmm. I know I've got a big laminated moon map we could hang on that tripod, might even have a Messier poster. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4775396 - 08/29/11 10:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oooh, good idea! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4792164 - 09/06/11 10:09 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just a reminder....September 24, Public Star Party at Sophie's Flat. Look for more updates as we get closer. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4792187 - 09/06/11 10:22 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm planning on being there with the 16". Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4794996 - 09/07/11 05:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I hope to be there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4798734 - 09/09/11 06:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If anyone is interested in coming out a bit early I will bring out the Lunt LS100THa H-Alpha solar telescope as well, take a look at the sun. Post Extras:       Skylook123 Postmaster Reged: 04/30/05 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4799030 - 09/09/11 09:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And if you get bored, it can make a nifty lightning rod! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Skylook123]       #4803331 - 09/12/11 09:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I picked up a Coronado SolarMax 40 for the Pronto so one of us can be on the Sun and the other on Sol. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4803332 - 09/12/11 09:56 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If we could get a third we could shoot for the nearest star...... Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4803415 - 09/12/11 10:38 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ron, Hey thats cool. A good time to get into solar as the sun is showing signs of life. The little TeleVue scopes work great for solar work as well. Post Extras:       gilligan Carpal Tunnel Reged: 01/02/08 Loc: Panama City Beach, FL Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4812900 - 09/17/11 02:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Can somebody send me directions.. I will be comming in from Blythe, Ca.. right on the AZ/CA border. Interstate 10.. Now that I am back in the area/country,I can start attending parties again.. Will be bringing Hal-9000, my celestron CPC-1100, and Sherman , my dog.. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: gilligan]       #4812966 - 09/17/11 03:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Gilligan, You already know the part about taking the I10 to the Wickenburg turnoff (US 60). Once in Wickenburg, and through the roundabout (new feature designed to confuse motorists) in the direction of Phoenix, move to the inside lane as you pass Mc Donalds. Don't turn left at Mc D's but DO turn left at the next street (El Recreo) towards the rodeo grounds. That street becomes Constellation. Stay on Constellation even after the pavement ends. About 2 miles beyond the rodeo grounds you will come to a 'Y'. Turn left onto Blue Tank Road. Another two miles will see you to Sophie's Flat. Look for the open area and restroom on the East side of the road. All of the non-paved road is in good shape, and can be easily navigated by passenger vehicles. Daytime temps have been up to the 90s, and early morning temps down to the 60s. Sophies Flat is BLM, so you can camp here without any permits. All the regular suspects try to arrive around late afternoon/ sundown. Look for the signs once the pavement ends on Constellation. This is an outreach, but our visitors are almost always gone before 10:00PM. See you there, John W Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4818550 - 09/20/11 04:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm hoping to be there if the weather isn't too cloudy. (Wouldn't you know it: the paper, Weather Channel and my special NOAA Weather Radio are all calling for partly cloudy skies on Saturday. Sigh.) Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4818583 - 09/20/11 04:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NIghts have been exceptional clear in town the past few days too. Unless over cast or nearly so I'll make the road trip. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4825231 - 09/24/11 12:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Weather report? Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4825270 - 09/24/11 01:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It was quite cloudy earlier this morning but the skies at least over the area where I live have cleared out quite a bit. For now. I'll make a final decision as to whether I'm going up there about 3:30 or 4. If it's really overcast, I won't go, but if it's just a few clouds here and there, I'll head up there. Looking forward to seeing you guys. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4825318 - 09/24/11 01:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Since you asked, here's the (almost) mid-morning report. At 10:51 local time, the sky is a beautiful deep blue, indicating little dust and little atmospheric moisture. The Sky is 99% clear, with the cloud band visible to our West. NOAA shows this as a narrow cloud band, currently sitting over the Colorado River. There are also some scattered clouds over the Mogollon Rim at the Bradshaws. Air temp is 87 degrees. Morning lows have been in the mid 70s. NOAA is still forecasting partly cloudy with a 10% chance of moisture. See you brave souls around 5pm. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4825336 - 09/24/11 02:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It'd probably be a bit later for me, as I'll have to do dinner first. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4825352 - 09/24/11 02:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My plan is to head out early and bug the guys at Copper State Motorcycles. Eat something, get some water then wander on out and try to do some solar before sunset. Looks pretty darn cloudy in Phoenix. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4825472 - 09/24/11 03:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I plan to be there with the 16". I have some friends who are coming as well with some scopes. Im going to be in Wickenburg by about 4. Go check out Telescope Ranch, Brian's new store. Then be at the site by 6pm. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4825576 - 09/24/11 04:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Where is it? Bike shop closes at 2. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4825584 - 09/24/11 05:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Telescope Ranch Location Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4825721 - 09/24/11 06:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I didn't know there was a telescope store out there! I'll have to check it out. First a quick shower and then I'll be on my way. The sky looks nice and clear here in Phoenix anyway. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4826072 - 09/24/11 10:59 PM Attachment (14 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A bit of a problem with the party tonight. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4826252 - 09/25/11 02:16 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yea I was in Wickenburg but never got to the site. Hopefully next month as long as it doesnt over lap the AASP. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4826458 - 09/25/11 08:49 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The October Public Star Party is Oct.22--a week earlier than the All Arizona Star Party. A Thank You to Ron and Jim who drove out to enjoy the clouds, and Kevin, who missed the Haboob, thunder and lightning, and the spitting rain. Cloud cover was 100% at 7:15 PM and stayed that was until at least 9:30 PM. See you in October, John W Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4826617 - 09/25/11 11:05 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I wont make it actually, that is my friends birthday but I will be at the AASP the following weekend. Edited by skyward_eyes (09/25/11 07:04 PM) Post Extras:       rocco13 Got Milk? Reged: 07/29/06 Loc: Phoenix, Arizona Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4827300 - 09/25/11 05:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I had talked to Kevin earlier in the week and was looking forward to going, but as usual a family obligation came up. As the weather turned out, I ended up not missing any observing time anyway, and didn't tick off any relatives either. <wink> I would have felt bad had I gone anyway. Four of the last five outreach events I've been invited to turned out to be cloudy, at least this one can't be blamed on me! Post Extras:       bob71741 scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 02/16/08 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4827583 - 09/25/11 08:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Can not find a website, so what's the skinny on the Telescope Ranch? Is it that guy out Wickenburg way that used to sell used scopes on Astromart? It would be nice if they had small accessories and such. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: bob71741]       #4827984 - 09/26/11 02:22 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Telescope Ranch is owned by Brian DeWells out of Wickenburg. Currently it's a lot of used gear, some cool stuff is in there and new stuff is always coming in. There isn't a website yet, only a face book page: Telescope Ranch Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4828625 - 09/26/11 01:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I went out to Wickenburg; the weather was actually good until I got out there, then it was cloudy. I first looked for Telescope Ranch and it took me a little while to find it (it's not next to the roundabout like the little map on the link shows, but a couple of blocks away in a little place called Mecca Plaza, I think). The store was closed when I located it, finally, but it'll be worth prowling around next time. I then had dinner, and by the time I was done, it was windy and cloudy. I drove to the end of the pavement to find the star party (no surprise) had been canceled, but I watched the clouds for a while. I guess when I was eating, I missed out on the thunder and lightning action. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4828743 - 09/26/11 02:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ah! I thought that was you I passed on the way back into town and home. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4861075 - 10/14/11 03:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The next Wickenburg Public Star Party will be October 22. The current long range forecast from NOAA is continuing dry weather, cooling slightly. Day temps have been in the High 90s and Lows in the low 70s. Look for a midmorning report on Saturday, Oct. 22. There is the outside chance that an 8" F12 D&G 'fractor may make an appearance. Clear, Dark, and Steady.. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4861162 - 10/14/11 04:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Cant make that one, its a friends birthday that evening. I will have to see John's 8" some other time. Hope everyone has a good time. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4861315 - 10/14/11 06:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Kevin, We picked it and the 1200 and the LX200 up yesterday. John has lots of work to do on the 1200. He's going to try to get the 8" out to the All Arizona Star Party for one night too. Clear, Dark, and Steady. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4861577 - 10/14/11 10:06 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 127mm surplus shed refractor won't be ready in time so I guess the usual gear will be there. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4863986 - 10/16/11 11:34 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wish I could be there but my wife and I will be spending the weekend in a remote Forest Service cabin to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. Probably have some pretty dark skies, but she wouldn't be amused if I spent the evening observing Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4864219 - 10/16/11 01:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Scott, That's an excellent reason! Considering the significance of the anniversary, we might question your sanity if you showed up. Hopefully we'll see you next month! Clear, Dark, and Steady, Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4865761 - 10/17/11 11:42 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well it's not like you're girl watching.... We tend to break camp rather early (not by my standards mind you ) and Wickenburg is a nice romantic western get a way. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4867321 - 10/18/11 08:35 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Well it's not like you're girl watching.... We tend to break camp rather early (not by my standards mind you ) and Wickenburg is a nice romantic western get a way. Tell ya what....you try to convince Charlotte of that Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4867421 - 10/18/11 09:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I think I've lost a lot of credebility with her already. So far the weather seems to be cooperating - this time. Just to be safe, I'm traveling light with only one scope. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4868158 - 10/18/11 05:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm going to try to get out there. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4869079 - 10/19/11 08:44 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I think I've lost a lot of credebility with her already. NEVER! Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4873251 - 10/21/11 07:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking good for heading out there! I'm actually going to leave about 8:30 in the morning, as there's a classic car show in Glendale that was in the paper today, so I got to check that out. After the cars, I'll just go from there to Wickenburg. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4874154 - 10/22/11 11:00 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Going to be a beautiful day, I hope y'all have a perfect evening gazing at the heavens. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #4874225 - 10/22/11 11:26 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking forward to it! I wonder if that supernova in M101 is still going. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4874421 - 10/22/11 01:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And here's the mid morning report. Air temp 85 f Wind is calm. Cloud cover 0% There is no smoke visible or smellable. Expected high--95 degrees F. Polaris has been visible from about 6:30 PM, so time your arrival accordingly. See you there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4874460 - 10/22/11 01:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hope you guys have a good night out there. Should be nice. Post Extras:       Skylook123 Postmaster Reged: 04/30/05 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4874609 - 10/22/11 03:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We've got the final night of a three night string of public events to support down here. Two elementary school star parties, and tonight's Catalina State Park evening under the stars. It's been a great string of weather, since I did three last week as well. And a couple more next week. I'll be glad when the first round of school events for the new school year are done! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Skylook123]       #4874781 - 10/22/11 06:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm packed, about to leave. Will get something to eat in town and come on out and scare some snakes before dark. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4875247 - 10/23/11 02:02 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks for the snacks! Thanks to John for the entertainment. It was a good night for sure. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4875674 - 10/23/11 11:00 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So did John bring out his 8" refractor? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4875752 - 10/23/11 12:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yes, but I yield to Ron to relate the experience. Clear, Dark, and Steady Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4878215 - 10/24/11 06:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Beautiful night out there! I also went to Bryan's Telescope Ranch in downtown Wickenburg. It's a tiny little store with square footage scarcely larger than the mats some of the telescopes at the star party were on, but there was a lot of nice vintage telescopes. I bought Steve Coe's new book while I was there, too. Next month, you all ought to check out this store! You might find an eyepiece or something for your scope. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4888714 - 10/30/11 02:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   When is the November star party? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4889278 - 10/30/11 08:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Kevin, The next Wickenburg Public Star Party is November 19. We'll have a waning moon at 39.6% illumination, rising at 12:46 on the 20th. Thanksgiving is 11/24, so we're on the Saturday preceeding Turkey Day. FYI, 11/26 (Saturday following) the moon is waxing at 3.7% illumination, setting at 7:00 PM local time. Come on out, and look for a midmorning conditions report on 11/19 Clear, Dark, and Steady, Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4889731 - 10/31/11 03:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ill be out there, Brian is also doing to grand opening for his store the following Saturday after Thanksgiving. We will have the solar scopes out all day, I also understand that is the Wickenburg Gem & Mineral show. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4895432 - 11/03/11 10:32 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I know this monthly get together is labeled as a "public star party" but it seems as if we only get a small handful of people out there from the public. I believe this mainly has to do with the drive out there as most people usually don't feel comfortable driving into the desert around sun down. I believe their should actually be two star parties monthly. The first should be held on a Saturday when the moon is up, it could be held more in town like one of the parks. I know the skies are not as dark but the point is to reach the public and educate them on astronomy. This event could be advertized and would probably get a larger turn out. At this event you can also pitch our dark sky star party held out at Sofie's Flat. If they are interested enough they can come join us and see larger scopes and darker skies. The darkest weekend of the should be reserved for our monthly dark sky star party. If there are people from the public who are interested incoming to this special event we can tell them the rules of it, arrive before sun down and bring a red flash light as it is more of a star party. This has just been some thought but if the whole point of this event is for public outreach we probably need to have something more public friendly and closer to town on another weekend. Any thoughts? Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4895592 - 11/03/11 12:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Not a bad idea. I would not be able to make too many of them but Wickenburg is dark enough that your brighter objects still come through pretty darn good. Is there a good spot in town, no parking lot lights, good parking access and no quads stirring things up? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4897919 - 11/04/11 07:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Kevin, I'd like to talk to you about this idea. Will you be at the Nov. 19 star party? The issue has many facets, and trying to present them here would be very lengthy. Clear, Dark, and Steady, Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4898015 - 11/04/11 08:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Im planning on being there. Its my sisters birthday but she will be away at a conference. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4902635 - 11/07/11 01:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'll be trying to get there. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4914960 - 11/14/11 06:16 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just a reminder, the Wickenburg Public Star Party will be on Saturday, November 19. Luna does not rise until 1:50 AM local time. Look for a conditions update midmorning Saturday. See you there! Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4917012 - 11/15/11 10:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking forward to it if the weather cooperates. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4917305 - 11/15/11 01:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Im planning on being there if the weathers good. If not I'll ne there next weekend for Brian's store grand opening. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4924223 - 11/19/11 12:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   To go out there or not to go out there? That is the question. These high clouds come and go and make it difficult to make a decision. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4924260 - 11/19/11 12:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ill be there either way. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4924291 - 11/19/11 12:42 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here comes the mid-morning report: Cloud cover is currently ~90%. Air Temp 68F Wind is 5-10 Kts from the NW. Looking at NOAA and CSC for Morristown, Burro Creek, and Lake Pleasant, it's a ****shoot. I'll be there looking for clear skies! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4924335 - 11/19/11 01:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ill be leaving at 3 from Phoenix and going to the telescope shop. Then heading to the site at 5. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4924640 - 11/19/11 04:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking pretty "iffy" right now with that cirrostratus layer that can't seem to make up its mind what it wants to do! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4924644 - 11/19/11 04:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks like I'm gonna pass. When I do you guys have clear skies. I have my "new" 127mm Surplus Shed scope so there is that curse you know. Cloud cover animations seem to indicate things will not get any better. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4924708 - 11/19/11 05:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm with you, Ron; I think I'm gonna can it, too. Maybe we can meet next Saturday at the grand opening of Telescope Ranch next Saturday. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4924742 - 11/19/11 05:42 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I might just be game for that. Hopefully my "new" mount will be in so I can test it with the 127 in dark skies. I'd like to see how she performs at a dark sky site. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4924787 - 11/19/11 06:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   There is a small group of us going to Sofie's Flat next Saturday night as well. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4925060 - 11/19/11 09:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   What are the hours of the new shop? Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4926128 - 11/20/11 01:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This Saturday the hours are 11am to 9pm. Solar viewing through out the day. Then there will be a small group at Sofie's flat at 6u or so. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4926656 - 11/20/11 06:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   For those of you who didnt come out last night we actually had a good time. We did have clouds but we were still able to observe through some holes, it did eventually break apart as well. We had about eight people all together including all the astronomers. It was a fun night of just casual viewing and talking. We did manage to see comet Garradd through my 16" and Brian DeWells (owner of Telescope Ranch) brought out his new Meade 102ED, a pretty nice scope considering how old it is. The next star party is Dec. 17th. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4926804 - 11/20/11 07:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I got in some viewing after 10PM in the backyard. Some clouds, but M42 and Jupiter were in the clear. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4927793 - 11/21/11 12:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: This Saturday the hours are 11am to 9pm. Solar viewing through out the day. Then there will be a small group at Sofie's flat at 6u or so. Sounds like a plan! I could have lunch in Wickenburg, check out the grand opening, meet some of you there, maybe go take a hike, have dinner and then meet you again out at Sophie's Flat. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4935214 - 11/26/11 03:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I will be heading out at 10am for Telescope Ranch's grand opening, doors open at 11am. Solar viewing outside most of the day. Stop by and say hi, then at I will be out at Sofie's Flat for some viewing. We should have 16" and 18" dobs out tomorrow night plus some other stuff. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4935505 - 11/26/11 10:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking forward to seeing you out there! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4937083 - 11/27/11 10:20 AM Attachment (10 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well last night was excellent, the seeing went bad around 9pm which was strange as it was all the sudden. Its amazing how a small get together of 3 friends for Thanksgiving weekend turned into a miniature star party with about 12 people and about 10 telescopes! 18" dob, two 16" dobs, one 11" SCT, three 10" dobs, a C-8 Edge HD a few binoculars and a tiny TeleVue Pronto. Probably the largest gather so far at the Sofie's Flat site outside of Wickenburg. The day started out at Telescope Ranch, Brian DeWells' new shop in down town Wickenburg. This weekend was the grand opening and we were busy for the little shop. Through out the day we had solar viewing in the court yard with the Lunt LS100THa and Double Stacked PST. The sun was quite active so it gave passers by something to look at. Many people popped in the shop seeing what was there. Two actually bought their first scope. We hope to see them at our dark sky site sometime soon. As the day went on I spoke to Don, the husband of the women who owns the Pottery shop, he had a 10" dob and was looking to get more into the hobby. Showed him some of the eyepieces I use and what to look for as far as equipment. As the day got began to fade we packed up the solar scopes and we all dispersed to get food before night fall. We headed up to the site to find Jerry Hyman and his wife set up from the night before. Jerry has had an amazing 10" f/5 primary await its first light for some time, its an amazing 7/10th of inch thick! Jerry could wait no longer and modified "Jerry-rigged" a very nice cell to his Skywatcher 10" dob in order to enjoy it for the first time. As we waited for darkness the scopes began to come out. Ron Boe brought out his C-11 Nexstar GPS and a brand new Surplus shed 127 f/9 Achro. refractor, it was actually quite a nice scope with fairly clean images! Jerry and his wife began aligning their 8" Edge HD for the night. Walt Thomas of Wickenburg set up his beautiful 10" home made dob, Dennis Casper with his home made 16" dob, Don and his wife with their Orion 10" dob, Jim and Vicki Palmer with their 18" Obsession and myself with my 16" dob. We also had Roy MoCoy out but forgot his tripod and Brian DeWells came out with his tiny TeleVue Pronto. Jim (HM insulators) viewed with his binoculars through out the evening as well. As the night came we viewed the moon and Venus as well as Jupiter. The 18" Obsession was trained onto Comet Garradd before it set into the western horizon. I didnt do much viewing with my 16", I spent most of the evening enjoying the company. I saw Y-Casseopia for the first time, a beautiful crimson and pale blue double star. Also viewed the Perseus galaxy cluster in Dennis' 16", I should give that a try sometime in my 16". I spent sometime with Don showing them some easy objects for their 10" dob and then let him try out my 31 Nagler, he got a kick out of that and will probably have one to start his eyepiece upgrades in the not so distant future. It actually provided a very impressive view in the 10", I really should try it more often in my own 10". I spent a little time on my 16", I viewed M57, M31 which was quite impressive in the early evening, M15 which was also nice, it was a large expanse of stars! The night quickly lost its seeing so we all sat back and talked for the remainder of the evening. I managed to show Jerry Hyman and some others a new object, Mirach's Ghost or NGC 404 which is small irregular galaxy located about 7-arc minutes from Mirach. The galaxy is about 10-million light years away and can be a fun target in medium and large aperture scopes. Around 10 the majority of us broke down and talked till 11pm and finally headed home for the evening. I look forward to our next get together next month, I will probably miss the December 17th even as I will be coming home from California. I have some pictures of this evening as well. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937086 - 11/27/11 10:21 AM Attachment (11 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   2 Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937092 - 11/27/11 10:23 AM Attachment (13 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Jerry's 7/10th of inch Quartz 10" f/5 Primary! Edited by skyward_eyes (11/27/11 10:24 AM) Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937095 - 11/27/11 10:24 AM Attachment (11 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ron's new 127mm f/9ish Surplus Shed Achro. refractor Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937099 - 11/27/11 10:26 AM Attachment (9 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The field from Ron's spot. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937101 - 11/27/11 10:28 AM Attachment (11 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The beginning of the row of dobs. You can see my 16" followed by Jim and Vicki's 18" as Jim and Dennis talk about the scope. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937104 - 11/27/11 10:31 AM Attachment (12 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dennis Casper's 16" dob. If you ever get a chance to see his 18" f/8 I suggest you look through it and most importantly, at it! Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937106 - 11/27/11 10:32 AM Attachment (17 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Vicki on the 18" looking for Comet Garradd. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4937112 - 11/27/11 10:35 AM Attachment (16 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Over all it was an excellent evening and it was quite a pleasure to observe with many good friends. Ron it was especially nice talking with you and wish we could observe more! Thanks to everyone who came out and hope to see you again soon. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4938064 - 11/27/11 07:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Seeing went to *BLEEP* and it got cold! I should have put on an extra jacket. Yup, we had a full blown star party going on and Walt even brought snacks! Love that guy! My clutch issues with the NS11 was operator error, pushing it the wrong way. Amazing it worked at all! We'll have to do this again. It was fun. Swapping jokes with Walt, enjoying Debbies hot chocolate. It was great! We need to work out the double stack try out sometime too. Kevin; because of you I had the Coronado out this afternoon and it really did not do too bad, an upgrade would be nice though. The center obstruction does not show its' self when I use it on the pronto. I wish I had known a pronto was there last night I would have compared it to my 127. I resolved stars in M13 with it, M31 came through pretty darn good. May have to make an alt-az mount for it some time. I'm not much of a GEM guy. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4940704 - 11/29/11 11:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I must've left at the right time then if the seeing went bad about 9PM, which is when I left. I actually spent much of the day out in Wickenburg, first at Brian's store with the solar telescopes, then later in the afternoon, getting in a quick three-mile hike--if I don't do that three or four times a week, Earth's gravity pulls harder and harder on my body for some stupid reason. The trailhead had a privy and it was convenient to change clothes before going to dinner and the star party. Had a wonderful time; perhaps among the best ever! I would've stuck around, but I was getting cold, and besides I had a long drive home, plus before going to bed, I had to shower! After all, I was still grungy from my hike. Looking forward to next time, if it isn't too cold! Edited by hm insulators (11/29/11 11:24 AM) Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4940864 - 11/29/11 12:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ya, it's time to break out the fleese lined jeans. I would have packed it in at 9 too, but I wanted to check out M42 before calling it a night. Meh, the trap was the worst I've ever seen it. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4959496 - 12/10/11 09:43 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The last star party of the year here in Wickenburg will be on December 17. We will have a 3rd Quarter moon, rising at 12:46 AM on Sunday morning. Assuming no clouds, dress warmly, as the nights have been getting down to the 30s F. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #4959513 - 12/10/11 09:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I will try to make it out, I will be coming back from Cali. that day so if I get home in time I will head out. Sense this an outreach event, if anyone is interested please check out www.Focusonastronomy.org. I will be posting all the outreach events I can find for AZ in the calendar. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4963542 - 12/12/11 08:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   At this point I doubt I'll be able to make it. We shall see. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4971251 - 12/17/11 03:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The weather isn't looking so great for tonight. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #4971637 - 12/17/11 08:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ya, I ain't goin'. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #4994539 - 12/31/11 05:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   When is the next event? Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #4999112 - 01/03/12 11:30 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good question. I thought is was going to be the third weekend but I suspect that is off. Guess we need to get a schedule up for the new year. Post Extras:       ArizonaScott Postmaster Reged: 04/29/04 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5000369 - 01/04/12 07:58 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The next event is Jan. 14th, same time, same place. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: ArizonaScott]       #5000453 - 01/04/12 09:09 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Im planning on being there. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5001548 - 01/04/12 08:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   First order of business is to wish all who read this a Happy New Year. If La Nina does it's stuff, we shouldn't see rain until March. That said,here are the dates for the Wickenburg Public Star Parties for 2012: 1-14, 2-11, 3-10, 4-14, 5-12, 6-9, skip July and August. 9-8 unless the monsoon/temps are against us, 10-6, 11-2, 12-1. These dates should avoid AAMM, RTMC,The eclipse, and AASP. If I can get things wrapped up here in SoCal, see you all on 1-14. Clear,Dark, and Steady, John W Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5002242 - 01/05/12 08:51 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks John. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5008746 - 01/09/12 11:33 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'll probably come out there myself! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #5016884 - 01/14/12 10:53 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm running out of time so won't be there this month. sigh Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5016887 - 01/14/12 10:54 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey, the clear sky clock does not look favorable either. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5017044 - 01/14/12 12:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Mid-morning report for conditions at Wickenburg are: Winds are calm, still air temp is 59F. Cloud cover is ~1%, with thin, high clouds. The NOAA cloud animation and Clear Sky Charts give us a poor outlook after 4 PM local time. Look for an update of conditions at 4 PM. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5017586 - 01/14/12 05:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The conditions at Wickenburg at 3:40 local are: Winds are calm, temp 66F, cloud cover is ~98%. Looking at Clear Sky Charts and NOAA visible animations, it does not appear that stars will be visible tonight in our area. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5017594 - 01/14/12 05:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I won't be there tonight. Gonna save the gas. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5017640 - 01/14/12 06:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Fall back date is next weekend? Post Extras:       nicholas_nolte81 super member Reged: 11/19/11 Loc: Mesa, az Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5020805 - 01/16/12 01:46 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey yall Im new to town. Im in Mesa and would love to come out to a star party or a club meeting. What club are yall afiliated with? Thanks Nick Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: nicholas_nolte81]       #5020873 - 01/16/12 02:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Nick, There's no formal group/club of the folks who come to the Wickenburg Public Star Parties. We only have four active telescope owners in town. However, we get amateur astronomers from the Phoenix area, because they enjoy(we hope) the location, and the ambiance. Our location is on BLM land, so no permits are required, there's a pit toilet on site, and only 3+ miles of well graded dirt road get you to Sophie's Flat. Although the light dome from Phoenix is visible from our site, there are no ground-based lights directly visible from the site. Fast food, Gas, and shopping are only 4 miles from the site, in the Town of Wickenburg, and there's a telescope store in town too! There's plenty of room to set up, as the entire site is almost 5 acres. Wickenburg has enacted a 'Dark Sky Ordinance', and the residents are generally pretty friendly. We generally observe with the public on the Saturday closest to 3rd Quarter moon. Come on out! In deference to our big city friends, East Valley Astronomy Club and Saguaro Astronomy Club are closer to your home, and have active observing programs. But we'd still like to invite you out! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5021037 - 01/16/12 03:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   East Valley Astronomy Club is a great bunch of folks and you would do well to get involved with them. I've done a few things with them in the past but being on the north end of town I really loath driving through Phoenix to get to their activities; preferring to head north or west instead. Much better bang for the time in travel made. But if you don't mind driving a bit the Wickenburg site is a nice one with good people. We do seem to have the bad luck of recent rain and cloud cancelations on the target date. What's up with that?! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5021222 - 01/16/12 05:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Ron, I'm completely torn between observing the sky and wanting rain. Our precipitation record for the last two years is so poor that I can't get negative about rain at all. However, I am more than willing to get negative about clouds that don't bring rain. That said, It sure seems that we've had more than a reasonable percentage of 'clouded-out' nights. BTW, I'm out of town this coming weekend, and long-term NOAA is making noises about a trough coming thru. Check with Brian at the shop about the following weekend 1/28/12, but I'm out of town for that one too. Otherwise, it's February. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5021443 - 01/16/12 07:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm booked myself. Getting carpet so I have to prep for that. Post Extras:       nicholas_nolte81 super member Reged: 11/19/11 Loc: Mesa, az Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5022070 - 01/17/12 01:49 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yea Ive been looking into meeting up with EVAS but their site kindof sucks and theres no forum so its hard to get to know folks over there. Im in the process of buying a 12" LX200 and Im looking to find someone more knowledgeable then I am take a look at it before I drop the cash down lol. Ive looked at it once and it seems to be somethign I really want to do but with the investment Ill be putting into it I want to havce a 2nd opinion. Do yall know if any of the EVAS people are on this site? lmk Nick Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: nicholas_nolte81]       #5022346 - 01/17/12 09:04 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I know several EVAC members. Tom Polakis being one of them, he is a great observer. I personally do not like being in clubs. I'd rather just go and observe with some friends, this is why I enjoy going out west to Wickenburg. The Messier Marathon is also coming up in March which is a great place to meet new people. Post Extras:       nicholas_nolte81 super member Reged: 11/19/11 Loc: Mesa, az Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5022894 - 01/17/12 02:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Can you PM me his SN on here so I can ask him some questions about this scope Im looking at buying? thanks Nick Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: nicholas_nolte81]       #5023940 - 01/18/12 12:14 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   His SN is his name, Tom Polakis. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5049651 - 02/01/12 11:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The next scheduled Public Star Party at Wickenburg will be February 11, at Sophie's Flat Trailhead. Moonrise will be rather early, at 10:42PM. Look for a midmorning update of conditions on Saturday morning. The following weekend, Feb 17 & 18 is the weekend of the Annual Wickenburg Gold Rush Days. Downtown will be full of daytime activities (just Google), and the moon rise will be much later (after 4AM). If anyone is interested in using Sophie's Flat, it is on BLM land, and available for camping for what is called 'dispersed camping' without fee. Clear, Dark, and Steady Edited by Jwemes (02/01/12 11:25 AM) Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5067125 - 02/11/12 12:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here comes the mid-morning report. Skies are 90% clear, with no cloudiness to the West. Winds are non existent, and the current temp is 64F. The sky at zenith is a beautiful intense blue. Both NOAA and Clear Sky Charts are indicating partly cloudy this evening. If Clear Sky Charts is the more accurate, then we should see clear skies from ~6PM 'til midnight. Hopefully, we'll see you at Sophie's Flat tonight. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5067510 - 02/11/12 04:58 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Almost 3PM and the sky is beautiful and clear, at least in Phoenix. I'm heading out there! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #5067548 - 02/11/12 05:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm stuck at home. Still getting the house in order from getting carpet installed. Company coming in a few weeks and a new puppy next weekend. Skies look darn good too. Wouldn't you know. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5068697 - 02/12/12 11:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   We had awesome skies here in Phoenix but got shut down around 8:30pm when a cloud band rolled in. Did you get the clouds? Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5068967 - 02/12/12 02:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ha! We sent them to you! Skies had been deep blue all day. Cirrus started moving in just before Polaris was visible. Thin clouds covered the entire sky by 7:30. We're seriously considering another star party next Saturday. Location will be Sophie's Flat or an open area 1/2 mile beyond Sophie's. Stay tuned for a weather update on Saturday morning. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5069132 - 02/12/12 03:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oh man! Looked good till about 7 while walking the dog (twinkles though, so not great). I'll be out of state next weekend. What a winter! Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5077438 - 02/17/12 05:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Due to the large number of Horse Trailers and associated campers at Sophie's Flat this weekend, we will be holding outreach via sidewalk at the park just south of the South roundabout. All are welcome, but the nearest public parking is ~100ft. away. Wagons or handcarts will be called for. A midmorning weather report will be posted tomorrow morning. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5077698 - 02/17/12 09:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   What's the status on the proposed star party out past Sophie's Flat; the one we were talking about last week? I guess this would be separate from the one right in Wickenburg. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #5078100 - 02/18/12 06:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   On Friday afternoon, there were horse trailers and ATVs parked everywhere at Sophie's and at the water tank site. We opted for an 'in-town' location to avoid dust. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5078346 - 02/18/12 10:59 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Perfect, then; I'll see you out there tonight! I was going to try to see the parade in Wickenburg this morning but it's probably too late for that (I just learned that a bunch of Red Green episodes are on youtube and I just couldn't resist watching one I had never seen before). However, I had planned on eating lunch there, if nothing else, spend the afternoon at the festivities or perhaps a hike and then dinner, and then the stars! Dinner and the stars--better than dinner and a movie, plus you don't have to pay for the popcorn! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5097142 - 02/29/12 09:07 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: First order of business is to wish all who read this a Happy New Year. If La Nina does it's stuff, we shouldn't see rain until March. That said,here are the dates for the Wickenburg Public Star Parties for 2012: 1-14, 2-11, 3-10, 4-14, 5-12, 6-9, skip July and August. 9-8 unless the monsoon/temps are against us, 10-6, 11-2, 12-1. These dates should avoid AAMM, RTMC,The eclipse, and AASP. If I can get things wrapped up here in SoCal, see you all on 1-14. Clear,Dark, and Steady, John W Two weekends from now. Bumping the date post so we can keep track of the weekends that promise rain.... Nothing like gallows humor in the morning. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5097150 - 02/29/12 09:10 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Look for a weather update on Saturday morning. Since Mars' closest approach is March 5, we may have a great opportunity for details on the disc. That is, of course, if the skies allow. I'm thinking that the C-14 might be a good choice for that night. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5097175 - 02/29/12 09:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Won't be out there this Saturday, going to look for places to live in SoCal. Got a job at Woodland Hills telescopes. Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5097299 - 02/29/12 10:37 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   March 10th is the next scheduled star party. Hopefully we'll get to see you Kevin before you move. Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5097317 - 02/29/12 10:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I will be at the AAMM Ron so if I dont hopefully I will see most of you there. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: skyward_eyes]       #5109048 - 03/06/12 06:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just a quick note to earn a bump. The next Wickenburg Public Star Party is this coming Saturday. Look for a weather update mid-morning on Saturday. If you may attend, but haven't been here before, send me a PM, and I'll feed you directions. Clear, Dark, and Steady, Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5114757 - 03/10/12 09:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A little bit early in the AM, but here's the morning report. Skies are clear, no wind, still air temp at 7AM is 51F. NOAA forecasts clear sky and 5-10 MPH evening breezes. See you tonight! Post Extras:       rboe Reged: 03/16/02 Loc: Phx, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5116040 - 03/10/12 11:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good intentions but my batteries are low, getting to bed early. Looks like a good night too. Hope you had fun and great turnout! Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: rboe]       #5118344 - 03/12/12 11:40 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As you might have noticed, I didn't get to Wickenburg, but I did do a little bit of astronomical outreach. First on Saturday was an aviation expo at Mesa Gateway Airport. It wasn't an airshow with aerobatics, but there was a nice little collection of planes and helicopters on display. Then it was on to Superior, where they were having a little street fair. That was lots of fun (except for a couple of stand-up comedians who weren't all that funny), with mining competitions, native American dancers and so forth. After that was dinner, and after dinner it was now getting dark and I decided to stop near the Picketpost Trailhead off US 60 for a little stargazing. I even had the binoculars just in case I would look at the stars. It's pretty dark out there. So a few minutes after starting observation, a man walking his dog stopped by and was wondering what I was looking at. So we got to talking and as it turns out, he was one of the many people who thought Polaris was the brightest star in the sky and that the Pleiades was the Little Dipper. So I showed him the true brightest star, which is of course Sirius, which marks the location of the Big Dog (and this guy had a big dog, a Great Pyrenees that wanted nothing more than for me to keep petting him and petting him) and Ursa Minor, the true Little Dipper. I showed him a few other objects and we must've talked for about a half hour before he had to leave. After he was gone, I watched the stars for a little while more, then left shortly before nine o'clock. Post Extras:       Jwemes super member Reged: 02/26/10 Loc: Wickenburg, AZ Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: hm insulators]       #5163242 - 04/09/12 09:00 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The next Public Star Party at Wickenburg will be Saturday, 4/14, at Sophies Flat. Look for a conditions update on Saturday at mid-morning. Post Extras:       hm insulators Post Laureate Reged: 01/22/07 Re: Wickenburg, AZ Public Star Party [Re: Jwemes]       #5165361 - 04/10/12 02:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Weather conditions are bound to be "iffy" at best this Saturday; if possible you might want to switch to the following Saturday or even the 28th for National Astronomy Day. Post Extras: