24 replies to this topic

[MJB87]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for some practical suggestions and advice for a potential overnight stay in the observing area of Cherry Springs.  Yes, I've completely read this thread so I won't be bringing a generator, and I have reasonable expectations of what to expect.

 

The plan is for us to experience, for the first time, a dark site with a telescope. We'd be visual only on this visit. Probably would observe until the early AM and then head to sleep in a tent. We'd bring our Honda Ridgeline. No generator. No Keurig. No spotlight. No microwave. No computer (but only a dimmed iPad.) No need to plug in -- we'd have battery power. We would not turn on the pickup at all during the night. I'd even cover the potential light sources on the truck -- just in case we need to open a door.

 

This would probably be in mid-late May. It might not correlate with a new Moon -- the schedule is driven by other factors.

 

Questions

1. When would we need to arrive in order to secure a spot for truck and tent?

2. If our only options are to visit when the Moon is up, would that be a wasted trip?

3. What are the essential (non-astronomy) things to bring that some people might forget?

 

Any other advice?  Thanks.

 

Marty

 

 

 

 

[wrvond]

<snip>

 

Questions

1. When would we need to arrive in order to secure a spot for truck and tent?

2. If our only options are to visit when the Moon is up, would that be a wasted trip?

3. What are the essential (non-astronomy) things to bring that some people might forget?

 

Any other advice?  Thanks.

 

Marty

1. Entirely determined by other scheduled events. Check to see if there is any kind of event scheduled during the time frame of your trip.

2. Depending on your goals, no trip is completely wasted. Even if you don't look through a telescope you can find things that make the trip worth your while. However, my personal opinion is that during a full moon, a trip to a dark sky site is not the best idea.

3. Snacks, drinks, a change of clothing, warm clothing - sweaters, hand warmers, socks etc., chairs, shade during the day. 

[Xeroid]

4. Where's the bathroom?

 

Edit: sorry but I'm just a city kid...

Edited by Xeroid, 16 January 2022 - 02:34 PM.

[mlyoung83]

I've done the park and view temporary area across the street.  Things I usually bring:

 

1.  Sweaters and some warm clothes, even if you're going there in the summer.

2.  1-2 Red Lights.

3.  Observing chair, additional chairs, folding table.

4.  Snacks, drinks, and munchies.

 

If I were spending the night in the overnight lot, I think you hit the main points. 

[SarverSkyGuy]

Cherry Springs does have a very nice, clean bathroom near the entrance to the observing field.  And electric outlets are sparingly available around the field, so you could plug in your Keurig in the morning.

It does get cooler than you might expect so, as previously mentioned, bring warm clothing.

 

But, you really need to be there when the Moon isn't an interference, so that you get to see the Milky Way.

[MJB87]

Appreciate the advice. Thanks to all.

 

We make the trip through central PA about 3-4 times per year -- our daughter is at school in Rochester, NY. Those dates are governed by the school schedule. What I am hearing is (1) go when the moon won't be visible for at least a good part of the night and when weather is expected to cooperate, (2) be prepared, (3) make sure there are no other major events.

 

Marty

[randcpoll]

Unless you are attending a star party there is plenty of space, so no need to get there super early. Mid to late afternoon is fine. As mentioned before there are plenty of power poles throughout the site so you can plug in nearly anything but heaters. As for nights for viewing any time about 5 or 6 days before or after the new moon are fine. Just bring the basic camping supplies, but there is a country store with a lot of things about 5 minutes away. Full hardware and grocery stores are about 20-25 minutes away either toward Galeton or Coudersport.

[bunyon]

I understand that your daughter's schedule dictates terms. Makes sense. But be advised that if you're there near Full Moon - really any time between a couple days past first quarter to a couple days before third - it won't be a dark sky. If you've never been to a dark sky, it's hard to appreciate how much the moon affects what you would see when it isn't there. Full moon this year is May 16 - a total lunar eclipse. Would be a good place to watch the eclipse but it won't be a good night (nor the nights around it) for deep sky observing.

[MJB87]

Thanks.

 

I'm a bit confused by the setup. There is a public viewing area across the road, a campsite with reserved spots, and the overnight astronomy observing field. The latter is what I'd want.

 

Does one bring vehicles into that field?  Set up tents there?  Are there specific spots for camping in the overnight astronomy observing field or do you just pay the fee, find a spot out of the way of others, and set up?

 

BTW, I have been to dark sites. One was outside Uluru in Australia. Another was on a sailboat in the Whitsunday Islands. It was very dark in northern Finland, outside Imari. The darkest spot I ever saw was on Lord Howe Island. But I never had a scope with me on any of those.

 

Marty

[SarverSkyGuy]

Yes, you drive to your chosen spot on the observing field.  There aren't specific spots, you just pick a place.  I set up with an observing tent, but I want to stay at least two nights.

[MJB87]

Thanks to all for the advice.  Very helpful.

[xonefs]

 

The plan is for us to experience, for the first time, a dark site with a telescope.

 

I'm genuinely curious- how do you go this long involved in this hobby without trying that? Please don't misinterpret this question but this has always fascinated me since I live in the city and it was like the first thing I set out to do. 

Edited by xonefs, 17 January 2022 - 03:53 PM.

[Dave Mitsky]

The map and information at http://elibrary.dcnr...P_ParkGuide.pdf explains the layout and rules of the park fairly well.

[blue]

Hard agree with all of the advice above - especially on the part about keeping warm. Bring whatever you would need to be comfortable observing and camping with temps in the 30s. I saw photos from this past May with snow still on the ground. Year-round, you can bank on it being quite cold on any clear night.

 

Seems like a minor thing, but I always bring a couple gallons of drinking water. There's a spigot on the field but there have been times in the past it was out of commission. That morning cup of hot coffee while breaking down my gear is, for me, non-negotiable.

 

I also bring a roll of gaffer's tape to temporarily cover up any unwanted/unexpected lights on my setup or in my car that only become obvious once I'm there.

 

For your sake, I hope the schedule allows you to go later in May and closer to the new moon, at least when the moon is rising well after midnight. By that time of year it will be around 10pm before it's truly dark out.

[Dave Mitsky]

A number of years ago the temperature one night dropped to 24 degrees Fahrenheit on the observing field.

[reddog1972]

A number of years ago the temperature one night dropped to 24 degrees Fahrenheit on the observing field.

A number of years ago?  That's happened several times in late 2021 :-)

Night time temperature frequently drops 30 to 35 degrees from daytime highs - people have to be prepared for winter temperatures in the evening almost all year-round except for maybe July and August.... and even then I"m bringing winter gear just in case.

[Dave Mitsky]

A number of years ago?  That's happened several times in late 2021 :-)

Night time temperature frequently drops 30 to 35 degrees from daytime highs - people have to be prepared for winter temperatures in the evening almost all year-round except for maybe July and August.... and even then I"m bringing winter gear just in case.

Well, I wasn't at the park then but I was there on the occasion that I mentioned.   

[MJB87]

I'm genuinely curious- how do you go this long involved in this hobby without trying that? Please don't misinterpret this question but this has always fascinated me since I live in the city and it was like the first thing I set out to do. 

Thanks for the question. It is a very fair one.

 

I've never had a mobile setup. My first telescope was an 14" EdgeHD on a CGE Pro. Hardly mobile. So I built an observatory on my home, which is in Bortle 4-ish conditions. Got into imaging right away so that meant (for me) a permanent observatory, big setup, etc.

 

I recently "won" the lottery to buy a 92mm Stowaway. So now, for the first time, I have a portable setup. Just looking for opportunities to try something different. I'm also getting into NV so I can experiment with that as well.

 

Marty

[MJB87]

I also bring a roll of gaffer's tape to temporarily cover up any unwanted/unexpected lights on my setup or in my car that only become obvious once I'm there.

Great advice, I'll be driving a Honda Ridgeline (probably). I have discovered how to disable all of the lights except the small lights on the bottom of the doors that come on when you open them. Last thing I want to do is show a white light, so I plan to put gaffers tape over all of those lights before the sun sets.

 

Got my "all lights off" checklist all set.  (I also fly planes -- got used to checklists.)

[DantheSpaceMan]

If you bring an iPad or iPhone, use this trick to get red light: https://ios.gadgetha...creen-0173903/ 

 

Keep it dim, as brightness of that screen will stick impact night vision, but it should work well if you need to use it for anything during the night. 

[Chris K]

I went in early September 2021 and loved it. Trying to figure out when to go back this year. Hopefully twice.

 

I observed the first night from dark to about 5:30am. I dressed super warm and needed it:

 

Fresh heavy socks to change into when it became dark

Waterproof hiking boots — heed this warning from Dave Mitsky. He actually told me rubber boots but I didn't have any so I used my waterproof Merrells.

Flannel lined jeans to change into when it became dark

Long sleeved t-shirt with a flannel shirt over it

Winter coat, wool hat and gloves

 

I was very comfy, but even around 3am I had a couple shivers go through me. Likely because I'd been awake for about 20 hours at that point since I had drove from Long Island the previous morning. If you're observing all night, you'll need fuel to snack on. 

 

I arrived on a Friday morning around 11am and had my pick of almost anywhere to park. More and more people arrived as the day wore on.

 

There was PLENTY of electrical outlets, bring a quality outdoor extension cord with 2-3 receptacles on the end. I ended up only needing the 20' one and left the monster one in the car. I had no need for the power pack I brought.

 

I relied heavily on my red headlamp walking to the bathroom.

 

Dew was insane. I almost drowned a couple times. Mr. Mitsky warned me and I'm glad I listened.

 

#1 is waterproof boots

#2 what came in very handy was something to put on my observing chair so i wouldn't be sitting in water... believe it or not I used a car chamois and i was able to stay dry

#3 If you plan on using an iPad for your star chart, I strongly recommend being prepared with dew control for it. Think about a Hot Hands solution or something. I've heard people buy the foot version and stick them on the back of the iPad. I could NOT use my iPad it was so wet with dew. Could not swipe the screen was so wet. Luckily the night before I left i printed my observing lists in case something went wrong with my iPad. So glad i did, however the dew was so bad it was like wet toilet paper and had to be so careful turning the pages. Even the printing from the inkjet printer was starting to bleed. Crazy wet!

 

If there's dew, every surface will get soaked, including your astro gear. I'll think about a good strategy before going again since i don't own any dew control gear.

 

The second night was dry as a bone but the clouds rolled in around 1am and ended my observing. It wasn't as transparent as the first night which was simply magical. The Big Dipper looked like big blue light bulbs to me. I struggled to find Cygnus amongst the milky way. So great.

 

I brought a tiny camp stove and used it to percolate coffee, cook dehydrated meals. I had also pre-made sandwiches before I left home and had them in a cooler bag. There were people there that set up kitchens. You're not supposed to wash your dirty dishes at the water pumps so I brought a wash basin so I could do my cookware washing well away from the camp area and dispose of the grey water.

 

And like any prepared camper... bring toilet paper.

 

Good luck planning. I'm getting psyched myself.

Edited by Chris K, 03 February 2022 - 10:51 PM.

[George N]

.......

 

#1 is waterproof boots

#2 what came in very handy was something to put on my observing chair so i wouldn't be sitting in water... .....

 

At CSSP - and other dewy/frosty sites - I always change into my Gore-Tex rainsuit pants before dark - if the temp is going under freezing, I add long underwear. With those breathable pants on I can sit on a wet/frosty chair or get down onto the wet grass if needed. Waterproof hiking boots are also a necessity. It's no fun observing while wet.

[CT Sound Shooter]

Marty,

 

I’ve been camping at CSSP on the Astronomy Field in my camper for a few years now.
If you plan to visit more than once, consider getting the CSSP Galaxy Pass. It costs something like $65 and you can use it for unlimited camping access to the Astronomy Field for the calendar year.

Star Parties are fun but can get crowded and a bit crazy. If you go to one, be sure to get tickets in advance. Also, be prepared for others who will set up unusually close to you and your equipment. I once had a guy who arrived late on the crowded field and started to set up his pop-up camper so close to my C11 that he was going to block my view to the south. He was oblivious, so, I kindly asked him not to set up in that particular spot. Another year, another star party attendant parked his rig 4 feet from my camper. I didn’t say anything because it was a party, but watching someone park that close to your rig can be a bit unnerving.
Also, if you really like breakfast after a long night of imaging or observing, bring your own. There is only one diner near Cherry Springs State Park (Fez’s) about 12 miles away and that’s was only open Friday-Monday in  2021. The only other morning meal option is the McDonald’s in Coudersport, 15 miles away. The best breakfast in Potter County is probably one that you make yourself. There are a few more options for lunch and dinner, but not many. The Reuben Sandwich at the West End Grille and the Friday Fish Fry at Fez’s are both pretty good.

Hope this helps.

CTSS

Edited by CT Sound Shooter, 09 February 2022 - 02:38 AM.

[profhuster]

As of Mar. 20, 2025, an alert says:

Pets are prohibited in the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field, 
the Campground, and the Night Sky Public Viewing Area.  
If you plan to visit Cherry Springs State Park, 
please make arrangements for your pet.

[Richie2shoes]

 

Questions

1. When would we need to arrive in order to secure a spot for truck and tent?

2. If our only options are to visit when the Moon is up, would that be a wasted trip?

3. What are the essential (non-astronomy) things to bring that some people might forget?

 

Any other advice?  Thanks.

 

Marty

A little late to the party but here's my input

 

No need to arrive extra early, there is plenty of room on the observing field, just make sure you're there before sundown and with enough time to get camp set up.

You won't get the full effect, but its still a nice place to camp and observe.  I wouldn't plan to go on a night with a bright moon, but I were in the area like you, I'd stop.

 

There is power on the field, so a good long extension cord is handy, camping basics, if you are staying more than one night a canopy is nice for shade/shelter.  If you have room, gravity lounge chairs or chaise lounge.  If it is on a dark night, I spend equal time between a telescope, binoculars and just looking up.  A thermos for coffee or tea.  I always make a fresh pot just before dark and pour it in the thermos to enjoy around midnight.