55 replies to this topic

[Larry Mc]

Great trip report Geoff!

Did you get a chance to try for the elliptical galaxy Centaurus A, NGC5128? It's a wee bit higher (at 7.5 degrees) than Omega. That clear to the horizon southern view at Calhoun makes the difference in seeing both of these objects.

Our group will be up at our ORAS Observatory early next week, hoping for a few nights of EAA observing before the rain sets in later in that week.

I'm on tap to give a presentation there next Saturday:  http://www.oras.org/...d_outreach.html

Glad to hear about the improvements that Calhoun Park continues to make! Are both 'seats' in the restroom functional now, and showers?

Can you share any more details on the roadwork? Not sure if you're referring to coming up thru the middle of the campground or the steep road along the side.

 

I'm hoping to get down to Calhoun for the July New Moon.

Larry

[Chucky]

(( Are both 'seats' in the restroom functional now, and showers? ))

Yes. Yes.  Both rooms complete with space heaters.  

 

 

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Edited by Chucky, 05 May 2024 - 06:30 AM.

[Chucky]

Bill Burton of central Ohio captured both Omega C. and Centaurus A.  Bill did amazing work.  And to think this was done with a 50 mm scope, with the objects less than 4 degrees above the horizon in less than ideal transparent skies.  38.9 north latitude.

 

 

 

 

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Edited by Chucky, 05 May 2024 - 11:59 AM.

[Chucky]

Geoff, it was really nice meeting you.  Always great to know another astronomer!  You have a very nice astro trailer, and some fine scopes/mounts.  And the pictures you produced were awesome.  

 

It was a fun 2 days.  As always, hiking the loop trail was one of the highlights of our trip.  Wednesday night was ok (with barely so-so transparency), while Thursday night was overall quite good.

 

My 25 year old home brew humble 10 F6.  

 

 

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[Richie2shoes]

Calhoun050324.jpgSeveral of us from Pittsburgh were planning on a Cherry Springs visit next week for the new moon, but the weather looks to close us out. When this Weds and Thurs looked promising, I had an open couple of days (retirement can give you that!!), so I loaded my camper and motored down to Calhoun for two nights. This would be my third visit to the Park since last September.

 

I hoped to shake the cobwebs out of my gear (and my head!) and set up both of my scopes – one for visual and one for AP and give them a good run.

 

I arrived Weds late afternoon, and there were three other cars parked, Chuck and Jenn (tenting), Tim and Bill (in the newly refinished bunk house) - all longtime friends from Columbus. Bill and Tim had EAA rigs – a Seestar and a refractor/ASIAIR/ZWO522 combo. Chuck had his homemade 10” (or 12”?) Dob.

 

The weather held through the first night, especially after some high, thin cloud cover cleared out by 11 or so. I got 7 hrs of photos of M66 (Leo trio), M3 and M13.  The highlight of the night was that Tim and Bill managed to land a few minutes on Omega Centauri as it just peeked (4° in altitude at transit) over the low southern treetops at midnight. Nice!

I’d hoped to get a crack at Omega Centauri the second night, but too much haze on the horizon. Couldn’t see any stars below 8°. The second night, however, had better seeing than the first once you got above 20° – and Chuck and I kept voicing our pleasure!  I managed another 7 hours of data on my same targets. Both Chuck and I saw bright meteors around midnight. Listening to the May “Actual Astronomy” podcast on the way home (I enjoy them!), I found out that all through May – and peaking this Sunday, what we likely saw was part of the Eta Aquarid shower, which is the remnant of Halley’s Comet!!  Had no idea!!

 

The nights were warm, and it was a pleasure to work through some visual targets while my other scope snaps away. There was plenty of friendly conversation through the day and the nights, including a late-night visit by John – one of the Park Board members. The team that develops this place is doing great work. The bathrooms and bunk house are now operational and in use since my last visit, and the driveway up the hill has been leveled and covered with gravel. The place looks great.

 

I had a special delight in the “Who cooks for you” Barred owls calling late into both nights, as were the barking coyotes – one nearby coyote gave a great howl the second night! Wonderful!!! There were even a host of early season fireflies out, echoing their ‘Amen’ to the stars overhead. Me too!!

 

Great review, Geoff!  I definitely need to make it down there at some point.  You're right about one thing, this whole job thing really limits observing nights!

[Larry Mc]

Wow!!! Thanks for the pic Chucky!

Donnie, Roger, and the Calhoun Park crew really did an awesome job on the restrooms!!! That look great! (even my wife was impressed, lol).

 

Oh, and Bill's 'SeeStar' pics look great too. Those are really nice scopes for doing EAA with.

[GeoffC47]

Can you share any more details on the roadwork?

Larry

The short portion of gravel road that rises sharply up to the field at the end as you drive in was heavily rutted when I visited in Dec. Towing, I had to drop into 4th gear and avoid the deeper ruts.  

This visit, the ruts had been covered with fresh gravel, and maybe the road had been scraped as well. It was smooth and no problem to climb.  A big thanks to the folks who got that done!

 

Geoff

[Chucky]

I'm seriously thinking of going down tomorrow and Friday nights. Anyone else thinking same? Next week doesn't look all that good. Want to at least get in some observing, even if 3.5 hours or so each night.

Edited by Chucky, 29 May 2024 - 08:01 AM.

[Astrophotojeff]

I am trying to make this happen.

[Astrophotojeff]

Chuck let me know if you are coming down. I am preparing to come up Thursday evening and stay through Saturday.

[Chucky]

As of now, I am planning on Thursday and Friday. A few issues to still iron out.

[Chucky]

Due to factors beyond my control, I can't make the trip down. Possibly next week if the weather cooperates.

[Astrophotojeff]

Thanks Chuck. I will stay close to home as my daughter is expecting any day. Hope to catch up soon.

[GeoffC47]

You guys!!  My schedule just cleared and I'm heading down to Calhoun now, should be there by 6 for two nights.  

 

Will miss you guys!! 

[buckyball]

Good morning, the park hosted a local star party Friday night and we had around 25-30 people.  We setup on the first ridge. Weather was clear and very cool !!  Three of the local community brought telescopes: Celestron 4-inch refractor with iPhone star finder to iPad setup, Seestar s50, and a pristine black Bushnell (?4 1/4-inch f/4?) similar to the red Edmons Astroscan.

A local student, Jasmine, started the guided evening star tour for the public.   

 

Donnie was using the park's new 8inch Edge HD with great success.  We might be converting him into an astronomer...but he still really likes his vintage autos!! Guess we all have several hobbies...

 

Geoff and Alex were in the back field Thursday and Friday nights imaging galaxies, I believe.  We all left Saturday. 

............................................

The shower rooms are fantastic.  

Donnie and I got the observatory dome wall bolted down and Debbie, my wife, cleaned the sections of the top. Most of all the mold, lichen, moss cleaned off.  Donnie has a buffer and gentle wax/polish to clean them the rest of the way.  

 

John

[Larry Mc]

It was a Great night for Starclouds here at Calhoun.

There were 11 of us on the field. While the day started off warm and muggy, mid-afternoon the humidity dropped and it was ok sitting outside in the shade. The evening started off clear, but clouds eventually rolled in around 2am.

The next couple of nights look good.

 

 

 

[Larry Mc]

A few images from last night:

AllSky camera:

 

M7 starcloud region using my EVO50mm Refractor and a Canon CCTV lens set to 25mm:

   

 

Finally, Baades Window and the Large Sagittarius Starcloud using the EVO50mm:

 

 

[Larry Mc]

hi all,

Had a good time last week at Calhoun. (though it was a hot one).
The Summer Starclouds around our galactic center were beautiful!

I was inspired to create a new webpage highlighting the central bulge: http://stellar-journ...ccentertour.htm

 

   

 

In addition to our group from ORAS, here's a couple of amateurs who joined us on the observing field. (Ed & Jacob, and Geoff, all from Pgh)

 

   

 

   

I've uploaded my trip report to my website.
Here's the direct link: http://stellar-journ...un-July2024.pdf
Additionally, all the 'field' photos can be found here: http://stellar-journ...rtypictures.htm

Looking forward to getting back to Calhoun later this year!

 

 

[PistolPete13]

Hi all,

 

Rookie astrophotographer here living in NYC.  Always on the hunt for dark sky locations within driving distance (< 12 hrs) and stumbled across this thread.  Campgrounds in NY State shut down between Columbus Day and Memorial Day which leaves a huge gap for not having easy dark sky access.

Am I right in understanding that this location stays open during the winter months?  The information I've found online has so far been a bit vague about cabin availablilty and camping during the off season.

Any additional pointers to help me decide if a trip here is feasible during the fall or winter is appreciated!  I don't mind tent camping as long as overnight temps don't get below 40.

 

Thanks,

-Pete

[Phillip Creed]

Hi all,

 

Rookie astrophotographer here living in NYC.  Always on the hunt for dark sky locations within driving distance (< 12 hrs) and stumbled across this thread.  Campgrounds in NY State shut down between Columbus Day and Memorial Day which leaves a huge gap for not having easy dark sky access.

Am I right in understanding that this location stays open during the winter months?  The information I've found online has so far been a bit vague about cabin availablilty and camping during the off season.

Any additional pointers to help me decide if a trip here is feasible during the fall or winter is appreciated!  I don't mind tent camping as long as overnight temps don't get below 40.

 

Thanks,

-Pete

Pete,

It's been two years since I've been there, but before 2016 I was a regular visitor and have been meaning to go back there.

Calhoun County Park is open year-round.  There is a stargazing cabin that's available for rent.  Traditionally what I've rented is the renovated barn that also serves as a local community center.  Both are climate-controlled with bathrooms and showers.  The barn also has a full-service kitchen.

I believe they've now put bunkhouses in, too.

There are multiple ridgetop locations that one can set up, though the southeastern observing field near the stargazing cabin is now the preferred location.

Clear Skies,

Phil

Edited by Phillip Creed, 14 August 2024 - 08:04 AM.

[Chucky]

I'm observing tonight at Calhoun. 2 others from Columbus have the cabin. Very quiet and peaceful.

[Chucky]

Had quite a nice night of observing this past Monday.  Very transparent.  An ideal night for sure.  The smoke has not made it's way down to Calhoun.  Saw 4 nice shooting stars.  The loudest coyotes and owls I've ever heard there.  Did the full hike around the park.  Counted 18 deer Tuesday morning.....not including 6 looking at me while I was having my morning coffee at my tent.

 

I picked up the following updates from Roger and Donnie:

 

1.  They took out some of the grade driving up to the cabin.  And put down new stone.  Still a bit soft.  If that ever hardens, I think it'll be better....especially for those pulling a trailer.

 

2.  The are in the process of installing 30 new really nice concrete picnic tables.  Several are now located at the new restrooms/shower building.

 

3.  They will be adding new dirt and grading next to the restrooms/shower near where the septic tank is located.

 

4.  They drywalled and painted inside the new bunk house.  New flooring.  Will be soon installing a new heater/air conditioner unit.  Will be adding plywood on top of the beds.  Guests will need to bring an air mattress or pad.

 

5.  Will be soon demolishing the old metal former airplane hanger on the hill.  It's used today to store mowers/etc.  A new building will be erected.

 

6.  The Roger Jarvis baseball field near the park entrance has been totally demolished.  It's been regraded with new top soil.  They will be seeding soon and installing new metal fencing ($40k), dugouts, stands, scoreboard.  If they is enough room near the outfield, they want to establish a T-Ball area.

 

7.  Several really nice new maps of the park have been installed.  One next to the main barn, the other as you drive into the park.  These maps have three starred areas denoted on the map.  These are locations in the park that will have new historical markers installed.  Pretty cool.  I will not spoil what they describe.

 

8.  They are working on the barn.  Siding still a work in progress.....with several pieces still not installed.  Incorrecty sized new windows required a great deal of revised framing before they could be put into place.  Focusing efforts on the roof right now.....from the inside looking for leak/s.  The windows/siding/roof have really been challenging.

 

9.  The fiberglass dome seems to be moving along.  It's on a concrete foundation.  The lower section of sides has been installed.  The upper pieces are now neatly placed in the grass next to the cabin.  They have been cleaned and look in very nice shape.  Probably not far from being installed.

 

Many of these improvements are being funded by $ 100,000+ of unused COVID money which came their way.

Edited by Chucky, 04 September 2024 - 08:22 PM.

[Astrophotojeff]

Thank you, Chuck, for the wonderful updates. I hope to get to Calhoun soon. I may go to the Staunton Star party in October. Hope to see you soon.

[Chucky]

Hey Jeff.  Hope life finds you doing well.  

[Phillip Creed]

Had quite a nice night of observing this past Monday.  Very transparent.  An ideal night for sure.  The smoke has not made it's way down to Calhoun.  Saw 4 nice shooting stars.  The loudest coyotes and owls I've ever heard there.  Did the full hike around the park.  Counted 18 deer Tuesday morning.....not including 6 looking at me while I was having my morning coffee at my tent.

 

I picked up the following updates from Roger and Donnie:

 

1.  They took out some of the grade driving up to the cabin.  And put down new stone.  Still a bit soft.  If that ever hardens, I think it'll be better....especially for those pulling a trailer.

 

2.  The are in the process of installing 30 new really nice concrete picnic tables.  Several are now located at the new restrooms/shower building.

 

3.  They will be adding new dirt and grading next to the restrooms/shower near where the septic tank is located.

 

4.  They drywalled and painted inside the new bunk house.  New flooring.  Will be soon installing a new heater/air conditioner unit.  Will be adding plywood on top of the beds.  Guests will need to bring an air mattress or pad.

 

5.  Will be soon demolishing the old metal former airplane hanger on the hill.  It's used today to store mowers/etc.  A new building will be erected.

 

6.  The Roger Jarvis baseball field near the park entrance has been totally demolished.  It's been regraded with new top soil.  They will be seeding soon and installing new metal fencing ($40k), dugouts, stands, scoreboard.  If they is enough room near the outfield, they want to establish a T-Ball area.

 

7.  Several really nice new maps of the park have been installed.  One next to the main barn, the other as you drive into the park.  These maps have three starred areas denoted on the map.  These are locations in the park that will have new historical markers installed.  Pretty cool.  I will not spoil what they describe.

 

8.  They are working on the barn.  Siding still a work in progress.....with several pieces still not installed.  Incorrecty sized new windows required a great deal of revised framing before they could be put into place.  Focusing efforts on the roof right now.....from the inside looking for leak/s.  The windows/siding/roof have really been challenging.

 

9.  The fiberglass dome seems to be moving along.  It's on a concrete foundation.  The lower section of sides has been installed.  The upper pieces are now neatly placed in the grass next to the cabin.  They have been cleaned and look in very nice shape.  Probably not far from being installed.

 

Many of these improvements are being funded by $ 100,000+ of unused COVID money which came their way.

Chucky,

Any pictures?

Clear Skies,

Phil