9 replies to this topic

[ronbriggs44]

I have never been to one of these and I am very much looking forward to it!! Great Orion Dark Sky Festival, March 27th-30th.

 

https://www.easterns...rk-sky-festival

 

I will be there with 16" Explore Scientific and 20" Taurus dobs and a 4-inch TV refractor. I am excited to talk to others, see their set-ups (hopefully look through some eyepieces I have never looked through), and share in this great hobby!

 

Any other CN'ers gonna be there?

 

 

[cyclebiff]

I'll actually be nearby with off road group! $215 is a little steep for stopping by for one night 😭

Are there 1-night passes? I've never been to a star party before and would love to learn more

[desert_sage]

Oooh, panamint valley, might be nice!

[ronbriggs44]

I'll actually be nearby with off road group! $215 is a little steep for stopping by for one night

Are there 1-night passes? I've never been to a star party before and would love to learn more

I don't think they have 1 night passes. I have never been either, so I am not sure how it all works, but three nights of collaboration sounds pretty fun! I will report how it goes! I have zero astronomy peeps here in Ventura. So I am always solo, except when I go to a campsite somewhere like Death Valley, then I always end up with a "crew," but they never have any gear...  

 

Ron

[cliff mygatt]

I love observing in Death Valleyand was there last month.  Being from western Washington, the night sky are horrible in the winter.  this sounds great!

[ronbriggs44]

I love observing in Death Valleyand was there last month.  Being from western Washington, the night sky are horrible in the winter.  this sounds great!

Yeah, nothing like the desert (unless you add elevation!). Looks like we have sister ES scopes! :-)

 

Ron

[desert_sage]

I will mention that winds can be a real issue in the California deserts.  

 

Several of my club's trips to Red Rock Canyon State Park have been canceled or suffered badly. The winds actually blew over a members 25" dob on one memorable occasion (no damage thankfully).  It (RRCSP) is just about an hours drive south of the GOSP location.

 

(We actually have a SP scheduled there at red cliffs for march 29 btw, a messier marathon theme.)

 

I am not saying to not go to GOSP, they explicitly mention giving a credit if they have to cancel, just be aware and check the weather beforehand if you are traveling a long distance!

 

I will mention that Chuchupate Campground parking lot and Mt. Pinos parking lot are not too far from Ventura, and allow overnight stays and are usually busy on dark weekend nights.   They aren't star parties per se, but most non-imagers will happily let you look through their scopes if you ask politely.

[ronbriggs44]

I will mention that winds can be a real issue in the California deserts.  

 

Several of my club's trips to Red Rock Canyon State Park have been canceled or suffered badly. The winds actually blew over a members 25" dob on one memorable occasion (no damage thankfully).  It (RRCSP) is just about an hours drive south of the GOSP location.

 

(We actually have a SP scheduled there at red cliffs for march 29 btw, a messier marathon theme.)

 

I am not saying to not go to GOSP, they explicitly mention giving a credit if they have to cancel, just be aware and check the weather beforehand if you are traveling a long distance!

 

I will mention that Chuchupate Campground parking lot and Mt. Pinos parking lot are not too far from Ventura, and allow overnight stays and are usually busy on dark weekend nights.   They aren't star parties per se, but most non-imagers will happily let you look through their scopes if you ask politely.

Yup! Will be taking a look at the forecast. I had a 16" blow over in Borrego Springs from a gust. No damage luckily! I was in DV for New Years and on the way home stayed a night at RRCDP and was VERY impressed with the skies and campsites. It is great there! I was thinking I do not have to drive all the way to DV next time. And yes, Mt. Pinos has been a go-to spot a couple of times (we stay at Pine Mountain club so my wife is happy and then I head up the mountain. If I wasn't already going to the GOSP, I'd be interested in the heading to RR.

 

Thanks!

 

Ron

[ronbriggs44]

I will mention that winds can be a real issue in the California deserts.  

 

Several of my club's trips to Red Rock Canyon State Park have been canceled or suffered badly. The winds actually blew over a members 25" dob on one memorable occasion (no damage thankfully).  It (RRCSP) is just about an hours drive south of the GOSP location.

 

(We actually have a SP scheduled there at red cliffs for march 29 btw, a messier marathon theme.)

 

I am not saying to not go to GOSP, they explicitly mention giving a credit if they have to cancel, just be aware and check the weather beforehand if you are traveling a long distance!

 

I will mention that Chuchupate Campground parking lot and Mt. Pinos parking lot are not too far from Ventura, and allow overnight stays and are usually busy on dark weekend nights.   They aren't star parties per se, but most non-imagers will happily let you look through their scopes if you ask politely.

I forgot to ask what your club's name is and if you are open to new members... :-)

 

Ron

[desert_sage]

HI Ron,

 

I should have said.

 

It is the Antelope Valley Astronomy Club, and we are always welcome to new members, though Ventura is a ways...

 

https://avastronomyclub.org

 

The official meeting is every 2nd Friday of the month at the (newly upgraded) Sage Planetarium in Palmdale.

 

It's free to visit, since it's held in a public (school district) facility.

 

Ed