Where in the Southwest???

I'm looking for a good dark sky location like a state or national park
that I could bring my big ten inch to to get some good
astrophotography in. I'm looking at Texas, New Mexico in a black light
pollution area preferably. I'm looking at going camping in late July
early August.

On 13 May 2007 21:28:46 -0700, dogman wrote:

I'm looking for a good dark sky location like a state or national park
that I could bring my big ten inch to to get some good
astrophotography in. I'm looking at Texas, New Mexico in a black light
pollution area preferably. I'm looking at going camping in late July
early August.

This is the peak of the southwest monsoon season. It is typically
strongest in Arizona, and decreases to the north and to the east. New
Mexico can have daily severe thunderstorms extending well into the
evening. Something to keep in mind during your planning.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com

dogman wrote:
I'm looking for a good dark sky location like a state or national park
that I could bring my big ten inch to to get some good
astrophotography in. I'm looking at Texas, New Mexico in a black light
pollution area preferably. I'm looking at going camping in late July
early August.

Unfortunately those months are a very poor time for astronomy in the
southwest because it's our monsoon rainy season. You'd have better luck
in September and even better in October. Another option would be
someplace the monsoonal flow doesn't reach. Maybe Nevada or southern
Colorado?

Clear skies,
Greg

--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)

SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html

To reply take out your eye

On May 14, 12:42 am, Greg Crinklaw
wrote:
dogman wrote:
I'm looking for a good dark sky location like a state or national park
that I could bring my big ten inch to to get some good
astrophotography in. I'm looking at Texas, New Mexico in a black light
pollution area preferably. I'm looking at going camping in late July
early August.

Unfortunately those months are a very poor time for astronomy in the
southwest because it's our monsoon rainy season. You'd have better luck
in September and even better in October. Another option would be
someplace the monsoonal flow doesn't reach. Maybe Nevada or southern
Colorado?

Clear skies,
Greg

--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)

SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing:http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html

To reply take out your eye

Come to think of it the last few days of July are a full moon anyways.
How about Southern Colorado near Mr. Peterson's place???

On 13 May 2007 22:18:59 -0700, dogman wrote:

Come to think of it the last few days of July are a full moon anyways.
How about Southern Colorado near Mr. Peterson's place???

I'm in central Colorado, and there are indeed many fine dark sky
locations as well as a lot of public land. We lie on the northern edge
of the southwest monsoon. Historically, we've seen afternoon
thunderstorms that dissipated by early evening, leaving clear nights.
The last couple of years, however, the summers have been much wetter,
with fewer good observing nights. Whether this marks a permanent change
due to global climate change (it matches some predictions), or is simply
anomalous, remains to be seen.

If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, you might consider
the Rocky Mountain Star Stare, a fine star party hosted by the Colorado
Springs Astronomical Society. This year it's June 14-17, in the
mountains at the edge of South Park. RMSS attracts about 300 guests, and
there's lots of room for camping. Details are at http://www.rmss.org/ .

If you'd like other suggestions for places in Colorado to observe, feel
free to contact me privately.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com

Unfortunately those months are a very poor time for astronomy in the
southwest because it's our monsoon rainy season. You'd have better luck
in September and even better in October. Another option would be
someplace the monsoonal flow doesn't reach. Maybe Nevada or southern
Colorado?

Or maybe Alaska?