Chicagoan looking for a good stargazing site away from the city . . .

Hello all:

I recently purchased a telescope and began stargazing in my back yard. I
live within Chicago and the city's light pollution is a serious handicap.
This is a long shot, but I am on the lookout for a viewing site away from
the city lights.

I am willing to drive 75 to 90 (or so) miles. I know from experience that
it takes 50 to 70 miles of travel before Chicago's glow diminishes when (to
arbitrarily pick a direction) one travels south-west on I55.

The ideal location would have: 1) a low, unimpeded horizon in all
directions; 2) a hard (concrete, asphalt, etc) surface mid-point in the
above area, large enough for the telescope mount to be placed on; 3)
year-round, 24 hour-a-day, access, 4) parking nearby for a car, and; 5)no
fees to stargazers wishing to gain entrance! (See . . . I'm not picky . . .
I didn't even ask for washroom availability!)

Possibly a state park, but don't those all close at night? Any info on such
a location would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
One who cannot yet move to Arizona . . .

Larry - There are several astronomy clubs in the Chicago area. Most have
regularly scheduled observing because of agreements they have with local,
county and state parks (and in some cases private land owners). You most
likely would have to be a member in order to use their viewing sites.
Membership is usually in the $10-$25 price range. However most have monthly
club meetings that are open to the public so you could visit the club before
you join. The Kane County club doesn't meet, only observes and does not
require membership dues. Checkout:

Chicago Astronomical Society
Lake County Astronomical Society
Kane County Astronomical Association
Northwest Suburban Astronomers
Skokie Valley Astronomers
Fox Valley Astronomical Society

There are others in the area also. Here is a directory link of Illinois
astronomy clubs. The top ones are in the Chicago area.

http://www.fvastro.org/ill_clubs.htm

Gordon

"Larry Zak" wrote in message
news:n%pIb.693020$HS4.4927057@attbi_s01...
Hello all:

I recently purchased a telescope and began stargazing in my back yard. I
live within Chicago and the city's light pollution is a serious handicap.
This is a long shot, but I am on the lookout for a viewing site away from
the city lights.

I am willing to drive 75 to 90 (or so) miles. I know from experience that
it takes 50 to 70 miles of travel before Chicago's glow diminishes when
(to
arbitrarily pick a direction) one travels south-west on I55.

The ideal location would have: 1) a low, unimpeded horizon in all
directions; 2) a hard (concrete, asphalt, etc) surface mid-point in the
above area, large enough for the telescope mount to be placed on; 3)
year-round, 24 hour-a-day, access, 4) parking nearby for a car, and; 5)no
fees to stargazers wishing to gain entrance! (See . . . I'm not picky . .
..
I didn't even ask for washroom availability!)

Possibly a state park, but don't those all close at night? Any info on
such
a location would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
One who cannot yet move to Arizona . . .

Larry - There are several astronomy clubs in the Chicago area. Most have
regularly scheduled observing because of agreements they have with local,
county and state parks (and in some cases private land owners). You most
likely would have to be a member in order to use their viewing sites.
Membership is usually in the $10-$25 price range. However most have monthly
club meetings that are open to the public so you could visit the club before
you join. The Kane County club doesn't meet, only observes and does not
require membership dues. Checkout:

Chicago Astronomical Society
Lake County Astronomical Society
Kane County Astronomical Association
Northwest Suburban Astronomers
Skokie Valley Astronomers
Fox Valley Astronomical Society

There are others in the area also. Here is a directory link of Illinois
astronomy clubs. The top ones are in the Chicago area.

http://www.fvastro.org/ill_clubs.htm

Gordon

"Larry Zak" wrote in message
news:n%pIb.693020$HS4.4927057@attbi_s01...
Hello all:

I recently purchased a telescope and began stargazing in my back yard. I
live within Chicago and the city's light pollution is a serious handicap.
This is a long shot, but I am on the lookout for a viewing site away from
the city lights.

I am willing to drive 75 to 90 (or so) miles. I know from experience that
it takes 50 to 70 miles of travel before Chicago's glow diminishes when
(to
arbitrarily pick a direction) one travels south-west on I55.

The ideal location would have: 1) a low, unimpeded horizon in all
directions; 2) a hard (concrete, asphalt, etc) surface mid-point in the
above area, large enough for the telescope mount to be placed on; 3)
year-round, 24 hour-a-day, access, 4) parking nearby for a car, and; 5)no
fees to stargazers wishing to gain entrance! (See . . . I'm not picky . .
..
I didn't even ask for washroom availability!)

Possibly a state park, but don't those all close at night? Any info on
such
a location would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
One who cannot yet move to Arizona . . .