pan shot
courtesy of Mojo
SFAA Yosemite Star Party at Glacier PointJuly 11-12, 2008
Photos of our weekend.
Please review the directions and guidelines. The campsite is 8.5
miles away from Glacier Point.
Background- For those of you unfamiliar with this event, we are given free,
reserved admission to the national park and shared camping space. In exchange, we give two public star
parties at Glacier Point, on Friday and Saturday night. We'll have the
public (about 200 - 300 people) from twilight for a few hours, and then the
rest of the night (and all day) to ourselves; this is a mighty good deal,
considering how some folks come 12,000 miles to see these rocks.
National Park Service limits astronomy clubs to a maximum of 30 SFAA campers. Please do not ask if your friends can
come …
unless they are SFAA members. Want to join the
SFAA?
This is our biggest membership hook; come join the SFAA! You are
expected to have at least one public telescope for every two
people. Check the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather info on
Observing site- The observing area is mostly open, with incredible views from about
NNW to the east, around to due south. The horizon from south around to
the west is partly blocked by tall trees. Still, there is a lot of open sky,
and typically, the seeing and transparency are excellent. It has warm temperatures of 70 to
90 during the day, and cool to chilly 40's at night, due to the elevation of
7200 feet.
Star Party- One of the rangers does a sunset talk, and then delivers
the crowd
to us. Following that, a member of the club will give an evening talk, (want to volunteer?)
The public will have white flashlights, and we need to
be tolerant of
that. We will have 3 club members with red brake light tape to politely cover the
offending
flashlights. Expect many questions from the public. Here
is an object list with corresponding finder charts and some brief information.
Fun part- By around 9:30 or so, we will have the place to ourselves, and can
stay until dawn. Scopes must be removed when we quit, then set up again on
Saturday. Some of us may set up sun scopes during the afternoon, show Half Dome, and
invite people to come again after sunset.
Gastronomic Astronomic- Early Saturday eve is the traditional potluck meal and is
always fun.
Please provide enough for ~ say 4 or 5 people. Salads, main
courses, pu pu's and desserts are all welcome. Let's
try again for the best astronomical theme of incredible edibles.
Remember the Brown Dwarfs? Prizes will again be awarded! Please
remember this repast takes time so it's better to start our own
gastronomic party early so there’s no need to rush for set up
Saturday evening
on Glacier Point. Sunset Saturday will be at 8:25 pm.
Saw you at the campsite,
Ken
Copyright © 2008
