where do other hobby astronomers go to view the skys? my hometown is too light polluted so it seems we have to drive almost an hour north to get dark enough skys with enough stars viewable to the naked eye.
so last night we parked on the side of the highway and got out binoc's out and saw a few interesting things.. went home got the tele, and found that miles in every other directions are either cloudy or Light polluted..
so headed back up to Hopland. park, and don't even get out of the car before we are all freaked out, hearing voices and what not lol.
so my question is where to go that is legal and safe? the side of the freeway just doesn't seem good enough, either the homeless that live on the river are gonna get us or the cops are gonna have us leave.. our only other thought was camping, but really how often are we gonna want to pack up everything and go camping.. kinda discourages us from buying the bigger tele we wanted to (12' dob)..
2007-02-17 07:03:35 · 3 answers · asked by Mighty Opinions 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Are there astonomy groups that go out to a 'community' dark spot? maybe i read the news too much but going out to the river or beach just freaks me out. any ideas? Thanks!!
2007-02-17 07:05:29 · update #1
i feel like i won't enjoy my time out there unless i feel safe, ie: more people and maybe a dog and or gun...mace something..
2007-02-17 07:10:19 · update #2
There should be an astronomical society in your area which holds monthly star parties. Try looking in the phone book or doing a web search for them.
They typically have a dark, safe spot.
Unfortunatly, other than that and camping, finding a dark spot to view for those who live in light polluted areas has it's challanges and dangers. My only advice if you are going to go some place where you feel a bit uneasy is to not go there, or take a number of people along with you.
Do avoid the side of highways and freeways. If you are going to view off of a road make sure it's a rest stop or large turn out area.
2007-02-17 09:17:52 · answer #1 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Finding an observing spot is getting to be more and more of a problem. If there's an astronomy club anywhere near you, check them out. Many clubs hold regular dark-sky events, and/or offer access to safe and secure observing locations. Many of us also spend vacation time and weekends going to major dark-sky star parties. There, you'll get to spend a weekend or a week at a dark site in the company of fellow amateur astronomers. You can find lists of both clubs and star parties at http://www.skytonight.com .
You might also consider supporting the International Dark-Sky Association ( http://www.darksky.org/ ) which works to reduce light pollution.
2007-02-17 08:45:46 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can both see your point and feel your pain. Astronomers have been warning us that telescopes will become worthless by 2050, I was reading somewhere recently. So, probably the best thing for you to do would be to join a local astronomical society and follow their trips out. That should be the safest thing to do.
2007-02-17 08:31:01 · answer #3 · answered by stardom65 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋