Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jun 23, 2014 0:50:36 GMT -8
Would some of you want to try to meet up some time in July for a bring your own scope session?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2014 6:21:51 GMT -8
The weekend Saturday evening of July 19th, the Moon rises at 12:53 only an hour after it gets dark (no twilight from 11:54 to 02:36). The following weekend of July 26th is much better with moonless dark from about 11:30 to 03:00. That would be the weekend some of us would consider heading out to the Loon Lake Gravel Pit up the Coq Connector (Merritt Star Quest Site)and do a bit of camping. Weather permitting of course.
Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park would be all full. The Highways Department lets us stay at the pit if we have a scope, have no fires and keep away from any pit working areas.
As for mid week observing, I hope to get out that moonless run whenever it gets clear. I've found a new observing site up the Coq. that's about 20 min past Hope. There's room for several of us. Let me know if you'd be interested in that.
If it got really good I'd consider camping mid week at the Pit.
DSD.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jun 24, 2014 0:09:48 GMT -8
I would certainly like to get out of the valley to a dark site, especially when there is no moon. I went up past Davis Lake last week when it was clear. I saw M31, M32, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and over 20 other items in the "Sky Tour" feature (I had not used that before). The forest service road was very rough, and right on the limit for when travelling with a scope. It was much worse then when I had last been up that way about six years ago. I even had to collimate my SCT but with the bobs knobs it was relatively quick. That was only the second time have had to do it since I bought the scope (including when I installed the knobs). Up past Davis lake was the best seeing I have had yet, and it makes me really want to find other places to go without so much light pollution. My only consideration is that I have arthritis and multiple disc problems, so driving for two and a half hours is my limit without taking a two to four hour stop. Anyone on here, if you are going to head out any time I would appreciate it if you let me know. I dont have a cell phone right now, but I should have one by the end of the week. I have a skype hand set, and my user name is in my account info on here (if you log in.) You will have to add me (please change the default message to let me know you are not a spam bot), then I will add you back and give you a call (I can call any phone anywhere on the continent for free and have unlimited voicemail). When I do get a new cell I will add that number to the members only contact info in my profile. -Adhamh
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2014 9:16:33 GMT -8
Hi Adhamh, nice to hear you had a good time up past Davis lake with your C-8. Yes that road is rough and slow going. Plus there's always the drunken gun crowd that loves that area. Mark M. goes up there and always has his big dog along.
I emailed you my new Coqahalla site driving instructions. Smooth blacktop all the way except for the last 100 meters.
Another member with a bad back. That sucks. You'll have to talk with Bob H. My back has always been 10 years older than me since my surgery 28 years ago, but I'm mostly pain free.
I'm trying to gather up an email list of dark sky people who are willing to drive a bit farther to find the dark. We are so blessed to have easy access to 'gray zone' skies on the light pollution map. The whole eastern half of the US can't get to what we have access to just an hour or so away.
Darrell.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jun 24, 2014 23:20:12 GMT -8
Thanks for the email Darrell, it looks like a nice spot, certainly better then in the valley. We are very spoiled with where we live in that regard and many others.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2014 11:47:31 GMT -8
DSD, put me on the list! Davis Lake north is a great spot with a 21 sky,but as Darrell has said,drunken gun crowd. Three words to take to heart. I have found a nice spot away from the crowd up a recent logging road. The last 5K is steep and rough 4x4 only,which is why i suspect i don't get any visitors. Only downside right now is the short night.And bugs! But looking at the light pollution atlas, it doesn't get any better for a short drive. We are blessed. Finally nights are getting longer,looking forward to MSQ. MMc
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2014 14:53:49 GMT -8
Hey Mark, you're on the list. That should make it six of us so far. There's lots of people that want to get out but few that want to drive to the gray zone.
The Coq. Shylock Observing Spot was bug free on June 1st and the Sky Quality Meter gave us 21.45 Plus the seeing was quite good that night. It's also up above the river by 400 feet and the weekend warriors like to camp on the flat spots down by the river so it seems to be yahoo free.
I'll cook up a directions email (with a google earth shot included) to make sure I have all the right email addresses. I was thinking on a newsletter article about the site but I'm not sure if Phill is still going to be creating them. When Adrian and I were first there we thought you could nose 5 cars across the north end with each working south of our vehicles. Then that still left the south half of the spot with possible south horizon restrictions. The area is moderately sloped higher north to lower south.
Yes the twilight is a pain but it will be gone for the July Run.
DSD.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jun 27, 2014 1:35:37 GMT -8
The Shylock site looks great from Google Earth and the pictures you sent. Next time someone is heading up that way let me know.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jun 30, 2014 4:44:36 GMT -8
I went out a little bit last night by the Matsqui trail spot, and the difference from last time for how long the sky is actually dark was noticeable. I didn't stay out long though, as I forgot to bring my dew shield. It was enough to give some people that were out for a walk a decent look at Saturn. This was the first time I have seen people there in the evening that I didn't invite, but its always fun to have someone see something the first time.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 8:08:52 GMT -8
Thanks for the report Adhamh,
I'm toying with the idea of Shylock for tonight but the Twilight really makes me wonder if it would be a waste of gas and time this time. What time did you quit last night?
Darrell.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 11:57:07 GMT -8
Well last night was fantastic. Up at my spot,setup by 11,observed till after 2 AM. Around midnight,it got a bit cloudy,but that blew off after 20 minutes. The northern sky had that midnight sun look to it. Overhead was awesome,i worked the north arm of Cygnus over to Draco,looking for the elusive Draco Dwarf galaxy for over an hour to no avail. The sky is no Merritt here, so it's not what you see,but what you don't. The Cats eye neb took up most of the remaining night. No yahoos but the bugs were out it force. I am pretty burnt out now, but if the sky holds,i am back out tonight. MMC
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 18:23:27 GMT -8
Glad you had a good time Mark. That Draco Dwarf is a tuff one. Looks like it's going to be good tonight too. But alas, I'll pass. Will mow the lawn now and go to work at the vegetable farm in the morning. Happy Observing.
Darrell.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 2, 2014 2:35:34 GMT -8
Darrel, I started packing up at about 12:40am on the 30th. If I had brought my dew shield along, I would have stayed until around 3:00 but that would include putting my feet up in my reclining portable chair. lol Mark, at least you were able to see the Cats Eye. Its always a little frustrating when you cannot find something you really want to look at, but that is a nice consolation prize. The bugs up by Davis last time I went that way on the 20th of last month were not bad at all. I stayed there until after 3, as the valley put off the glare of Sunrise and I was able to see things fade out. We went out to Manning yesterday, the bugs there were worse then I expected so I used some deet as the horsefly's liked me. I try head out of town when Abbotsford puts events on at Exhibition Park if the weather is good, as my neighbourhood gets insane with people parking and partying all over. I did not bring my C8 as that would not be worth the effort until it is dark a lot longer. I want to do that sometime in late September and observe up at the lookout. I brought my Vixen 22x spotting scope along, and we went up to the lookout for sunset and hung out until midnight. Had a good time, but my dog got cold so she went into the car and slept. It was down to 6 centigrade at the lookout when we left but my car doesn't do wind chill so it was actually colder by 1-2 degrees. There was still some residual snow on the ground just up by the head to the Blackwall Ridge lookout trail. I talked briefly to park staff, and they keep the access to the lookout open a lot longer (date wise, it is open 24hrs) then the gate to the Alpine backpacking trails. I phoned them last week to talk to them about getting access after it is normally closed, and should get a call back sometime next week after the summer person figures it out with whomever might know. I didn't even mention being a FVAS member. The horizon at the lookout is significantly better then my usual spot by the Fraser. It had been over 3 years since I was up there last (and it was April then), I forgot how nice it was. Even with my spotting scope you could see very clearly the craters on the moon. It helped that it is a waxing crescent. You could even see the outline of the shadow portion clearly with just the 22x. You are up high enough there, that you can see a pollution layer above the highway along the valley. Up that high, the Sun did not fully set while we were there. The horizon to the east still had a smudge of lighter blue, about the width of your little finger along the edge of the easterly mountains. You could clearly see if you looked straight up about a magnitude 7-8 at best, east was slightly better. I just visually referenced stars as I do not have a light meter, then used The SkyX (the magnitude limit slider) once I got home to check. I should look for an app for my phone (android), but I don't know how well those actually work. You could make out a bunch of satellites with your naked eye easy enough. Its surprising how many are going due north to south, and some the other way. It looks like the middle of next week should be good for observing, but anything longer then three days ahead is just an estimate.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 8:49:22 GMT -8
Thanks Adhamh,
Exhibition Park -- yes, we too suffer thru the parking and partying on our west side of the park. Plus the noise of the crooning and booming of the music. Then from my back deck we have to suffer thru another fireworks display (that I paid for) which terrorizes all the pets in the neighbourhood. To me it's all "free bread and circuses" for the masses to distract them from real issues in the world. I guess with today's fractured families there just aren't traditional celebrations that much anymore. So we have to celebrate Canada Day or the canucks loosing or...
Nice to hear you've scouted out Manning. Late gate closing -- wouldn't that be nice. Shylock on June 1st was bug free and the Loon Lake gravel pit and Chilliwack Lake have always been exceptional. Good to hear there's still a bit of snow up there -- we'll need the water soon. Manning's horizon lines are exceptional. And September is when we can go after the Fornax Cluster.
I believe getting above that layer of pollution is the key and 5000 feet usually is the solution. Years ago I was in Pasadena when the LA smog was so bad you could barely see a mountain one mile away, but 5000' up Mount Wilson it cleared right up and the noon sky was a royal blue. I'm hoping 1800' and away from the Fraser Valley at Shylock will help.
Some sitting during observing sessions is a necessity for me. Having my books on my tailgate and sitting there while logging really helps extend my nights. That plus hot tea. (and sunflower seeds for the drive back home)
I won't go out now until the moon is gone. July 21st will have about 2 and a half hours of no twilight and moonless. Then it just gets better and camping at the pit might be in store.
Thanks again for the report. Maybe this will catch on.
Darrell.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 11:35:14 GMT -8
First off, we have had a real quiet year so far here in Mission, as the drag strip is still undergoing repairs. This will end in mid July as they plan on running the big 3 events,back to back to back. By then i hope to be around the Manning or Merritt area. Next it's Manning Park,first at the new event,then i plan on spending a couple of night at the Lookout or Blackwall Peak. I actually prefer the upper spot as it has Washrooms! And it is truly dark up there. I got the best ever reading of 21.84 SQM in 2008. I can't tell you my secret about the gate,but let's just say the lock isn't much. At 7400 feet(someone correct me if i am off) it is higher then venerated Mt. Kobau. Bug juice a must.
DSD, you are missing looking at the moon. I too passed it off for years, until Gary Seronick got me hooked! MMc
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 13:19:35 GMT -8
We don't get the drag strip noise, except Maclure road behind my place. We get the airshow instead.
Blackwall Peak = 6750' with the upper, gravel parking lot at 6570' Do you set up at the second half of the lot just past the last hairpin or? How's the dust? Do people come by at night? At that elevation you'd have to walk slooowly in the lovely clean thin air.
Kobau is 6135' and in the blue Zone on the light pollution map and extremely hard on tires.
Moon -- yes I should get a lunar atlas. What would you recommend? Is Gary's edited one any good?
The late September Moonless Run I'm going south to visit grandkids (with my scope, heh heh)
The late October Run would be good up Manning if there's no snow by then and the gate isn't er...
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 2, 2014 14:36:12 GMT -8
I have been up at the far parkinglot on Blackwall over thanksgiving before, there was some snow but the road was still very good considering. It seems that the park doesn't mind too much about giving us access if we arrange it ahead of time. I think the main concern is some yahoo going up the road without snow tires and proper gear. It is a long drive home, going there on the same day.
Where I live, on the Gladwin road side of the park, you can hear the Mission Raceway when its going. I don't miss the noise it makes, but its fun to go to once or twice a year. I forgot about the pit toilets at the top of the mountain, in the parking lot on the access road to the tower.
I have heard, that the Coquihalla and OK connector is now 120 instead of 110 beginning today. That makes the Shylock site, and the pit even closer time wise. Along with the Coquihalla (5), there are a good number of speed increases on the 1,3,5a,6,7,19,33,97,97a,97c,99.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 9, 2014 0:56:01 GMT -8
Shylock on Friday? Anyone else interested? I went out tonight, from just after sunset yesterday and finished packing up around 12:30am at the spot by the Fraser. The light pollution was very bad, but since we were just observing the Moon (my Dad was along) we did very well with that and a few good turns at Saturn as well. The light pollution was frustrating, as I wanted to show him M51 as he has never seen anything deep sky but it was just not possible in between Mission and Abbotsford. I might have one or two friends that will come along with me who have never looked through a scope before on Friday, I will know for certain by Thursday some time.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2014 20:51:13 GMT -8
Friday night -- the Moon will be in Sagittarius' tea spoon and legally full the next morning. I'm not sure but I doubt you'd see any Milky Way from Shylock. Be patient - the moonless run is coming. It's just all this nice weather.
DSD.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 10, 2014 1:32:48 GMT -8
Darrell, I was thinking about that. I know you really only prefer the deep sky objects (but who doesn't?). I been wanting to get out again because its been so clear, and I am up all night regardless. In two weeks the New Moon should be a great if the weather holds (it looks like it should... as much as a long range can tell.) Want to make tentative plans for the 25th or 26th (open to everyone who reads this)?
-Adhamh
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Post by craig on Jul 17, 2014 14:33:39 GMT -8
im always up for looking adhamh i also live on the outskirts of mission and it gets fairly dark around here and we have 16 acres up in silverdale by the fire hall and anyone is welcome to look from my place anytime they want
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Post by craig on Jul 17, 2014 14:35:29 GMT -8
i must add long pants and long sleeve cloths are a must from the dam mosquitoes
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 18, 2014 15:17:34 GMT -8
Maybe next wednesday if the weather is clear and if that works for you. I have some tentative plans for next Friday to head up to the Shylock site with some friends if the weather is clear.
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Post by craig on Jul 18, 2014 15:50:49 GMT -8
yea that could possibly work for me i don't think i have anything planned for Thursday
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Post by craig on Jul 19, 2014 16:11:55 GMT -8
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 20, 2014 2:05:05 GMT -8
Craig I was thinking the same thing, except I already have plans for then so we will have to try some other time.
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Post by craig on Jul 20, 2014 20:56:06 GMT -8
darn hey well we wll watch the weather and who know it might work out the last time it was showing that it was nice at night and bad during the day so who knows right we will see what Wednesday brings then
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2014 21:49:40 GMT -8
The Clear Sky Chart looks possibly good for tomorrow - Monday night. The seeing looks only fair. The cutter will be the transparency. I'll keep watching sky all around plus the highway cams on the east side of the Fraser Valley and up the Coq and if all looks good and works out (change previous commitment) I might head out to Shylock.
Let's see what the sky and CSC's look like tomorrow and I'll confirm by 20:00. I'll start a new thread here if this proceeds positively.
Darrell.
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Adhamh
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Post by Adhamh on Jul 21, 2014 15:15:20 GMT -8
Sounds great. I will check back a few minutes after eight.
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Post by craig on Jul 21, 2014 15:53:01 GMT -8
were is shylock and how do you get their
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