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Whitewater is good for camping, but the campground is in a valley, so only good for observing if you want to see things over 45° up. The new campground(across street from visitor center) has small trees, so might be better than the older one. The skies are dark, and lights weren’t a problem when I was there, but it’s been a few years.
Lake Louise SP is in a dark sky region. I’ve never been there though.
I came across this at one point too. I saw Mars tonight, and it was definitely the best I've ever seen it. It wasn't disappointing for a change.
Now that I'm working from home more, I'll have to make time to observe these. Maybe even sketch or image some.
I was out for a while. It was plowed, and didn't seem too slippery to me. No ice cleats necessary. I observed some old favorites, and enjoyed some binocular views.
I would love to go out tonight(Saturday) to either Root River, Keller, or even Eagle Bluff, but it seems too cloudy still.I hope to go observing tomorrow(Sat), but I will be going to Root River TONIGHT, FRIDAY park for an hour or two, leaving at 8ish.
Despite only being there for the second half, I too enjoyed it. I'm interested in hearing Jeff's tale!
If someone is looking for a Christmas present scope: there is an AWB Onesky for $100 in Caledonia, on the Facebook marketplace. The AWB Onesky is a nice 5" table-top dob. Supposedly the best for the money, and an even better deal for 1/2 off. If you don't have facebook, I can help you contact the seller. It's the same as the Sky Watcher Heritage 130p.
Friday night was a great night for astronomy overall! There was no wind when I got there at 6:30. I set up my 16" scope. This time I brought my RACI finder which was great, until it partly frosted over. I did manage to find some good targets. I found NGC 253(Silver Dollar galaxy) again. It lost quite a bit of detail between Eagle bluff and Root River Park. I looked nearby for a few more objects, but couldn't see them, despite being in the area. NGC 246 and NGC 247. It shows that aperture is no match for light pollution or skyglow. I did observe some open clusters. NGC 663 in Cassiopeia was new to me. It has 8 pairs of stars that are prominently equal in magnitude and stick out. M35 and M37 were great. NGC 457 is always interesting. I definitely saw "Number 5 Johnny" this time, as the "arms" matched it best. I saw about a half dozen meteors, with one being a fast 1/2 second and first magnitude, a good 25? long and white. Once it got up into the sky, I had to look at M42, and it was fantastic! I brought some binoculars and did see the Pleiades and NGC 253 in them as well as M31 and M33. Despite the light pollution, M31 showed more extension in binoculars than my big scope. There was frost to contend with, and the high humidity made the skyglow for Rochester a noticeable problem. I think some dew heaters will have to make the Christmas list.
Overall another glorious night for astronomy.
I hope to be there when it gets dark, but it might be a bit later. I want to hit up some Caldwell objects.
Here is an invite from Ken at Sola Fide in Austin:
"Our observing season at Sola Fide is nearing its end. We'll be there tomorrow night 8-10. You guys are welcome to come over and look around, take pictures / video, etc. I'd meet you earlier if you wanted to come over in the daylight."
I can call/text Ken if anyone is up for it, I just don't want to post his phone number in a public forum.
I might not be able to make either, as I have trans-Atlantic family in town.
Luka
