pan
shot
courtesy of Mojo
Join-
Want
to join
the
SFAA?
This is our biggest membership magnet; come join the SFAA!
You must be a member to attend and are
expected to have at least one public telescope for every two
people.
Background-
For
those of you unfamiliar with this event, we are given free,
reserved admission to Yosemite National Park and shared camping space
at Bridalveil Group Campground.
The campsite is 8.5 miles away from Glacier Point.
In
exchange, we give two public star
parties at Glacier Point, on Friday and Saturday night. We
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. The
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.
Q & A-
In case you
have more questions, thanks to Jim Van Nuland of
the SJAA here's a link
to the San Jose club Yosemite web page.
Observing site at Glacier
Point-
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.
The Reward-
By around 9:30 or so, we will
have the place to ourselves, and can
stay until dawn if you so choose. 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 festooned with rock climbers, and
invite people to come back again after sunset.
Gastronomic Astronomic-
Early Saturday eve is the
traditional potluck meal and is
always tons of fun.
Please provide enough food for ~ say 3 or 4 people. Salads,
main
courses, pu pu's and desserts are all welcome. The question
is: Who will have
the best astronomical gastronomical theme of incredible edibles this
year?
Remember the Brown Dwarfs? Prizes will be awarded!
Please
remember this repast takes time. It's better to start our own
gastronomic party early so that there’s no need to rush for
set up
Saturday evening
on Glacier Point.
Check the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather info
on
Here is a live cam of Half
Dome from Ahwahnee Meadow and NPS
Air Quality Cam & data.
See you at the campsite,
Ken & Dave
Copyright © 2012
