Checking the forecast, and Monday evening, New Year’s Day, is looking better! If the forecast holds, I’ll likely go somewhere that evening for observing. If no one wants to meet me elsewhere, I’ll be going to Bluff Creek Park, as that is the best area for viewing inside the metro area that I’ve found. (if anyone knows of a better location, please let me know!)
If someone from the southside wants to meet, Arbor Gardens is a decent location. Not as dark as Bluff Creek, but so far it’s the best location I’ve found on the south side. (Actually, I didn’t find it, Gerald told me about it. Thanks, Gerald!)
I’ll post more Monday afternoon with a definite go/no-go decision, and when and where.
If you got some new equipment for Christmas, this might be a good evening to try it out! I know several folks got Seestar S50s for Christmas and I’d be happy to help you get it running.
Russ, I haven’t heard from anyone else saying they wanted to meet elsewhere, so I’m headed for Bluff Creek at sunset. Clouds will be moving in later in the evening, so want to get an early start.
High misty clouds right now. Not sure how good the viewing will be. At Bluff Creek Park. Am set up waiting for dark. Not as good as I was hoping, but I might still get a comet or two. Plus can show Russ how the Seestar works.
Turned out to be a great night! It cleared after sunset. Got more science observations of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, and gave a demonstration of the Seestar to Russ. Got a tad chilly. Had frost on my scopes when I put them up.
Since I went out tonight, I’m not planning on going out of Wednesday. Hopefully it will clear up for First Friday and Member Night this weekend.
I don’t know if next weekend will be much better than this weekend, but Monday evening is looking clear with low winds. So I’m planning on going to Bluff Creek Park around 6-6:30 that evening.
I’ll probably have all three of my all-in-one EA scopes set up, eVscope 2, Stellina and Seestar, so if you’d like to see them in action, come on out!
If you haven’t been to Bluff Creek for observing, it’s the best location I’ve found in the metro area. Bring your scope and enjoy the evening with us! I’ll probably be there until at least 9-10. Come and leave anytime.
I’ll update this on Monday to confirm if it’s a go/no go.
We had a great evening at Bluff Creek! Joel, Dave C, Casey, Andy O and I all enjoyed a really nice night under a clear and calm sky! Casey brought out his 6" Dob and Andy brought his new eVscope 2. Dave helped Andy get used to using the eV2 and Joel enjoyed sitting under the stars gazing up. I got 4 science observations completed which I’m now uploading to SETI.
I announced this at the meeting, posted it on Discord, and thought I’d posted it here, but obviously not.
The previous forecasts for tonight were excellent, but the current forecast is calling for a few clouds at sunset, increasing later in the evening.
But I’m still going to go to Bluff Creek Park, N Meridian and Hefner Road, just north of Hefner Dam, between 6-6:30 this evening. Probably won’t stay later than 9 or so (we often go to eat afterward at Waffle House or IHOP).
I’ll have all my EA scopes with me. Any and all are welcome to join! Dress warm! The wind should be calm and hopefully it will be clear enough for some great viewing! The next two night are predicted to be clear, but the wind will be stronger.
