Update October 13th: We are a Go for this evenings observation. Conditions aren’t perfect but they are the best we’ve had for an observation at this locale all year-long. Come on out and enjoy the night sky with us.
Saturday October 13th, the Forsyth Astronomical Society will host an observation at Stone Mountain State Park in the family camping area. This is primarily an event for the campers of the park but the public is welcome to attend. This event used to be a lock in style event but changes to park regulations allow for visitors entrance and egress as they please. The sun will set at 6:58pm and we will start showing objects as they appear. The crescent moon, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars should be visible early in the evening and as darkness progresses we will be able show you various star clusters, binary star systems, several different nebulae and even a galaxy or two in the larger scopes. Mars will be visible over the mountain tops shortly after dusk. With it still pretty close from its recent opposition and the planet wide dust storm subsiding, we should be able to see it in quite good detail.
This IS a weather dependent event. This post and the club’s Facebook page will be updated to reflect a final weather call on Friday October 12th. As of this posting the forecast is quite favorable for a change albeit a little cool. The overnight lows are forecast for the mid 40’s. You may want to bring a jacket just in case. Please refrain from using flashlights or cell phones in the observation area. Once your eyes dark adapt, I promise you, you will be able to see fine to navigate around. If you have need to find something, ask a member and they can provide a red light flashlight to help you. Please note the observation site on the campsite map below. Access to the site can be gained via a grassy path marked by traffic cones between sites 33 and 34. If you are a non camping attendee please park at the bathhouse near the observation site or along the grassy median away from campsites along the main road. Please be respectful and do not walk through other’s campsites.
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