Camper Observation at Stone Mountain State Park 10/5

UPDATE 10/4: 

The observation scheduled at Stone Mountain State Park has been CANCELED due to weather conditions. Some of our forecast models had the evening being partly cloudy, but now all models are calling for 100% cloud cover. Our next observation opportunity for this location is on November 2nd. 

 

Saturday October 5th 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. The sun will set at 6.:55 pm and we will start showing objects as they become visible in dusk. With the moon being in first quarter and not setting until well after midnight, The Moon, Saturn, Jupiter and other bright objects will be our primary targets.

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 4th. As of this posting the forecast is somewhat unfavorable calling for mostly cloudy skies and quite cooler temperatures. If the forecast changes to intermittent clouds we will still try to have the event.

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 refrain from using flashlights or cell phones in the observation area. If you feel you need a flashlight to get you to the observation site, please point them downward on your approach and turn them off when you reach the field. Your eyes will dark adapt in 10-15 minuets and I promise you, you will be able to see fine to navigate around. If you find you have need for lighting to find something, ask a member and they can provide a red light flashlight to help you. Please be respectful and do not walk through other’s campsites.

Sone_Mtn_Site

A reminder to attending club members: This location is prone to HEAVY dew. Please keep this in mind and adjust your equipment strategy accordingly.