Update 12/20:
The public observation scheduled for Saturday at Stone Mountain
State Park is cancelled. Forecasts predict mostly cloudy skies around
sunset, with clouds increasing to overcast over the course
of the event (75%+ cloud coverage).
Our next scheduled event at Stone Mountain State Park will
be Saturday, January 18th. Let’s hope for a better forecast then.
Saturday December 21st 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 around 5:11pm and we will start showing objects as they become visible in dusk. Saturn, Venus and other bright objects will be our primary targets until they set behind the mountains. As it gets darker we can show you some deeper more faint galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
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 December 20th. As of this posting the weather forecast is calling for spotty clouds and the temps to be in the low 30’s during the event. Remember to dress appropriately, especially the kiddos.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.