Camper Observation at Stone Mountain State Park 2/22

Update 2/21: 

We are a GO for tomorrow night’s observation event. The sky conditions look to be excellent albeit a little chilly. There is a small adjustment though. The Loop A camping area is closed to campers for the season but we will still be set up in our regular observation site. This change effects only the non-camping attendees. You may need to park along the main road near the Loop A turn off and walk up to the observation site there will be traffic cones blocking where you can not park/enter. Come out and enjoy the night sky wonders. Hope to see you there.

Saturday February 22nd, 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 6:00 pm and we will start showing objects as they become visible in dusk. Venus and other bright objects will be our primary targets until they set. As it gets darker we can show you some deeper more faint galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.

The Milky Way taken from our observation site at Stone Mountain.

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 February 21st. As of this posting the weather forecast is calling for clouds during the day with clearing to mostly clear that evening and the temps to be in the low 40’s-30’s during the event.  So remember to dress for the conditions, especially for 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  camp 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.