The Travel Thread - U.S. Version

[Epimethean]

I will stay tuned to this thread.

[orogenicman]

The weekend of August 10-12, 2012 could work, as it is close to the New moon (august 17), but it all depends on the club's schedule, which no doubt, has not been worked out that far in advance, but a group can always be worked in. Do you have an issue with doing it sooner? Say next Month, or in October? September 2 is before the first quarter (and will be cooler than an August observation, but warmer than in the Winter), so the moon will be out early and set by at least 11:30. That would give us the best of both worlds, because we can view the moon, Jupiter and Saturn early, and then settle in for some deep sky observation later (along with Mars, Neptune and Uranus, and maybe even Pluto, which will be up but very hard to see visually). Anyway, just some thoughts. It could be done next August, if that is what everyone wants to do.

I could probably make either of the first two weekends in September work. Keep in mind that Sept. 2 falls on the Labor Day Weekend, but still for me - doable.

That's what I was thinking. People are going to be on the road anyway, so why not grill out at the observatory and do some observing and mingling? We do have plans for a member party but I think is on member night, which looks like they are going to have it on August 27, so the entire first weekend in September may be open. Don't quote me on that. I'll have to find out when that is going to be. If enough people are interested, I will check with the board and see if it is available, and what they would charge (probably no more than $10 - $20 per person), which really is a deal, especially if we camp out.

Also keep in mind, that it doesn't have to be a one time deal. I am a member; and we host many groups during the year, so if some can't make it at one time, we can always schedule to do it again another time.

[Epimethean]

This sounds very cool! Thanks for stepping up this plan, orogenicman.

[orogenicman]

This sounds very cool! Thanks for stepping up this plan, orogenicman.

My pleasure. I just need to know how many are interested and when you want to do it. If we do it sooner rather than later, I need to know in the nert few days soon so I can get approval from the board, and make all the arrangements.

[thesummerqueen]

No sooner than spring, please - I have traveling I have to do this fall and will be tapped out financially.

[orogenicman]

No sooner than spring, please - I have traveling I have to do this fall and will be tapped out financially.

Don't worry. The observatory will still be there. I suspect that we will have to do this a couple of times due to peoples' schedules. I won't forget you. I promise. I can schedule it any time folks want to come (as long as it doesn't conflict with events already scheduled).

[Cinjin]

Hows everybody feel about September 14 - 16, 2012 ??

Epi you might have to make a weekend arrangement, but even you might be able to make that one. I think the moon issue is good and it would be good to have the evenings of the 14th and 15th as a weather window. Not to mention we may be able to get Summerqueen in on the action as well.



So far I count 5 people that at least have interest. Are there any others?

[Epimethean]

I will make every effort to get a flight out that Friday night and jet back that Sunday.

[orogenicman]

That's 2012, right? I can try but I cannot guarrantee that we can get the 15th since it falls the day before a new Moon, and any Saturday near the new Moon is usually members night. The 14th or any time that week before Saturday is probably doable. Even the 7th and 8th of that month is likely doable. That said, the schedule is not settled that far in advanced. So if enough people want to do it on that week end (the 14th and 15th), they may make an exception. Member's night is really cool, since people bring out their own scopes, many of which are better than what the club has, and some are positively unique. And if you guys and gals are well behaved, they might not mind meeting all of you, particularly if there are enough of you and you are paying customers, if you know what I mean.

The point is that the club is always willing and indeed exists to serve the public, but they do covet their member only time. So we'll have to see. I do need more than two people to commit before I will bring it up with the board, though.

All that said, any date that doesn't conflict with the club's schedule and gives us a descent chance to see some deep sky objects without the glare of the moon is the way to go.

Again, here are the Moon phases reference.

http://www.calendar-365.com/moon/moon-phases.html

As long as we pick dates that are before the first Moon or after Third quarter, and the weather holds out, and they don't conflict with club activities, we should be good. Sorry if this all sounds so difficult.

[thesummerqueen]

Just about any time in 2012 is good for me as of right now - the further out we plan it, the more free I am.