The Grand Canyon Star Party 2005

[Skyjim]

This year's Grand Canyon Star Party will be held at both the North and South Rims on June 4th -11th. 

This is a fine opportunity to meet other amateur astronomers and to share telescopic views of a very dark sky with people from all over the world - people who are already in a receptive frame of mind due to their presence at one of the planet's great natural wonders.

I'll be attending the first four days and nights of the South Rim event - normally, I'd be there the full week, but I have to go to my daughter's 6th grade graduation ceremony on Thursday the 9th, so must hit the road by the afternoon of the 8th.

Both rims have their advantages - more facilities & accomodations, easier setup and more numerous astronomers on the South Rim vs higher elevations,  a more laid-back, uncrowded atmosphere, and slightly darker skies on the North.  I've attended and enjoyed both over the years.

Prior to the party, I'm going to be exploring some dark sky sites in Utah and working in a trip Dinosaur National Monument.  Seems like there is a chance I might see Greenleaf at Dino around June 2nd!

As always, any ES members are welcome in my camp or at my telescope(s).  I'll be hanging out doing hydrogen-alpha solar work during the day and large-aperture deep sky observing in the evenings, with the traditional South Rim potluck dinners  with the other astronomers in between...

Clear, dark skies!

Jim

[Skyjim]

OK, here's the link (finally reactivated - the SEDS organization hosts the Tucson Club's website and their server was down...)

http://www.tucsonastronomy.org/gcsp.html

Come on out and observe with us!

Jim

[Skyjim]

Got my campground reservation and am putting the plans together for the trip...

Can't wait to sneak in a couple of days under the pristine skies of southern Utah before heading down to the Canyon for the party.  Still hope to see Greenleaf up at Dinosaur National Monument the week before!

[Skyjim]

OK, so it's Plan B....

Had to scrub the Dino trip when everybody else bailed out.  Just doing the Canyon, leaving in about 8 hours.  Can't wait to get there, will post report upon my return!

Clear (and dark)Skies!

Jim

[greenleaf1]

Patiently (not) awaiting the trip report.......