[AZ-Observing] Re: Geminids

---- "Spencer wrote: 
> I've often wondered about Picacho Peak due to its easy access.  How does
> the freeway intrude on observing there?


A lot!  Bernie Sanden and I tried to find a site in the park a number of years 
ago, and learned that the only place in the park that does not have a good view 
of I-10 is the campground, which bustles with activity in the early evening 
hours.  The parade of headlights on eastbound I-10 are only a part of the 
problem.  The real offender is the T/A travel plaza, which has huge lights on 
very tall poles.

As for the Geminids, if you're interested only in the shower for your observing 
trip, be aware that the rate of meteor activity plunges quickly after the 
maximum, in contrast with the slow rise.  This year, the peak occurs at 10 a.m. 
MST on Friday, so by observing time on Friday night, activity will be quieter 
than Thursday night.  There's a good story on S&T's site:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/12207486.html

Tom
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