[AZ-Observing] Re: KOFA site opinion...

> As for the Leonids, to me it lived up to expectations, But then I haven't
> been doing this as long as Brian :). Paul & Brett's reports from KOFA
pretty
> much said it all, I would have nothing further to add.


Hey All,

I have to agree with Rick, there's nothing to add to Paul and Brett's report
to the meteor storm.  It was a wonderful event that gives me hope that
Mother Nature does care about astronomers once in a while.  What I would
like to do though, is to give a critique of the KOFA site, whcih to my
knowledge has not been done yet......

Drive....Easy to get to, easy to find, but a noticably longer drive at 100+
miles.
Site itself....Plenty of room, with lots of clear patches for setting up.
Easily 20+ cars could fit.  Lots of patches further back for those planning
to stay all night, but headlights from those leaving early would be a
nuisance, as the road is only small distance away.
Non-weather observing conditions....High thin clouds made it hard to be
sure, but the sky conditions were more or less equal to Sentinel.  Lights
from truck stop to the North are visible and distracting. Headlights going
up what I believe is US60 to Salome are visible and distracting.  Lots and
lots of airplanes!  We counted about 8 or 9 at one time earlier in the
evening.
Numerical rating...Given that I rate Cherry Rd a 9 for it's small domes,
black sky, and ease of drive, and Sentinel an 8 for it's small domes, dark
grey sky, and ease of drive, I have to rate this one a 6 for it's small
domes, dark grey sky, distracting lights with accompanying small dome, and
drive distance.

I also noticed on my sunrise walk-about many other tire tracks.  I thought
that maybe other astronomers had been there until I saw the fire ring
complete with extra firewood stacked up.  Perhaps more hunter's to contend
with?  Maybe we could go exploring further in and see if there's a small
earthen mound/dome/rise/bulge we could set up behind to block the offending
lights, as well as get away from the "hunters".  Even so, for the distance,
Sentinel will probably be the more popular choice

I do want to take a moment to thank Steve and AJ for constantly trying to
find these sites.
I didn't want to sound unpreciative to their efforts.

Just my thoughts, debate is welcomed and encouraged.

Thad
Thad Robosson
starstarcracker@xxxxxxxxx
SAC Member, ATM subgroup Chairman,
Double star enthusiast
Owner/Operator of the future "Twin Points Observatory"
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
112 18.9W, 33 26.7N

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