[AZ-Observing] Occultation attempted at Badger Springs Road

Randy Peterson and I drove up to Badger Springs Rd. on I-17, to try for 
an asteroid occultation last night (Sunday, Jan. 18).  The centerline of 
the predicted track passed over that area.  But there were drifting 
clouds, and (of course) during the predicted time of the event.... a 
thick batch of clouds covered up the target star, which was west and 
slightly south of Regulus.  So... no event to report.  Our combined 
video gear worked ok.  It was definitely cold!  Temperature measured 
about 39 degrees...

There are fairly decent areas for parking and observing well off the 
frontage road to the east aolng the well-graded dirt road leading from 
the Badger Springs interchange.  This is now part of the Agua Fria 
National Monument, and signage designates that, and some restrictions.  
Many years ago (hmmmm...about 33 years ago, asamatteroffact) I observed 
from a spot up the dirt road, from the ridge to the east with Louis Boyd.

Seeing at Badger Springs was moderately steady last night, and 
transparency very good (in between the clouds).  Of course, Aurora 
Phoenicia is very prominent along the southern horizon.  Overall, very 
similar to what we used to see at Dugas Road years ago.

FYI, the Sunset Point Rest Area on I-17 is still undergoing major 
reconstruction, and the frontage road off-ramps there are still 
barricaded.  For some reason, the high pole floodlights there are still 
turned on... but those are not visible from Badger Springs (which is 
about 5 miles north).

Gene Lucas
(17250)
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