In a message dated 9/24/2005 12:46:36 PM US Mountain Standard Time, kreeves@xxxxxxxxx writes: I'm contemplating the Lowell Star Party next week as opposed to the All Arizona star part, which I truly enjoy except for the gnats/bugs during the day. However, I'm a little concerned since it is only 4 miles west of Flagstaff/Mars hill that the light dome may be too bright. Does anyone have any comments on this or can someone give me a comparison to other observing sites we use (Cherry, 5MM, All AZ, Flatiron...). Thanks Ken Reeves Hi Ken, Last July 2, I observed with Jim Roberts from the LSP III site. Jim had his 20-inch Obsession and I, my 18-inch Obsession. It's only one night versus a handful at the Farnsworth Ranch but my gut reaction to your question is that the LSP III site compares favorably with the AASP site from a sky darkness standpoint. The eastern sky does suffer significantly from the Flagstaff skydome. And I recall three or four other very small light domes at various points around the horizon. However, the southern sky above the Phoenix dome, and the western and northwestern sky are pretty dark. Here, are some observations from that night at the LSP III site: 1. NGC 6166=Abell 2199: _http://members.aol.com/billferris/n6166.html_ (http://members.aol.com/billferris/n6166.html) 2. Abell 39: _http://members.aol.com/billferris/abell39.html_ (http://members.aol.com/billferris/abell39.html) 3. Minkowski's Butterfly: _http://members.aol.com/billferris/mink29.html_ (http://members.aol.com/billferris/mink29.html) 4. Swan Nebula: _http://members.aol.com/billferris/m17.html_ (http://members.aol.com/billferris/m17.html) I'll be at LSP III and hope to see you there. Regards, Bill in Flagstaff -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.