[sac-forum] Re: Directions to Dirt Boulevard observing site

Here is a link to a Google map with the sites plotted and overlaid with the CSC 
light pollution maps:

http://tinyurl.com/yln7xx

Peter
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Gruber 
  To: sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 9:49 PM
  Subject: [sac-forum] Re: Directions to Dirt Boulevard observing site


  Got it. It looks very interesting on Google Maps. From TopoZone, I'd say it's 
on the Gillespie 1:24,000 quad. 

   

  Somebody previously mentioned concern about the bright prison lights on Rte. 
85. I'd say the site is about 15 miles WNW (around PA 290°) from the prison. 
However, that bearing line runs right between the Buckeye Hills, which are due 
E of the site, and the Gila Bend Mountains, which extend across the southern 
horizon of the site. So there doesn't appear to be anything besides sheer 
distance that would further block the prison lights. Of course, you'd expect 
the lights to be aimed at the prison yard but there's no telling how well 
shielded they are.

   

  As Steve said, the only way to find out is to try it at night. Maybe Peter 
Argenziano could bring his new sky brightness meter out there.

   

  Many thanks to Steve and AJ for exploring.

   

  Dan Gruber

   

  -----Original Message-----
  From: sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:sac-forum-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
On Behalf Of Steve Coe
  Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 8:38 PM
  To: sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  Cc: acrayon@xxxxxxx; Matt Luttinen; Tejera, Rick
  Subject: [sac-forum] Directions to Dirt Boulevard observing site

   

  Howdy all;

   

  A.J. and I took some time off of work this Friday and drove out to try and 
find a spot that we could use to replace Flatiron.  I believe that we did just 
that.  Obviously, we need to spend some time at the site during the night, but 
it does look good so far.  I will give the Lat and Long position from AJ's GPS 
receiver, so that the map geniuses in the group can try this place out from the 
comfort of their computers.

    

  33 15.125  

  112 53.749  

  983 ft. altitude.

   

  It is beyond the little town of Arlington, Az. and off of Aqua Caliente road. 
 The trip involves 6 miles on a dirt road, but it is pretty well maintained.  
The good news is that there appears to be no interest in staking this place out 
for a housing project.  So, maybe it will last for at least a while.  There is 
enough room for 100 vehicles, it is a desert pavement larger than either 
Flatiron or Sentinel.  And, it appears to be on BLM land as far as my old map 
tells me.  I will listen to others with more computerized map info than me.

   

  Please do me one favor, I have had some trouble posting to the freelists, let 
me know that this got posted OK.  Directions to follow.

   

  Thanks;

  Steve Coe

   

  Directions to the "Dirt Boulevard" observing site

   

  Drive west on I-10 and turn south at Hwy. 85 as if going to Gila Bend.  About 
5 miles south of the freeway is a well marked three way stop with a Shell 
station on the northeast corner.  This is the last place to stop for ice or 
other supplies.

   

  Go straight through the three way intersection and the highway bends sharply 
right, get in the right lane.  In 0.7 mi is a sign that directs you toward 
Arlington, Az.  Turn right at the sign, it is before the wide bridge over the 
Hassayampa River.  You will immediately notice a sign that says "Old U.S. Hwy 
80".  Stay on Old Hwy 80 for about 12 miles, along the way are two stop signs, 
take a left at the first and a right at the second, staying on Old Hwy 80, 
traveling west.

   

  After you pass the Arlington Post Office and the Desert Rose Bar and Grill is 
a sign for Aqua Caliente road, it is a right turn.  On the left side of the 
highway is an abandoned cotton gin.  

   

  Turn right onto Aqua Caliente road and zero your odometer at this point.  
Turn right again onto a dirt road that is 0.6 miles from the turnoff.  At 2.8 
miles you will pass under a set of power lines.  At 5.3 miles there is a cattle 
guard.  At 5.5 miles is a yellow sign to warn you that the road turns right, 
but don't go that direction.  Take a left at the fork in the road and you will 
be on the "Dirt Boulevard".  It is a very wide dirt road, actually two of them, 
with a median strip in the middle.  At 6.0 miles there is a very large desert 
pavement on the right.  It is a large, pretty flat area of dark rocks.  That is 
it, turn right off the Dirt Boulevard and set up your scope.  

   

  Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant is 12 miles north.  Sentinel is 29 miles 
southwest.

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