[sac-forum] Observing tonight

It appears that we will have a decent night for observing tonight... so, where 
are folks heading? Let's get the discussion started.

Sunset is at 6:33 pm and astronomical twilight ends at 7:57 pm. That leaves 
about 5½ hours of darkness until the Moon rises at 1:38 am Sunday. And, you may 
extend your observing longer, depending on how long you're willing (or able) to 
ignore a waning crescent Moon with 27% disk illumination.

Given my personal preference for spending more time observing than the 
roundtrip travel time, tonight's dark observing window really allows use of any 
of the sites at our disposal.

Officially, tonight's event is at the Cherry Road II site. I'm a little 
concerned about the possibility for some light clouds at higher elevations. And 
it will certainly be much cooler up north. In fact, the frost warning is down 
to 6500' tonight. To the east side, the Griffith Ranch site is roughly the same 
elevation as Cherry Road (~4500'), so I would expect similar conditions.

I think tonight's moderate temperatures make using one of the desert floor 
sites a viable option. 
Picketpost, Vekol Road, Flatiron, Sentinel, Hovatter Road?

I was impressed with a recent visit to the Hovatter Road site. Good horizons; 
large, flat, dust-free observing field; dark skies; easy to get to (almost all 
freeway); far enough north to be out of the popular 'trade' routes. It's 
downside is that it's a bit of a long drive (exit #53 off I-10). But, I'd be 
willing to go if others are interested in making the trip.

So... what are your plans?

Peter

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