[AZ-Observing] Re: 5 mile meadow, things to know
- From: AJ Crayon <acrayon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 21:25:19 -0700
Stan, unfortunately we are all subject to the impact from population growth.
Back around the time you are discussing (1981) the SAC site, just off of
I-17, was south of what is now call Anthem. We have moved the site a number
of times looking for decent skies and as it turns out, they are farther and
farther away from population centers.
Unfortunately, when you start getting away from one population center,
another creeps up on you. We are still lucky here in AZ because the overall
population density is very low as compared to places east of the big ditch
(read the Mississippi Riva as it is prononced where I come from).
Having been to Blue Hills Observatory a few months ago, I can see how the
light pollution from housing construction has impacted your site and I only
hope it tapers off at the speed of light.
Finally, I'll be happy to take more than my share of the blame:o))
Clear skies,
aj
"Stanley A. Gorodenski" wrote:
> Rotramel, Rick (AZ77) wrote:
>
> > Any comments? This list has been rather quiet about this star
> >party......
> >
> >
> >
> I'll make a stab at it. I arrived at 7:30 when it was already pretty
> dark. I had grossly underestimated how long it would take to get there
> from Dewey (by about 45 minutes. It took me almost 2 hour). It has been
> many years since I have been in such a dark area. I used to observe in
> the area. The place I frequented was a little north of Happy Jack on the
> east side of the highway. When I started working full time on my
> property near Dewey in 1983 I spent all my weekends working and as a
> result I stopped going to the Happy Jack area. I knew the skies had
> deteriorated considerably since 1983, but I had not realized the full
> extent until I got back that night. Yuk! The skies here are horrible. I
> will still be able to do the astronomy I want, which does not require an
> absolute dark sky site, but it sure is not what it used to be. I had
> purchased the property in 1981 and apparently there wasn't that much
> noticeable difference, to me, between the skies at Dewey vs. Happy Jack.
> If there was a big difference I would not have gotten the place. There
> sure is a big difference now, and although the sky is still okay, on a
> relative basis, it definitely lacks the awe and beauty that causes a
> person to truly enjoy the dark sky.
>
> I am not happy now and the finders of this spot, Steve and AJ(?), are to
> blame :-)
> However, I have a short memory and if I stop going to these beautiful
> spiritualistic places I will forget how bad Dewey is and once again will
> be happy.
> Stan
>
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