Several of us from the Coconino Astronomical Society are planning to observe tomorrow (Saturday) night at the Willard Springs site south of Flagstaff. The forecast looks good with clear to partly cloudy skies, and temperatures in the low 50's F (mid 80's daytime). The main advantage of this site at this point is that it's one of the last places of public land (Coconino County) open to the public in northern Arizona (well, at least in the general Flagstaff area), and yet it's still at altitude (~7,000') and I believe is a fairly good observing site. Although this site has been used for observing by many folks up here for some time, my first time there was this past Saturday. Weather conditions were poor then with lots of haze and some scattered clouds, as well as smoke apparently from CA fires, and smoke in the east from the Rodeo-Chediski fire. The haze and clouds were reflecting some light pollution both in the north (minimally) from Flagstaff and in the south up about 20 degrees from Phoenix and the Verde Valley. Otherwise though this appears to be a good dark-sky site, and I suspect without the haze and clouds the light pollution would only be barely noticeable. It is also quite an open area, having been cleared out for the county trash transfer station located here. However the operating part of the station uses only a small part of the area. It is also at a higher elevation than much of the surrounding forest area, giving slightly better horizons (although not perfect, with trees in most directions up to about 10 degrees) than one would expect. Directions to the site are simple. Take I 17 to the Willard Springs Exit (#326). The road here only goes west. In about one mile the pavement ends (at the entrance to the transfer station). Currently the road is closed at this point since it enters the Coconino National Forest, but there is ample room here for 15-20 cars to set up for observing, both by the road closure barricade and on the side of the road. At other times when the road is open further, one can also proceed on the dirt road about 100 yards and set up in a wide open space to the right by some cinder piles. In any case, I just wanted to let others know of this site, particularly given the current land closure restrictions all over the state. This would probably be a good location for even those in the valley to observe from, as this is only about a 125 mile drive up I 17 from central Phoenix, is all Interstate except one additional mile of paved road, and yet is apparently a good dark sky site at altitude. Finally, I'll add that weather permitting we will also probably be observing there Friday and/or Saturday night, July 12 and 13. However, given that the monsoon clouds/rain are now (fortunately) forecast to cover much of the state starting Tuesday (see any of the current NWS forecast discussions) right now may be the last good weekend for observing for awhile. - Brent Archinal -- This message is from the AZ-Observing mailing list. See this message's header if you want info about unsubscribing or the list's archive. This is a discussion list. Please send personal inquiries directly to the message author. In other words, do not use "reply" for personal messages. Thanks.