[AZ-Observing] Occultation attempted at Badger Springs Road
- From: Gene A Lucas <geneluca@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:41:06 -0700
Randy Peterson and I drove up to Badger Springs Rd. on I-17, to try for
an asteroid occultation last night (Sunday, Jan. 18). The centerline of
the predicted track passed over that area. But there were drifting
clouds, and (of course) during the predicted time of the event.... a
thick batch of clouds covered up the target star, which was west and
slightly south of Regulus. So... no event to report. Our combined
video gear worked ok. It was definitely cold! Temperature measured
about 39 degrees...
There are fairly decent areas for parking and observing well off the
frontage road to the east aolng the well-graded dirt road leading from
the Badger Springs interchange. This is now part of the Agua Fria
National Monument, and signage designates that, and some restrictions.
Many years ago (hmmmm...about 33 years ago, asamatteroffact) I observed
from a spot up the dirt road, from the ridge to the east with Louis Boyd.
Seeing at Badger Springs was moderately steady last night, and
transparency very good (in between the clouds). Of course, Aurora
Phoenicia is very prominent along the southern horizon. Overall, very
similar to what we used to see at Dugas Road years ago.
FYI, the Sunset Point Rest Area on I-17 is still undergoing major
reconstruction, and the frontage road off-ramps there are still
barricaded. For some reason, the high pole floodlights there are still
turned on... but those are not visible from Badger Springs (which is
about 5 miles north).
Gene Lucas
(17250)
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