ArtCentrics

Information and listed events associated with the East Valley Astronomy Club

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Picketpost Trailhead

If you would like to receive notice on this and other star parties, please feel free to email me and asked to be added to my distribution list.  -James Yoder
Current Status/Plans 
2026-06-17: Current plans are to go out to PicketPost this Thursday,(06/18) evening since Friday is our monthly EVAC meeting and after that the moon will be an issue.  We will likely be there from sunset(7:30pm) to midnight.  Temperatures are estimated to range from 92 to 80, so bring a drink to hydrate with and a light jacket.

Observation Resources
Below are a few resources and recommendations
• Download the This months Evening Sky Map (PDF) from skymaps.com here. (Note the back has some good targets for the month)
• Binoculars: A New Catalog of Stellar Richfields for Binoculars by Bill Dellinges
• General Targets: Star Hoppers Guide to the Universe by Jim Mazur – Identifies some of the best targets in each constellation
• Deep Dive: Yoder’s Constellation Guides by James Yoder – A deep dive into each constellation (48 of 88 completed)

Constellations well positioned for this month are:
• Draco, Hercules, Serpens, Ophiucus, Scorpius

    

Picketpost Trailhead is just outside of Superior (the turn before the Boyce Thompson Arboretum) on US 60.  Just past mile marker 221 There is a sign indicating the picketpost trailhead where you turn off onto a dirt road heading south (Uno Trail).  After about a mile the road comes to a "T" where it intercepts E. Saddleridge Trail road.  Turn East (Left) onto Saddleridge road and follow this road to the Trailhead parking lot.  Generally, the Observers will park in the West side of the parking lot while the images will park in the North side of the parking lot;  This is so the observers don't upset the imagers with their lasers, or when they leave the parking lot.  There are bathrooms there, but no running water.

Sky Conditions: SQM = 21.58 | Bortle = Class 4

Make sure to check road conditions/closures before you leave HERE. your destination should be “Picketpost Trailhead, Superior, AZ, USA”.

Anyone worried about finding Picketpost trailhead are welcome to meet at Lowes in Mesa where we will depart promptly at 6:00 pm as a caravan. We will gather in the southern area of the parking lot. Please make sure you arrive in time!

Observing Etiquette

• No White light – Make sure you have a red-beam flashlight. This will preserve you night vision.
• Back-up Your Vehicle – Park your vehicle so you don’t have to backup when leaving, this will help cut down on the time it takes to leave and minimize lights from your vehicle.
• Minimize Laser use – It’s okay to use lasers, but use them only briefly, remember there are imagers close by and we don’t want to ruin their exposures.
• Observers, park in the West section of the parking lot so we don’t disturb imagers who congregate in the North section of the parking lot.
• Music/Alcohol – Alcohol is not allowed on the premises; Music is generally frowned upon.
• Be Kind – This is a great time to meet others; Introduce yourself to your neighbors, but please keep conversations away from politics, religion or other controversial topics.

Weather forecast for Picket Post Trailhead (Astrospheric)