ArtCentrics

Information and listed events associated with the East Valley Astronomy Club

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Picketpost Trailhead

Current Status/Plans 
10/01 08:00 AM - The moon will be an issue for the next few weeks, and I will be leaving town for a while after that.  I am scheduled to be back near the end of October.  However there will be other astronomers going out to PicketPost.  I recommend subscribing to the AZ-Observing group in Groups.io to find out when others are going out.  Clear Skies!
 
Observation Resources
• This Months Highlights
  • The Constellation Capricornus (PDF)
  • The Constellation Delphinus (PDF)
  • The Constellation Lacerta (PDF)
  • The Constellation Cepheus (PDF)

• Download the September Evening Sky Map (PDF) from skymaps.com here. (Note the back has some good targets for the month)
• Sky Hopper's Guide to the Universe (PDF)
• Constellation Guides webpage, currently 16 guides have been created.
    Note in the graphic below {Equ, Del, Cap, Mic, Cep, Lac, Peg, Aqr, And, Psc, Sct} are all constellations well positioned for the evening.



    

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)