ArtCentrics

Information and listed events associated with the East Valley Astronomy Club

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Picketpost Trailhead

Current Status/Plans 
08/18 03:30 AM - Forecast is not looking good for the weekend, but we will monitor it currently the plans are to head out to PicketPost Friday (08/22) evening with Saturday evening being a backup.
 
Observation Resources
• This Months Highlights
  • The Constellation Cygnus (PDF)
  • The Constellation Cepheus (PDF)
  • The Constellation Capricornus (PDF)
  • The Constellation Delphinus (PDF)

• Download the August 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)
    Note in the graphic below {Cyg, Vul, Del, Eql, Cap  Mic, Aqr, PsA, Cep} 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 6:30 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)