High Country Astronomy Event 9/24-9/29

• This event is for LCRV Astronomy Club members, their families, & our guests from 9/24 thru 9/29. Core nights will be Friday, 9/26, & Saturday, 9/27. On 9/26 the sun sets at 6:10 p.m. & a 5 day old moon will set at 8:45 p.m. The summer Milky Way will be overhead with Saturn & Neptune hitting the meridian at 10 p.m. at 50 degrees above the horizon. Orion will be high to the south when astronomical twilight begins. Bring your alarm clock & a few red lights.

• We'll be boondocking near North Spring not too far from Greens Peak. No electric or water so bring your own. Closest stores & gas are in Eager/Springerville about 35 minutes away. During the day you can drive up to the top of Greens Peak, go to Sunrise to ride the chairlift to 11,000', and go to Greer for breakfast.

• Take 260 out of Show Low, thru Pinetop/Lakeside, thru McNary, & 2.8 miles past the 273 Sunrise/Big Lake turnoff you'll turn north (L) on Fs117 (gravel). Go 2.8 miles then east (R) on Fs117A. In 1 mile turn south (R) on Fs117C. Take care not to miss this hidden road since it is unmarked. Go about .3 miles (dirt) & find camping on the left up near the forest line.

• The altitude at this location is 9,200'. Depending on monsoon activity, the high country can be susceptible to rain & cool temperatures in the daytime. It generally clears at night providing superb views of the night sky with cameras, telescopes, binoculars, & the naked eye.

• Feel free to give me a call or an email if you have any questions. Bill Wood, 602.2228.0231 billdwood@hotmail.com