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Hello all,

I just wanted to post an update / reminder on two dark observing sites that are available to amateur astronomers to use. The question may arise with people looking to find a place to observe tomorrow night’s possible Tau Herculids meteor outburst. Please ensure that you read, understand and follow the procedures that the property owners ask us:


1) Moosecreek observing site:

This is a location on private farm land property, that is available from Spring to Fall. It is deep into a corn field, and is quiet, well away from road traffic and offers good horizons in all directions. The road leading into the field is

***IMPORTANT: The owner, Mr Thomas Ur as that we kindly let him know if we plan to go on his property, either by calling or texting him at 613-859-2635***.

Here’s the files in the group’s “observing sites” folder where you can find the maps to get to the site. Please note that the field access has changed a bit. When you reach the “Y” junction is the field (approx 1.5 km going in from the main road), please take the LEFT. This will be a slightly coarser gravel road for another 300m until it reaches a dead end (with a wide circular space to turn-around. We usually setup in that turn-around space, with decent amount of room for a few cars/setups).
/g/oaog/files/Maps/Moose%20Creek

Clear Sky Chart:



2) Bootland Farm observing site:

This is a dark sky site, in a quiet open grassy field with a very nice view of the sky, and well isolated from all sources of lights and traffic. The owner, Mr. Bootland allows amateur astronomers to setup on the property anytime, from Spring to Fall. There is no need to ask permission; we can go when we want. Mr. Bootland only ask that we use the part of the field that is allocated for us, pick up all our belongings at the end and close the metal gate at the property entrance when we’re done. I personally have enjoyed the quietness and seclusion of this site for many years, located just an hour from Ottawa. Be prepared for a lot of dew (bring your boots and heaters for camera lens and scopes)! Please see the files area of our group for the detailed instructions, and guidelines in the link below. The observing field can be quite grassy but it is safe and flat enough for any vehicle to drive on. It is usually best to just back in and setup, this way, the field can accommodate 8-10 cars.
/g/oaog/files/Maps/Bootland%20Farm

Clear Sky Chart:



We are fortunate to have access to private property sites. You are welcome to go, but please be respectful, ensure that your vehicle is in good working order, and be prepared with everything that you need. These sites do not offer any kind of amenities ; they are just open fields with good views of the sky :)


There are certainly options for even darker sky sites to check out, such as the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve (NFDSP) near Plevna, and the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Areas (along highway 41 south of Kaladar). These sites are a longer drive outside Ottawa, but offer pristine skies during moonless nights!




Clear skies!
- Pierre