Hi Attilla & Richard,
Janice and I drove out this morning to check out the so-called "Conroy
Rd. Pit" ( on W side of Conroy Rd., 1000ft North of Hunt Club ) as a
possible site for the Girl Guides session. There are a few problems
with the place, as follows:
1- There is a nearby streetlamp located maybe 40 ft from the parking
lot. No way to avoid it. Also, you see a bit of the end of the urban
sprawl maybe 2000ft away. You're not actually in the pit, to observe.
Kids that age might find that less scary though.
2- Obsering would have to happen in or near the parking lot. So we'd
get headlights when people drive in and out. It'd be more like
sidewalk astronomy than dark site observing, I think.
3- There are trees maybe 40 ft away stealing the last 15 degrees up
from the horizon. However the moon will be at first quarter and the
planets should be visible at dusk for about an hour.
Since this is a session for 6-8 year old girls and their parents, and
since the moon and planets are likely to be the main targets, perhaps
this site could work out OK. At least here, there'd be a chance to
look at a few more targets like globulars or doubles, as compared to a
shopping mall.
Also, this is a public area where people might drive in to go walk
their dogs. Chances are they too might stop by to take a peek. So
overall, I'd say it's worth a try, just to see how it turns out.
I have yet to confirm the site with the organizer, so it's just a
touch premature to post a map. Assuming it is a go, I will then make
and post a map and text description, to help people find it. Remember
that this will be a relatively small group of 10 kids and possibly
their parents. It should be fun.
We'll keep you posted.
Thanks,
Roland ( & Janice )
