Originally Posted by S2k Dude

I (possibly we) will be heading up to Fontana on Thursday and I'll be meeting up with the Cinci gang for dinner.

Originally Posted by pwrinxs

Join us for a late night drive & stargazing at 4,500 ft elevation along the Cherohala Skyway. We will gather Friday evening about 9pm (or backup / repeat Saturday at 10pm depending on weather / interest) at the Wildwood Grill parking lot. We will break into a spirited and casual group for the drive up and back to the Hooper Bald Overlook. On arrival, turn off all of your lights and let your eyes adjust to the dark, clear skies and see more stars than you have in a very long time. With decent seeing conditions you can expect to easily see the Milky Way (our home galaxy), and with the help of telescopes & cameras, expect to see even more. If you have a telescope, spotting scope, birding scope, or binoculars, be sure to bring them to get the most from this experience.

As we are at about 4,500 ft elevation on top of a mountain range at night, plan for cool, windy weather and dress in layers. We will stay probably until 11pm or 12am, though those that wish to leave early are welcome to. Please depart in pairs or more, to ensure a safe return.


Preserving your night vision is very important, so please remember to turn off all white lights (headlights, dome lights, trunk lights, cell phones, and so on) and keep them off for the duration of the experience. Red lenses can be purchased online to put over your regular flashlight, which will help preserve night vision when light is needed (though on a clear night, there is typically enough star/moon light to see well enough for walking around & setting up gear).


NOTE: The timing of this drive is VERY subject to change, as clear weather conditions are crucial for good viewing. Check the event board in Fontana Lodge for any updates, and call Adnan (prwinxs) on channel 4.0 if you are unsure. I will try to keep this thread updated until the last minute with our most current plans. If Friday is not favorable, this might be moved to Saturday evening instead, although we prefer not to interfere with other programs like the beer or bourbon swaps or dinner.

Tentative Date / Time: Friday May 11 @ 9pm from Wildwood Grill

Attendees:
1.) PwrinxS (Adnan)
2.) Bama Dave (David)
3.) vortamock (John)
4.) S2LEGEND (Phil)
5.) jvf1 (Curt)
6.) RLT (Joerg)
7.) JoePhotographer (Joe)
8.) adrs2k (Adam)
9.) WVCR-V (l
10.) S2k Dude ()
11.) RobM (Rob)

More slots can be opened up if there is interest. If you have a ? next to your screen name, please confirm and update status. If anyone has any safety cones, please bring them to this drive. Thank you!

Astronomical forecast: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"https://www.s2ki.com/forums/"http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/ChrkNF1TNkey.html?1"""""& quot;""]Sassafras Ridge Clear Sky Chart

https://binged.it/2nye9Es