Camper Observation at Stone Mountain State Park 11/3

Update 11/2: We are a GO for the observation. The forecast is calling for clear skies and mid 50’s falling to mid 40’s by the end of the observation. Dress warm and come on out and enjoy the night sky.

Saturday November 3rd, the Forsyth Astronomical Society will host an observation at Stone Mountain State Park in the family camping area. This is the last observation at this venue for the 2018 season. This is primarily an event for the campers of the park but the public is welcome to attend. The sun will set at 6:24 pm and we will start showing objects as they appear. Saturn and Mars should be visible early in the evening and as darkness progresses we will be able show you various star clusters, binary star systems, several different nebulae and even a galaxy or two in the larger scopes. The Moon will be setting before sunset so it will be a prime time for deep sky treats.

This IS a weather dependent event. This post and the club’s Facebook page will be updated to reflect a final weather call on Friday November 2nd. As of this posting the forecast is quite favorable, albeit a little cool. The overnight lows are forecast for the upper 30’s. You may want to bring a coat. Especially keep the little ones warm. Please refrain from using flashlights or cell phones in the observation area. If you feel you need them to get you there, please point them downward as you approach the observation site. Once your eyes dark adapt, I promise you, you will be able to see fine to navigate around. If you have need to find something, ask a member and they can provide a red light flashlight to help you. Please note the observation site on the campsite map below. Access to the site can be gained via a grassy path marked by traffic cones between sites 33 and 34. If you are a non camping attendee please park at the bathhouse near the observation site or along the grassy median away from campsites along the main road. Please be respectful and do not walk through other’s campsites.