Update 2/8: We are a GO for the Stone Mountain observation. The weather forecast is for clouds pretty much all day but to begin clearing at dusk and improve during the time frame of our observation. It’s going to be cold though. The temperature will be in the mid 40’s at dusk and in the low 30’s by the end of the observation. You’ll want to dress warmly, and you’ll especially want to layer up the kids.
Saturday February 9th, the Forsyth Astronomical Society will host an observation at Stone Mountain State Park in the family camping area. This is the first observation at this venue for the 2019 season. This is primarily an event for the campers of the park but the public is welcome to attend. The sun will set at 5:56 pm and we will start showing objects as darkness allows. Mars and the waxing crescent Moon will be visible early and for most of the evening. Moon set is at 10:27 pm. As darkness progresses we will be able show you various star clusters, binary star systems, several different nebulae and even faint galaxies in the larger scopes after the moon sets.
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 February 8th. As of this posting the forecast is quite favorable, albeit a little cool.The early evening temps are forecast in the 40’s slipping into the 30’s as the night progresses. 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.
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