Update 8/18:
We are rescinding our previous cancellation!!!! The observation is back on. It looks like we’re going to have a break in the weather between 8 and 11 that will be clear enough to catch the planets and the Moon. Given we have had to cancel every observation at this site for this year thus far. We’re going to give it a shot and hope for the best. So if you haven’t made alternate plans already come on out.
Update 8/17:
The observation at Stone Mountain State Park has been cancelled due to weather. The clouds aren’t going to break up like we had hoped. The member coordinator said IF there is a drastic overnight change in forecast we may rescind the cancellation. This post and the club’s Facebook page will be updated if that is the case. If not our next observation opportunity will be Stone Mountain once again on Saturday September 1st. More details will be posted the week before.
Saturday August eighteenth the Forsyth Astronomical Society will host an observation at Stone Mountain State Park in the family camping area. This is primarily an event for the campers of the park but the public is welcome to attend. This event used to be a lock in style event but changes to park regulations allow for visitors entrance and egress as they please. If weather cooperates and the clouds stay away, the Moon, Jupiter and Venus will 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 possibly even a galaxy or two in the larger scopes. 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 August seventeenth.
As of this posting the forecast is for conditions similar to this past weekend, cloudy days giving way to afternoon thunder storms, then partly cloudy during the early evening giving way to clearer skies for the night. With all the rain we have had as of late, you will most definitely want insect repellent, mosquitoes will be in full force. Please refrain from spraying repellent near scopes or other optical devices. Repellents are typically sticky and the chemicals can damage the precision optical surfaces. Please refrain from using flashlights or cell phones in the observation area. 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 use a red 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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