FAS Pilot Mountain Public Observation Thursday July 4th

Update 7/4:

We are a GO for this evening. It’s a mixed bag on the forecasts so we’re going to be packing lite on the equipment side in case of a passing shower. Come on out and enjoy the sights. We should be able to see several local fireworks shows and possibly a passing lightening storm.

Ranger Jesse Anderson will be having a talk on the Apollo moon landing starting at 7 along with other kids activities. The FAS will be set up and ready as darkness falls.

The Forsyth Astronomical Society and Pilot Mountain State Park will be hosting its first ever Fourth of July observation at Pilot Mountain State Park on Thursday July 4th form 7 PM until 10 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Sunset is at 8:44 PM and we will begin showing objects as darkness allows. The thin crescent moon and Jupiter will be our primary targets early on and closer to the events close as darkness more truly falls star clusters and possibly a few nebula will round out the evening. Our ranger liaison assures us that you can see several fireworks displays from the vantage point of the upper parking area, where we will be set up. If you have binoculars bring them to get up close and afterwards we may be able to show you some astronomical targets you can see in them as well. Our understanding is that there will be other activities from 7 PM until the observation begins. Check out Pilot Mountain’s event page by clicking the image below. The parks contact info cane be found there for more information.

The observation portion of the event is a weather dependent occurrence. Check back here or on the club’s Facebook page for a final weather call the evening of the 3rd.

Update 7/2:

Club V.P Justin Nichols has curated a list of fireworks shows that could be visible and their strait-line distance from Pilot Mtn. We’re not saying all these WILL be visible but COULD be. There will be mitigating factors like air quality and other atmospheric conditions that will determine how far we’ll be able to see. Even under optimal conditions binoculars may be required for some of the more distant ones.