Which number campsite is the best for viewing the night sky? Thanks!
答:
All the campsites have many trees. The sites near Lake Michigan usually have view of about the Eastern half of the sky. Also, they will have a short walk (usually 200 feet or less) …
All the campsites have many trees. The sites near Lake Michigan usually have view of about the Eastern half of the sky. Also, they will have a short walk (usually 200 feet or less) to get to the beach where you will have a clear view of about 70% or more of the sky. The sites nearest Lake Michigan are numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 16. I think the best spot for viewing is at the beach end of the paved trail from the South of Parking Lot #3. There is a large grassy area on the West of the beach there, so you get a clear view of about 80% of the sky. The distant trees on the West block part of the view. Also, you walk somewhat downhill to get to the shore. So, when looking back toward the West, those trees appear higher as they are on higher ground. You will still see more of the night sky from the beach there than from any other part of the park. Cover a flashlight with some red cellophane, so you can see your way around without much decreasing of your night vision. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, but if you see a white flashlight or car headlight - you may have to wait another 20-40 minutes or more for your night vision to recover.
Hey there, how long was the walk from your vehicle to the beach? Do you pass the campsites on the way there? I'm looking to camp and enjoy a night of stargazing with my large telescope there. and wondering what the terrain is like as my telescope is a bit heavy. Thanks.
答:
Sorry for the delay. This is the first I've seen your question. From parking lot #3, there is a paved path (fairly smooth and level) of about a quarter-mile to the beach. You will …
Sorry for the delay. This is the first I've seen your question. From parking lot #3, there is a paved path (fairly smooth and level) of about a quarter-mile to the beach. You will probably need a red flashlight to find your way. It also helps to go in the daytime (beforehand) to see the path and decide where you want to set up.
Are any of the parking lots open all night? I read there is one for astronomers .
答:
In theory, they limit the number of dark sky viewers but I do not believe they ever really restrict numbers or shut the gates. You can always exit the park once inside. Be sure and kill your …
In theory, they limit the number of dark sky viewers but I do not believe they ever really restrict numbers or shut the gates. You can always exit the park once inside. Be sure and kill your headlights in the parking lots and bring red flashlights. No white lights from phones or flashlights - quite important and really appreciated by all those viewing the sky.
When is the best time of year to see if the Northern lights from Ellison Bay
答:
You need 1. clear sky (no or few clouds) 2. dark sky (no or few streetlights or parking lot lights) So, although it might be possible to see the Northern lights from the porch of your …
You need 1. clear sky (no or few clouds) 2. dark sky (no or few streetlights or parking lot lights) So, although it might be possible to see the Northern lights from the porch of your hotel in Ellison Bay, you will have a better chance from Newport State park which is classified as one of the best area for dark sky. 3. solar activity especially with sunspots (see web: aurora-hunter) for latest 3 days of activity. 4. Jan to March give best chances but clear winter skies are usually very cold. It will feel like your feet are freezing to the ground. So wear multiple heavy socks, layered sweaters, parka, gloves and mittens and by the Lake Michigan beach you will feel how cold the wind chill is. Most new cell phone cameras (latest three years) are so good that they can record impressive pictures of aurora. You may need a red flashlight to find your way from parking lot number 3 at Newport to the paved path that leads to the beach.
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