Big Bend National Park Astronomy
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quinnfamily@...
Greetings Folks, Shawn
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That sounds like an exciting trip, Shawn. Have a great time! Karen AP
From: main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io>
On Behalf Of quinnfamily@...
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 2:13 PM To: main@ap-ug.groups.io Subject: [ap-ug] Big Bend National Park Astronomy
Greetings Folks, Shawn
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DFisch
Shawn, besides being jealous I look forward to your travellogue of your adventures . Be careful of your security there’s a lot of people transiting through that area right now .
On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 15:12 <quinnfamily@...> wrote:
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TJF MOBILE
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quinnfamily@...
While one always needs to be cautious when exploring remote areas, I have checked with the National Park and risk levels associated with a variety of factors unique to Big Bend are not elevated. My biggest worry on trips like these is simply breaking down in requiring unplanned (and expensive) assistance. Still, I appreciate your thoughts.
Shawn
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DFisch
Glad to hear the Park service has got the situation under control; party on
On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 16:49 <quinnfamily@...> wrote: While one always needs to be cautious when exploring remote areas, I have checked with the National Park and risk levels associated with a variety of factors unique to Big Bend are not elevated. My biggest worry on trips like these is simply breaking down in requiring unplanned (and expensive) assistance. Still, I appreciate your thoughts. --
TJF MOBILE
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ROBERT WYNNE
I have some property in this area. The lots are 5 acre parcels. We get a lot of traffic going north and the corners where the parcels meet are always areas for overnight hideouts. We leave food and water in the parcel's corners so no threat to the home has ever been a problem. Most moving north are thirsty, hungry and looking for work and present very little threat to the community. -Best, Robert
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David
Shawn, Check out the Marathon Motel and RV park too. It’s right on the way to the park and they have power, nice little cabins, and some dedicated astro concrete pads, WiFi, etc. Nightly str parties too when the weather is clear. We take astro trips there from time to time and it’s great. And probably just as dark, without being so remote and off grid. David
On Apr 6, 2021, at 2:23 PM, Karen Christen <karen@...> wrote:
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quinnfamily@...
Thanks David, I was not aware. Great suggestion!
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Frost David
You’ve got some nice little places to eat there too. Rita’s Cantina at the RV park is great. The Gage Hotel is really nice for dinner. Great place with great people. Definitely check it out. David
On Apr 6, 2021, at 5:59 PM, quinnfamily@... wrote:
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Edward Beshore
Some friends and I spent a few days in some of the backcountry sites you mention. Specifically I remember one called “Robber’s Roost” south of the Chisos mountains. I would say among the darkest skies I have ever seen. It was easy to see my shadow from Venus. Enjoy the dark skies.
Ed
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Lee Dodge
There should be good dark skies, although the clarity sometimes is not as good as it might be due to coal-fired electricity generating plants that are probably in Mexico. That area has some rattle snakes, so don't accidently step on one. We paddled the Lower Canyons (Rio Grande) one time and had lunch on a large, overhanging rock. After we got off the rock, we saw the good-sized rattlesnake in the shade under the rock. I guess he did not feel threatened.
Lee
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George
When is the best time of the year to go to Big Bend NP for astronomy?
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Lee Dodge
Sent: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 10:46 AM To: main@ap-ug.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-ug] Big Bend National Park Astronomy
There should be good dark skies, although the clarity sometimes is not as good as it might be due to coal-fired electricity generating plants that are probably in Mexico. That area has some rattle snakes, so don't accidently step on one.
We paddled the Lower Canyons (Rio Grande) one time and had lunch on a large, overhanging rock. After we got off the rock, we saw the good-sized rattlesnake in the shade under the rock. I guess he did not feel threatened.
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Frost David
Winter! That’s when the temperatures are bearable. That’s their busiest season too. Don’t go in summer.
On Apr 7, 2021, at 11:46 AM, George <George@...> wrote:
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Vahe
The main event is Texas Star Party, lots of info on that on the internet, including reservations and places to stay during the Star Party.
. Vahe
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George
Many thanks to all for the info!!! I’m getting ideas for the next trip.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@...
From: main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Vahe
Sent: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 12:00 PM To: main@ap-ug.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-ug] Big Bend National Park Astronomy
The main event is Texas Star Party, lots of info on that on the internet, including reservations and places to stay during the Star Party.
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quinnfamily@...
I was able to secure a reservation at the Marathon Motel and RV site (thanks for the tip David!). That’s in addition to the back country sites I already plan to stay at. I suggest next year we have an Astro Physics Star Party and reserve the whole Motel/RV site - maybe support the NPS for a night or two inside the park (assuming COVID is managed to acceptable levels by then).
Shawn Shawn
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David
Awesome Shawn! Tip: if you want to be super close to the pads, reserve cabin #9 or #10. You’ll like it there. Great place. Have friends with gear there on site. You can see some of their pics in the office. David
On Apr 7, 2021, at 6:06 PM, quinnfamily@... wrote:
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Big Bend is on my bucket list with or without my scope. I live in Texas, so it is only a 2-day drive for me :>)
For those who don't want to get so far away from civilization, the Texas Hill Country also has a lot of dark sky sites, especially around Fredricksburg and Enchanted Rock State Park. It doesn't get quite as hot in the summer as Big Bend. ONly into the upper '90s and low 100's, but the humidity is low. Mike
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