January Star Party - Cancelled
Update Sat 2pm: While it does look like the clouds will eventually break after dark, there is going to be a pretty steady 10mph wind at Lake Taghkanic, which is very exposed (one of the disadvantages of having a great southern view). That will drive the wind chill down into single digits, as well as kick up this really powdery snow, which I think is going to make any actual viewing problematic, and cause havoc with people's gear. We'll try again in Feb.
Jupiter remains high in the sky, the Andromeda Galaxy is high overhead, and the Great Nebula of Orion is now high enough to get great views at the start of the Star Party. We'll also be trying out a new venue at Lake Taghkanic State Park. RSVP required.
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Lake Taghkanic State Park is in the town Ancram, NY, just 10 minutes north of Wilcox Park in Milan. Star Parties at Lake Taghanic are held in the West Parking log, next to the beach. The skies are darker than in Wilcox, with less stray light to deal with. The horizon is also much lower, especially to the south and east, making many more targets possible.
The Observing point at Lake Taghkanic is the main parking lot next to the West Beach. Once you enter the park, at the first big fork, bear right. This will lead you down to the beach parking lot. We will be towards the north end of that, near the main buildings.
IMPORTANT: all events at Lake Taghkanic State Park require an RSVP which includes license plate number of the car you are bringing (please do so via Meetup). The park is patrolled by state police, and all non registered cars will be ticketed and risk our use of the park.
RVSPs close Thursday at midnight before the event (this is true even if event postpones to Saturday because of weather). So RSVP yes early if there is a chance you can make it either Friday or Saturday night.
Current Weather and Sky Conditions:
1528 Route 82
Ancram, NY 12502
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