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[-=CROMAN=-]

Has anyone ever gone to one of these? Looks like they are having one in May.


www.fvastro.org/default.htm

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

No, I have not, but I bet skies are nice there.

Perhaps a field trip for the Chicago Astronomer kids soon.

[erikruud]

I didn't even know they existed. Thanks for the info.

[RobbW]

Peck Farm is nice and wide open. Should have great views in most every direction. I'll have to drive past there at night sometime to check for any annoying streetlights, park lights, or things of that nature.

[Paulie pchris00]

If they are holding their star parties there, I would think the Society would have talked to neighbors and such about their outdoor lighting. Should be reasonably free of nearby lights. This would be a cool road trip, maybe when gas isn't $4/gal.

[RobbW]

Paulie, I know of an astronomy club that holds regular star parties in an area that is usually well lit. Unfortunately, they can't get the lights turned off no matter how nicely they ask their neighbors. Something to do with pesky safety concerns outside metropolitan planetariums!

Peck Farm is a relatively wide open area set a good distance away from the surrounding subdivisions. However, I've never been by there at night to see what kind of streetlights they have on the main streets that run right next to the park.

[erikruud]

There are subdivisions all around it, but I think that parking lot lights at the park facility across the road might be the biggest issue.

I haven't been out that way at night though.

Here is the aerial view.

[Paulie pchris00]

Apr 20, 2011 19:43:19 GMT -6 RobbW said:

Paulie, I know of an astronomy club that holds regular star parties in an area that is usually well lit. Unfortunately, they can't get the lights turned off no matter how nicely they ask their neighbors. Something to do with pesky safety concerns outside metropolitan planetariums!

Good point. I was thinking of the Calumet Astronomical Society observatory, which other than a few houses to the north on the road in, is really in the middle of nowhere. All light from those houses is blocked by either the observatory building or landscaping. Fox Valley might not be so fortunate.

[RobbW]

Like I said, I'll have to do a drive-by some night to see how it is. As you pointed out though, if an astronomical society holds its regular public star parties there, it can't be too bad. On the other hand, they are public star parties. They may have just found a spot that was convenient for people to get to, and the LP is, well, not TOO bad! However, according to their website, they have private "members only" dark site locations for club sessions. So, obviously, Peck Farm is not their ideal location.

I am currently in the process of scouting out a potential "private" observing site. A friend of mine from college, his wife's parents own one of those fancy suburban pumpkin farms that draws huge crowds around Halloween/Thanksgiving time. I was talking with them at my daughter's birthday party, and she said she'd ask her parents if it was okay for our families to come out on the farm some night for some scope time. They said yes, and they also said it would be likely for me to set up a larger event for for the CA crew. We just need to give them advanced warning since once the warmer weather comes, they can book up evening events quickly.

I haven't been to the site yet. I am currently planning a family night out with a couple of friends' families just to scope out the site and see if it will be conducive to some deep sky observing. I'll let you all know how it turns out. We're currently in a holding pattern waiting for Mother Nature to cooperate with us.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I am planning to drive by peck farm this evening to check it out.

They are having a public star party on August 6th. I was going to email them and ask if it is ok to bring a scope to their party.

Joe.... If they say it's ok what do you think about a road trip?



Saturday, August 6, 2011 Vesta Fiesta - 7:30 pm Barn 8:00 pm -- Peck Farm Park parking lot.

[erikruud]

A friend of mine from work went to one last month. He said it was pretty good, and they were really friendly.

They were also written up in the local paper last week.

I was hoping to go on the 6th, but I have a UFO* issue that day and I don't know if I will be back in time to make it.






* "Unavoidable Family Obligation"

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Rich,

Ask and see.

I like dark skies..not a fan of long drives, but this could be good.

But maybe the reputation of the crack Chicago Astronomer crew has filtered down to the Geneva area...

[Paulie pchris00]

Jul 11, 2011 8:23:06 GMT -6 -=CROMAN=- said:

I am planning to drive by peck farm this evening to check it out.

They are having a public star party on August 6th. I was going to email them and ask if it is ok to bring a scope to their party.

Joe.... If they say it's ok what do you think about a road trip?



Saturday, August 6, 2011 Vesta Fiesta - 7:30 pm Barn 8:00 pm -- Peck Farm Park parking lot.

Just my opinion, but you can never have too many scopes at a public star party. I've brought mine out to a number of events by various organizations I didn't belong to, and have never had a problem. In fact, it's how I met Joe.

If I don't have any prior commitments, I might be tempted to join in. I don't see a Saturday night being a problem though.*

*As long as my "incidents" with the Illinois Tollway are taken care of.

[-=CROMAN=-]

Erik.. I found the article. www.mysuburbanlife.com/geneva/features/x1320224260/Exploring-the-night-Star-party-on-Saturday

It says that the park district turns off the park and parking lot lights for the event. Sounds like a definite go ahead for myself. I sent them an email asking if other scopes were allowed. Hopefully it wont be a problem.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I read this over the weekend and Winkler is mis-informed about this:

Winkler believes more communities should make an effort to install all LED lighting which has lower power consumption and reduces light pollution in the sky.

“It obviously is a sign of significant energy wasted for unnecessary lighting, most of which is standard incadescent lighting in strip malls, office parks and residential exterior lighting which mostly shines upwards or in all directions instead of downward,” Winkler said.

Studies have shown that L.E.D. lighting is disruptive to the body's bio-cycle...and could be responsible for some cancers. And, they are ghastly lookin'...

I wouldn't want them all about and I have noticed some slight headaches as a result from extended use of them.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I think we should go back to old school gas lamps.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I did drive by the farm the other night and it is nice and dark. there are street lights in the parking lot but they say that the park district turns those off. there is also a farm across the street with lights along its main road but I dont think that they will be an issue. the sky was was nice and dark and the land is flat farm land. Good views.