How to Select you Observing Site
You are selecting an observation site from which you will be making most of
your observations - some things matter more than others.
FAQ's
Q - Shouldn't I be able to see from above my head through the entire 90°
to a flat horizon?
A - Not unless your in Kansas!! You will have to choose keeping in mind that
there are not many 'ideal' observing sites.
Q - How should I choose?
A - Some things are common sense and with others, you do the best you can!
Q - How far do I drive to an observation site?
A - Hopefully, you will not have to drive anywhere. Look over the information
below to help you make that decision.
Q - Do I need to see in all 4 directions at one time?
A - NO! You may have a main site for South, East, and West. Maybe for looking
North, you will have to move a half a block or so.
Q - Could I have another site where I'll just do a direction or two I cannot
do at my usual site?
A - yes
Q - I live in town, should I take this course?
A - Yes, there are many areas such as parks that are much darker than downtown.
Q - Do I have to have a sight that where I see down to a flat horizon?
A - No. Generally, almost all your observations will be from about 1/3 of the
way up to over your head. That bottom third is not used much in this course.
General Guidelines:
1. Darker is better than lots of lights.
* Sometimes by moving a few yards you can use a tree to block a light!
* The lights which will be the most harmful to your observation are lights shining
in your eyes - like a street light, someone's floodlight on their garage, or
a constant string of car lights.
2. Higher than sea level is better than at sea level - elevation really helps
get above the glare of the marine layer.
3. Obstacles (like trees and buildings) By moving just a few yards away, you
can often avoid or at least make trees look much shorter.
WARNING - you may find an excellent site in the
mountains, BUT are you willing to go there a couple of times a week just to
do astronomy lab?
Give this some serious thought by experimenting
in the evening before you commit by drawing your 4 direction panels.