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Here is information about the upcoming Star Party on Mt. Tam. All cub scouts parents and friends are invited. Lets hope for clear skies!

WHEN

June 27, as soon as it gets dark... sunset is at 8:36PM, so a little while after that. Given how close we are to the summer solstice, good viewing will be a bit late. A waxing crescent moon (not quite 1st quarter) will be up all night.

LECTURE

Professor Lynn Cominsky, Sonoma State University: "Exploring the Extreme Universe with Fermi"

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly known as GLAST) is exploring the most energetic and exotic objects in the cosmos: blazing galaxies, intense stellar explosion and super-massive block holes. Fermi probes the Universe on scales from the infinite to the infinitesimal, and future observations may shed light on the nature of dark matter.

The lectures aren't too technical, and usually have cool graphics. I think the kids will enjoy learning about super-massive black holes!

SKY VIEWING AND VIEWING ETIQUETTE

After the lecture, telescopes brought by San Francisco Amateur Astronomers will be available for public viewing. The observing sessions are courtesy of the astronomers - so be nice to them, and ask politely before attaching a cub to their telescope. The equipment is their personal property. Please do not handle or adjust any equipment without the explicit permission of the owner(s). Use only filtered (preferably red) light around the telescopes (more on that, below).

The observing sessions last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours after the lecture.

WHAT TO WEAR, WHAT TO BRING

Wear layers... no need to wear the cub uniform but it is always nice. Bring a flashlight with a red filter or red LEDs. Multi-color LED flashlights are pretty common these days at hardware and drug stores. I think green LEDs is probably fine, but red is more usual. (White light prevents the eye from becoming dark adapted - a process that can take 20-30 minutes - so shining a regular flashlight around can annoy astronomers. There will be "greeters" at the Mountain Theater with spare red filters and possibly red flashlights for loan/sale - but we're a large group so don't count on it.)

DRIVING AND DIRECTIONS

Lets carpool. I can take about 2 parents / 3 kids - so if you are in my den, let me know if you'd like a ride. Otherwise, organize carpools with your friends.

From Highway 101 take the Highway 1, Stinson Beach exit. At Tam Junction (the first stop light), turn left onto the Shoreline Highway (also called Highway 1). In about 2 miles turn right onto Panoramic Highway. In another 3/4 miles the road splits 3 ways. Take the middle fork. In about 5 miles the Pan Toll Ranger Station will be on your left. Turn right through the gates across the road from the station and continue for about another 1 1/2 miles to the Rock Springs parking area.

Mountain Theater: the lecture, held in the outdoor amphitheater, is about a three-minute walk from from the parking area. By the time the program is concluded (45 minutes to 1 hour) it will be dark. There will be lanterns along the path and on the stairs at the theater, but if you feel that you need any assistance please do not hesitate to ask one of the State Park Volunteers to help you.
PARKING

Parking: Parking is free but limited.

When you approach the Rock Springs Parking Area, you will find the lot has been divided into two sections by a string of orange cones. Astronomers with telescopes park to the left of the cones, while the general public is asked to park to the right. There will be signs and volunteers to assist you. If the lot is filled, there will be a sign directing you to the upper parking lot. Go past the entrance to the Mountain Theater for about another 1/4 mile. The road will be closed by a gate, and there will be a sign directing you to park in the lot to your right. There is a short trail from the lot to the Mountain Theater. It is recommended that if you wish to observe after the program and you are in the upper lot, that you take the trail back to your car then drive down to Rock Springs for the observing. Some patrons do not stay for the observing, so you should find a parking space.

SAFETY

It gets dark so the parent kid ratio should be as close to 1:1 as possible. Be there for your kid, or have an adult appointed to watch out for them. There's no way the cub scout leaders will be able to track everyone at this event.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN!
Dave