local clubs

[jstange2]

How does a guy find a local gazing club? I would like to find one.

Josh

[Vinnie]

Josh I'll have to leave that one to the guys in the US.

I only know Aus groups LOL

[powerwindows1985]

Hi Josh:

Here is a link to Sky and Telescope's find a club page: [Registered users can see links. ]
You could also try contacting a local university (or checking their web site).

Here is another resource: [Registered users can see links. ]
Just click on your state and a list of observing sites will show up. If it is used by a club it will say. This is also a good place to get info on sky conditions.

[jstange2]

Thanks for the input. I did a search and I found one that is in a bigger city about 70 miles from me. It looks like they are having a viewing Nov. 7th. Great timing as long as the weather cooperates.

Josh

[powerwindows1985]

Hi Josh:

I noticed in one of your other posts that you are from SD. Noting the Nov. 7th date it appears that you are refering to the Sioux Empire Astronomy Club. If so I can pass along some information I recieved from them if you want. I was thinking about attending one of their star parties in August but didn't have the time.
If you get a chance to head to the central part of the state with your scope the skies are awesome. I was at my brother-in-laws place west of Aberdeen last month and was amazed at the things I saw.
This is also a great message board for info. I have learned a lot in the short time I have been on here, and the other members are incredibly nice.

[jstange2]

Once I get one of my own, I will load up and go to my parent's farm by Plankinton. There are some good open fields around there.

[powerwindows1985]

Should have good skies there, not much light pollution in that area. I am planning a trip to snake creek campground near Platte this spring. There are very few trees, Platte is a good 15 miles away, and it is before camping season so the park should be empty. I find that campgrounds along the river are pretty good places, I am especially fond of North Point by Pickstown. Last summer I took some Cub Scouts to Webelos camp by Yankton. The boys went to bed and I stayed up half the night with my binoculars drooling at how dark the skies are. Actually the skies in SD are good once you get west of I-29 (i.e. Sioux Falls, Brookings, Watertown).

[jstange2]

Heck yeah. My buddy goes to North Point quite a bit with his fifth wheel. I might have to go with them sometime this coming summer.

[powerwindows1985]

North Point is my favorite campground in the state (I have been camping there since I was a young kid - my summer just isn't complete if I don't get there at least once). There are several open spots with fairly good sight lines south and west over the river. Last time I was there I was out all night looking at DSO's in Sagitarious.

[jstange2]

I don't really know about many specific astronomic objects yet, but hopefully soon. Off to check out the sky.