Star Party 6/13/09 Frisco Commons Park

Don D, our resident star gazing authority, has agreed to sponsor our group again this month at the Frisco Star Party. Hopefully this month we'll get a break in the cloud cover.

Don says "The waning gibbous moon will not brighten the night sky until after midnight. Being so close to the summer solstice, however, we will have to deal with a late-setting sun at 8:26 PM. If you want to socialize or bring your own telescope, please try to arrive around this time. If you want to observe, you may want to arrive by about 9:15 or later. Saturn is still well-placed for viewing in the early evening. The rings are only slightly tilted from edge on, making its moons more easily seen. This is the only planet visible in the early evening, but if you had to be limited to one, this is the one!

The deep sky will feature galaxies and globular clusters. Galaxies are notoriously dim, but if the sky is very transparent (haze-free), we might see many of the brighter galaxies even from the northern Metroplex. Ask for these in particular: M51, M81, M82, M65, and M65. There are more available, notably in the Virgo-Coma cluster of galaxies, but some of them are pretty dim. If you want to see a Virgo-Coma member, just let me know and I will try to find one for you. Globular clusters are more easily seen than galaxies, so be sure to view some of these. Request M13 and M92 in particular. If we are having a really transparent night, I may even try for Omega Centauri. This is a pretty nearby globular cluster that looks better through the finder scope than the main scope, because it's huge on the night sky (about the size of the full moon). Unfortunately, it is in the extreme southern part of the sky, so it might be lost in the glow of DFW if the sky is not extremely transparent. I will be hunting cool double stars as usual, so be sure and stop by and ask to see some if time permits.

See you there, weather permitting!"

There are restrooms at this location.

If you have a scope bring it out.

If it's cold out be sure to dress warmly as it can get very cold when you are just standing around on cold pavement. Good shoes, a hat, ear coverings, and layers are your best bet. You can always take off what's not needed.

(BTW this is only a stargazing party - no food or drink required. :)

More details, including directions to the Park, are available at:
Frisco Star Party

The site gives directions from Preston, from the Tollway you turn right on Main (FM 720) and go for about 1.5 miles through Old Frisco, past the old watertower to Meadow Lane on the left. A median prevents you from turning left directly onto Meadow, so you can take the next left into the parking lot of Liberty Baptist Church and go back to Meadow.

On this map of the park we will be in the area at the bottom:
.Frisco Commons Park map

NOTE: If it is overcast or the weather is severe the event will be cancelled. I will post a notice and email the "Yes" and "Maybe" RSVPs. You can also check the TAS website.