7/27/25 UPDATE:
For the evenings we will be camping together, sunset will be at around 8:15p but twilight will last until about 10:00p. The moon will be rising in the evenings between 9:30p and 10:30p and will be quite full (94%-80% over the three nights), so we will be able to see our way around in the dark pretty well. This may diminish the number of meteors we'll see, but the night sky will be absolutely gorgeous if the air is clear. I have been watching the air quality with the AirVisual IQAir app - you may want to do the same. There has been a wildfire in the area recently, adding some pollutants into the air near Moab. Hopefully, this will clear up by the time we head to Dead Horse Point (DHP) two weeks from now.
Solar noon (when the sun is directly overhead and UV rays are most intense) will be around 1:30p next month. The rangers at the park say that the window between 10:30a and 4:30p is considered "the heat of the day" and it is best to take things easy and find shade/shelter to avoid overheating/dehydration during this time. We won't schedule anything during the day so that people can choose their own activity level. If you want to head to Arches, or Moab, or do a river run on the Colorado, or rent UTVs, etc. all of that is available down near town, but it is up to you to make those arrangements.
As for our group activities:
Monday evening at 9:00p (after arrival), let's gather together at my campsite (Wingate #53) and go find a dark place to enjoy the night sky before quiet hours begin. (Quiet hours in the campground are 10:00p-7:00a) Bring your lounge chair.
Tuesday evening 9:00p I've arranged for Ranger Jimmy to meet us at the campground and take us on a 2-hour (up to 3 miles) easy "Nocturnal Desert Critters" hike. He says to be sure to wear close-toed shoes!
Wednesday evening at 9:00p: there is a Star Party scheduled for the public at the visitor's center (within walking distance from the campground). I think Ranger Jimmy is planning a presentation about the constellation, Perseus.
I am hoping to bring a shade canopy to erect near my truck camper so we have a "headquarters" area where people can mingle and meet. I will be at Wingate site 53.
Supply list:
WATER, WATER, WATER (bring your own water! All the water at the park has to be trucked in, so there are no spigots or showers)
Sunscreen
Wide-brim hat
Close-toed shoes
sweater/jacket (for night temps. in the 60s)
lounge chair (so you don't get a crick in your neck trying to strain to see into the heavens)
and of course the normal camping things: food, shelter, etc.
Optional supplies:
fan(s)
UV or red flashlight (please don't bring white flashlights--they disrupt night vision. It can take up to 30 mins. to regain night vision after looking into a bright light or a screen. Be aware that using your phone's flashlight or taking selfies with a flash will also disrupt night vision. Note: Nancy checked online and found a 2-for-1 deal on red flashlights for $9.99 while we met on Saturday.)
cooling vest
binoculars
hiking poles (the terrain at DHP is pretty flat)
planisphere (map of the night sky)
bicycle (DHP has an extensive bike trail system)
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7/8/25 UPDATE: There are still two standard (elec hook-up) sites, 3 tent sites, and 2 yurts available at the Wingate campground if you are hoping to join us. I will start posting/sending additional info next week. Looking forward to this trip! —Lydia
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Campsites at Dead Horse Point State Park just opened up for Aug 11-14, which is when the earth will pass through the Perseid Meteor Shower this year. It’s the most prolific shower of the year, so the night skies will be filled with shooting stars! This is a great place to see/photograph the meteors - Dead Horse Point is a Dark Sky park situated up on a high plateau with no trees around.
There are two campgrounds in the park; I have reserved a site in the Wingate Campground where there are yurts, tent sites, and RV sites still available (as of April 12). I imagine the park will have programming for this event, though their event calendar for August is not public yet.
These campsites will go quickly.
