Observatory site prep is still moving along slowly. Pulling stumps is a long process but I’m getting there. At least the summer heat is behind me but the limited daylight is making it hard to get much done on the weekdays.
Here’s what the site is looking like. Starting to look a little more open.
I’ve cut a few more trees and have updated the horizon survey accordingly. The local light domes for Clinton and Oak Ridge are easily visible in the East and South.
Earlier this year (2015) Pickett / Pogue State Park was named a Silver Tier IDA dark site. I haven’t made it up for a night of astrophotography yet but have been wanting to visit the area and scope it out before lugging all the equipment up there for the first time. On Sunday my wife, the dogs, and I made a visit up to hike the short trail to the Pogue Canyon Overlook. The trail head is connected to the parking lot that adjoins the astronomy field at the Pogue SNA. First off, finding the place wasn’t difficult BUT google maps does not have current satellite imagery from there so I couldn’t pinpoint it easily. The address given didn’t seem to match up with anything in the imagery. So, to make it a little easier, here is an image of the location:
I’ve been interested in Pickett / Pogue for a while since it appears to be one of the darkest places in Tennessee and is located only 1:40 from my home. Here are a few light pollution maps showing where it is in relationship to sources of light pollution:
I also wanted to share a few photos from the site to show you all what to expect when you arrive at the site:
A little bit of side information that might be of interest as it contains SQM measurements, photos, and upcoming event information:
Pickett – Pogue Dark Sky Press Release
Pickett – Pogue Internation Dark Sky Assoc. Application
Picket – Pogue Lighting Plan – Dark Sky Friendly Lighting
Don’t forget, the Fall Star Gaze is happening 9/19/2015 at this location! I’d love to see you there but I’m tied up and can’t make it. Hope to make it out under the stars there another time.