Seeking Dark Skies

[Infosec]

I am trying to time my visit to Big Bend around the new moon in late July. Any tips on what areas are the best of Sky watching? I was originally planning on hitting the high mountain trails and pick a good spot, but with the High wildfire danger looks like those plans are going to be nixed. Any thoughts on how bad the light pollution from Mexico has gotten?

[bdann]

Any open desert campsite is good for dark skies.  You won't be disappointed, unless it is cloudy. 

[Al]

or the moon is up and too bright.

Al

[catz]

You might consider Mesa de Anguila.

[tjavery]

Light pollution from Mexico should be fairly minimal. It's the air pollution that's the problem

Pretty much the entire area is great for dark sky viewing. There is some small light pollution from the Study Butte / Terlingua area, but even within the Ghost Town you can see a nice, dark sky.

The Basin has some light pollution right around the lodge, but if you get a little ways away, the sky is dark. I believe there's a pull-out along the basin road just down from the Lost Mine trailhead where you can get a nice view of the sky.

Here's the Window at night (note the light pollution from Study Butte/Terlingua; but you can still see the Milky Way):
http://www.thomasjavery.com/proj_big_bend/0201.html

Here's the old church in the Ghost Town (right behind the Starlight); still dark enough to see the Milky Way:
http://www.thomasjavery.com/proj_big_bend/0202.html

From along Old Maverick Road (west side of the park):
http://www.thomasjavery.com/proj_big_bend/0206.html

Pine Canyon Campsite #5:
http://www.thomasjavery.com/bb_nov09/01.html

[Karleen]

We were just there, and got some great views at the Grapevine Hills trail head. Also, at the turn-around just after you turn onto the Basin road. Some neighbors said they were going to Sotol Vista to watch the stars. Anywhere is great!

[Al]

TJ, beautiful pictures!

Thanks,
Al

[tjavery]

Thanks Al & QS. I hope the night skies stay that dark. It's an amazing and humbling experience to stand out in the middle of the desert, look up, and gaze into infinity.

[fartymarty]

Any thoughts on how bad the light pollution from Mexico has gotten?

 

 

Sorry, I'm not laughing at the situation in Mexico. I'm laughing at how anything bad near the border
(pollution) is automatically assumed to be coming from Mexico. I think that if I was an astronomer just south
of the park border, I would be somewhat irritated that anyone north of the border would think that there is light pollution coming from an area
largely without electricity. There have been some recent lighting modifications in the park, but at one time the maintenance area near Castolon
was lit up like a prison yard, with bright orange sodium vapor lights. If I recall correctly, the sodium vapor light pollution is the most difficult to reduce with filters.

My soap-boxing aside, I think the most light pollution for astro-photography would be coming from vehicle headlights as they go up hills with brights on
and shine up into the sky which may fog or lessen contrast in portions of your wide angle long exposure shots. This is assuming that you are going to
put some landscape between you and the light coming from Study Butte/Terlingua. I have frequently seen telescopes set up in the Basin Amphitheater
parking lot which is great for observing, but photographically, I think any late arrivals coming in over the Panther Pass switchbacks will have their
headlight beams repeatedly sweeping through any long exposure you may have underway.

wow! from the master! inspiring!

  Yes tj, what he said. ↑

[homerboy2u]

Thanks Al & QS. I hope the night skies stay that dark. It's an amazing and humbling experience to stand out in the middle of the desert, look up, and gaze into infinity.

 WOW Thomas.....you really, must have....some great,camera.

 As far as the Mexico what ever goes......i think i will not comment any more about it. I have explained so many times how things are, I strongly suggest you do a search here for the same question. Over and over again......

 BTW, things are really starting to pick up every where here.

[jeffblaylock]

The Fresno campsite, near the Mariscal Mine, is my favorite site for stargazing. It is in the open desert, far away from anyone else, with 360-degree views of the horizon.

It's also my favorite spot for full moon nights. Nothing beats touring the mine ruins lit only by moonlight.

[Al]

The Fresno campsite, near the Mariscal Mine, is my favorite site for stargazing. It is in the open desert, far away from anyone else, with 360-degree views of the horizon.

It's also my favorite spot for full moon nights. Nothing beats touring the mine ruins lit only by moonlight.

Ditto on Fresno.  Roy's Peak Vista is another great  sky view site.

Al

[Casa Grande]

I'll add my vote to Fresno