On July 2, the San Juan Stargazers held a members-only business meeting to discuss possible changes to club activities.
We came up with some good ideas. The decision was made that members missed having star parties like we had when Jerry Granok and John Buting were here. Those are two amazing, irreplaceable people, both great at using their telescopes, but we’ll do our best.
Many of you will remember Granok because he often had his solar lens on his telescope during daytime events to look at our magnificent sun.
We picked two new moon dark sky nights, one on July 15 and another on Aug. 12, which is also during the Perseid meteor shower peak which could be extra fun.
We picked a special location about 4.7 miles north of U.S. 160 on Piedra Road, just as you come to Hatcher Lake and can see it to your left, driving north. If you can see the lake you have gone too far and need to drive back to take the closest road to the west. It is not an official park, but is a fishing spot near the dam, has a toilet and a parking lot to set up maybe 10 telescopes with parking along the road.
We often went there in May. Our star parties used to mostly be for members only, but these star parties will be open to the public with between five and 10 telescopes set up at each. We will also point out constellations and stars, etc. They may last until quite late.
There actually is a sign on the left side of the road when driving north that says “La Ventana.” Arrive while it is light, or it is worth checking out ahead of time. It is on a hill above Piedra Road, so not bothered by car lights.
Everyone is invited to both star parties. There is no cost.
We will have our regular meeting on Aug. 6 to study recent discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope.
We hope to see you at these events.
>