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(meteorobs) Joshua Tree



There have been a couple of inquirers about Joshual Tree as an observing
site.  I battled the Friday afternoon traffic and auto accidents to
drive out there yesterday (Friday Nov. 12).  It was 143 miles from
Pasadena to park headquarters in 29 Palms.  I spoke to the park ranger
and he said that it is perfectly permissible to set up your  beach
chairs etc.  at any parking area in the park including camp grounds for
the purpose of viewing the stars.  He pointed out the we would probably
like to avoid the light pollution of the Ewards Air Force Base just
North of 29 Palms. and to that end suggested that the large parking area
just South of the Pinto Basin Road between White Tank and Belle
Campgrounds.
    Later that night I checked this out and other sights by driving
South from the park headquarters at the North end to the South end at
Cottonwood Springs about 60 miles one way.  Incidentally at that point I
learned that there is an entrance fee to the park in various categories
with ten dollars the highest.  No body was manning the collection
station near midnight so I escaped that fee.  The days and night were
exceptionally clear and warm at this time.  I did not stay at any site
that I checked out long enough for my eyes to completely accommodate so
some of my observations may be tainted.
    The check at the above mentioned parking lot was my first.  The
zenith was exceptional and  must have been near the 6 LTM.  This clarity
continued to near the South East horizon.  The Milky Way was
exceptionally clear. However in other directions the light pollution
took its toll to various elevations above the horizon.  There were no
high obstructions to the horizon in this lot.  On the other hand each of
the other camp sights are placed next to large jumbles of high monoliths
that are very obstructive to observing.  The elevation is about 3800 ft.

    Each of the the turn offs that I checked on my way south seemed to
suffer more from the light pollution than the previous one till I got to
Cottonwood Springs.  This area seems to be better protected from the
light pollution of Indio and other development along Intestate 10.  It
sacrifices some horizon to achieve that but not seriously so.  The
"seeing" was exceptional as sights go these days.  It varies with the
direction and your location so I hesitate to place numbers to it.  The
campground area and the parking area at the springs are both suitable.
     I have not decided yet as to whether I will go to Joshua Tree or
Anza Borrego Desert for the 17/18 Nov. but if I end up at Joshua Tree it
will be at Cotton Wood Springs.  This is based mostly on its easier
accessibility.  Interstate 10 is a crowded freeway but it usually clears
up by the time you reach Banning.  White Water campground if far harder
to get to. I would think that the San Diego people can find better sites
at Anza Borrego.
    If anyone out there who has more experience with Joshua Tree has any
difference of opinion of the conclusions I have reached from my rather
cursory tour please fill free to correct me.

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