This event has been cancelled due to the detrimental weather forecast. Attendees who have already signed up for this will have the first chance to sign up for the next one, which will be April 26 or 27.
Photo by Tad Wheeler
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE SECTION. You need to review it all and not miss any details.
Registration will close for this event on the evening of Wednesday, March 26. Please register prior to that date.
This event is for people who wish to observe and enjoy the night sky. A talk about Variable Star Observing is planned if a presenter can be found. Attendees need not be interested in that, it's just informational. Some variable stars are visible in the sky this time of year, most notably, Betelgeuse. Plan to set up your telescope while it's still light, listen to the talk while it's getting dark, then head out to work on your skills when the stars are out. If you need power for your equipment, please bring a long extension cord, and a power strip if you have one. We have one working outside outlet at the ranch. If you bring a telescope or binoculars, please be willing to share views with our guests who have no equipment. IF you do not yet have your own equipment, no worries! You may look at and through DAS members' equipment and ask questions.
Please note - if there is more than one person in your party, each person needs to register separately.
NOTE #1: This is NOT A TWO-DAY EVENT. We hope the weather will be great on March 28, but if it isn't, and the forecast looks better for March 29, we will postpone one day and hold this event on March 29. I will keep you closely informed via email, so keep an eye on your in-box!
NOTE #2: Please plan to arrive at the gate no later than 7:00 p.m. At that point, the gate will be closed and you will be unable to enter. The portion of Sandstone Ranch where these events are held is by Guided Access only, so no one is permitted to enter once we close that gate. Please leave home EARLY if this is your first time traveling to Sandstone Ranch. Recent guests noted that it was a lot farther away than they thought, and due to the closure of the I-25 Frontage Road, the alternate routes take more time.
You're also welcome to bring food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Indoor restrooms or porta potties will be available. Questions can be emailed to info@denverastro.org.
NOTE #3: The gate will be OPEN for Check-In at 6:00 p.m. and will CLOSE promptly at 7:00 p.m. IF YOU CANNOT ARRIVE BEFORE 7:00 p.m., DO NOT SIGN UP. Late arrivals have sometimes gotten lost and strayed onto the wrong property, and we cannot risk having this happen again.
The guest list will be finalized on Thursday, March 27 and at that point I will email everyone on it with an address and specific driving instructions to the entry point for Sandstone Ranch, as well as the waiver. If this is your first time visiting the Ranch, you'll need to sign and date the waiver and bring it with you.
Register now to participate in this event at the beautiful setting of Douglas County Open Space's Sandstone Ranch, near Perry Park.