We have gotten a few questions about the Dark Sky Observing sessions so we ask all that are considering coming to read this:

Basically this is our monthly observing session. We setup and stay up all night and observe.

This is a weather dependent event, if it looks to be 50% or more chance of clouds or rainy the event will be cancelled.

We ask that everyone arrive before sunset.

People will have telescopes setup, most will be doing visual observing but some may be taking pictures with their scopes. Always ask before viewing through or touching someone else’s scope. Most are willing to share views and happy to do so, but others may be imaging or working on a observing list and may not want to be interrupted, just ask.

We have some pretty strict lighting rules for these events. No white lights allowed and only dim red flashlights are to be used to preserve everyone’s night vision so they can fully enjoy the dark skies. No fires or cooking with flame after dark. These events are usually restricted to just members and and all are asked to respect the rules above and those of the site at all times.

Camping is allowed and recommend for these events except if held at Brasstown Bald or Charlie Elliot (No camping is allowed at these two sites, however some do take naps in their cars) if there are some that will leave and head home or to local camping areas at some point in the night and we ask that they not turn on their car lights until they leave the parking lot, or if not possible alert everyone that they are leaving so we can close our eyes until they are gone. Also be mindful of interior car lights coming on when the door opens. These can be covered with tape to block lights.

These rules sound harsh at first but everyone there has traveled a long way to enjoy the darkest skies in Ga and these rules are setup so they can come out and do just that! 🙂

Brasstown     

Coordinates: +N34° 52′ 09.60″ -W84° 48′ 37.51″
Elevation: 4333ft
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This is the highest point in Georgia and has really nice skies. We setup in the middle of the parking lot in the grass median. You must pay the 3 dollar per person fee to get access to the parking lot. No tents are allowed to be setup ,but they do allow you to sleep in you car. There are bathrooms on site. No power or water is available.

Charlie Elliott     

Coordinates: +N33° 28′ 09.18″ -W83° 44′ 06.87″
Elevation: 900ft
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We setup in the field to the right as you enter the wildlife management area. Nice dark skies with a really good southern Horizon. The Charlie Elliott chapter of the club has their meeting before the observing session in the clubhouse farther down the road. No tents are allowed to be setup on the observing field, you can sleep in you car or you can arrange to camp about 1 mile away at the campground. There are no bathrooms on site, but are some nearby. No power or water is avalable.

Deerlick     

Coordinates: +N33° 33′ 41.11″ -W82° 45′ 47.30″
Elevation: 550 – 600ft
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The darkest Skies in Georgia await you at Deerlick. There is an 10 acre general observing field that has a warmup shed, flush toilets and showers, concrete pads and power along the fence. There are also RV power hooks available. You need to be a member of the Deerlick Astronomy group to use the field and there is a nightly fee of 5 dollars per person.

Woodruff      

      Coordinates: +N34° 55′ 35″ -W84° 08′ 43″
Elevation: 2000ft
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This observing field is part of the Woodruff Boyscout Reservation. We are allowed to use their field as long as we help the scouts out on Thursday night during the summer camping months. These help session are real fun and help the kids earn the astronomy merit badges. The field has porta-potties, power, a warm up shed, concrete pads, and water. There are hiking trails around the site as well.