astrobaja - 6-9-2011 at 11:19 AM
Hi Nomads
I was contacted by an astronomer from MIT asking about a good observing site just north of Cabo. Not having ever been there I could'nt help her out.
They are doing a study of an occultation of Pluto by its moon Charon (most likely analysis of light curves).
Heres a light pollution map of N. America
http://www.inquinamentoluminoso.it/worldatlas/pages/fig2.htm
It shows grey level skies (pretty dark) north of Cabo. So a "good" observing site is one thats fairly easily accessible by road has little light
pollution, a little elevation is nice to get above haze/humidity, and relatively good horizons.
Also what direction do the nighttime prevailing winds come from down there? Reason is you want a fairly smooth laminar airflow from the ocean to where
you are observing to minimize the atmospheres distortions.
So anybody from that area have any suggestions given those criteria?
thanks
Mike
Katiejay99 - 6-9-2011 at 11:49 AM
There are lots of places that would probably work for your friends. The Sierra de la Laguna Mountains are right here, so elevation is not a problem.
There are lots of areas with little to no lights (electricity stops just south of Pescadero and just north of Cabo).
There are many roads that are easy to drive on that will take you pretty much where they want to go.
Google Earth is a good option for looking the area over.
monoloco - 6-9-2011 at 01:14 PM
The prevailing night winds are off-shore for most of the year and strongest in the winter. They will find lot's of good sites if they take one of the
rancho roads nw of Cabo, the one that goes up towards San Vicente from south of Elias Calles is a good road and will take you up to some high plateaus
that are well away from any light pollution.
astrobaja - 6-10-2011 at 09:49 AM
Thanks for the info! I will pass it on to the group from MIT
cheers
Mike
gnukid - 6-10-2011 at 08:41 PM
Here is the email for a star gazer guide with a van and some telescopes who would be an excellent coordinator or adviser for your event. Mariana is a
quite knowledgeable about locations on the east cape, she has a transportation van and can assist with food and of course star gazing lore. Mariana
Ledesma noche.estelar@gmail.com