I've never been to TSP but did go to Okie-Tex last year. The skies at Okie-Tex were the darkest I'd seen since I've been chasing dark skies. However, the new leader in dark sky, quality viewing goes to New Mexico Skies, the astronomical resort near Cloudcroft, NM. Andromeda Galaxy was no longer a white fuzzball as seen from S. Louisiana but a very large detaled spiral galaxy. M33 looked like a clear and distinct pinwheel. NGC 891 had a sharply defined dark lane. NGC 7000 and that area in Cygnus appeared brownish w/ a redish tint. Many views were similar to black and white images taken with a small telescope. I only had two nights of viewing as I had to race back to S. Louisiana as Hurricane Ivan closed in on the Gulf coast with no sign that it was turning away from us. I drove home in 19 hrs and Ivan turned toward Ms, Al and Fl when we were half-way home. It was a bit strange being the only vehicle heading east as the west bound traffic was solid bumper to bumper from Houston to Baton Rouge. I hope to get back to NM Skies next spring or summer. I'd also like to try out the other astronomy resorts.
I brought my 16" f4.5 dob and my binoculars but you don't have to bring equipment. Telescopes and cameras are availible to rent and at some places are included in the rental fee.
I think a club star party at one of the astonomy resorts would be the ultimate star party.
Lowell
I brought my 16" f4.5 dob and my binoculars but you don't have to bring equipment. Telescopes and cameras are availible to rent and at some places are included in the rental fee.
I think a club star party at one of the astonomy resorts would be the ultimate star party.
Lowell
