March 3-Lunar Eclipse-Impromptu?

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Cheryl Kerr

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Feb 26, 2026, 4:46:26 PMFeb 26
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Hi All,
Is anyone planning to open Alpha Ridge for the March 3rd Lunar Eclipse event by chance?  

The total eclipse phase will be around 6:08 AM EST, Penumbral begins around 3:44 AM EST.

Jose Urias

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Feb 26, 2026, 4:48:39 PMFeb 26
to Cheryl Kerr, howar...@googlegroups.com
Hi Cheryl,

I want to do it but a lot of people have told me that Alpha Ridge will not be good for seeing it. If you can confirm we should be able to see it from there, I will be happy to call an impromptu that day.

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j...@tomney.com

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Feb 26, 2026, 5:02:12 PMFeb 26
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The Moon enters totality standing only ~6° above the western horizon, so the best venue needs to have great western line of sight.

 

Jim

A Judd

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Feb 27, 2026, 7:46:47 PMFeb 27
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Does anyone know of anywhere in the county that has a great western view? I think that might be impossible in this area. I am having a hard time thinking about where to find a planet at 18°, never mind the moon. Jim, thank you for all you do.

On Feb 26, 2026, at 5:02 PM, j...@tomney.com wrote:



Sundar Raghavachari

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Feb 27, 2026, 8:09:41 PMFeb 27
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Hi  Cheryl:

The best venue for a better western line of sight around here locally is the Howard Conservencey center which is not very far from Alpha ridge. I know this because I observed a couple of Comets from this location which were visible only on the low western horizon.

Thanks ,
Sundar Raghavachari.

'Hope is not a Strategy. Hope for the Best but Plan for the Worst'


Jose Urias

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Feb 27, 2026, 8:37:42 PMFeb 27
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Do we have to contact someone there to gain access? If so, I would not mind trying to contact them to see if they would let us use the space.

Cheryl Kerr

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Feb 27, 2026, 9:25:41 PMFeb 27
to A Judd, j...@tomney.com, HAL Group
All,
I’ve been thinking about this. I think the eastern shore will be a good place. These suggestions are for a light, portable setup. 
Use google earth or maps to find these locations. Zoom in to see exactly where I’m noting locations. Set a waypoint and you can have google navigate you there directly. 

There are 2 areas south of Cambridge, along Rt 16 between Madison (nice wide shoulder to park full off street) to the causeway over Slaughter Creek Broads on Taylor’s Island that will place you in an elevated position over the phragmites marshes. 

1-Parsons Creek Bridge on Rt 16: Park just prior to the little bridge. There are beautiful western views just prior to the bridge and on the bridge. With wide shoulders you can be safe. Wear a safety vest if you have one and carry a flashlight if a vehicle shows up. 

2-Taylor’s Island: Continue South on Rt 16 cross the causeway-Just Don’t stop or walk on the causeway!!!  There is a little parking area on the Taylor island side of the causeway (a memorial) where you can safely park then walk across the street and access the old bridge abutments. (You can see this on Google Maps)

Hoopers Island Area:
There are a few save areas to park along Hoopers Island Road all the way down to Hoopers Memorial Church. If you stop along Hoopers Island Road park OFF the road and check tide charts. If wind is strong you might be affected by wave action. The Church is safest. 

Areas near Blackwater NWR:
If you park in the little parking lot along Key Wallace Drive just prior to the Blackwater Nat Wildlife Mgt entry road, you can walk to a few areas over the causeway that will place you OFF the road where you will have a lovely view across a cove looking into the refuge. 

Also, check the parking lot out at the Blackwater Visitors Center. You may find good western views there too. 

Assateague Island: 
You can park at the visitors center before you cross the bridge onto the island. Walk on the pedestrian/bike path across the bridge and stop in the middle of the bridge and set up a camera. 
In the National park side go to the end of Ferry Landing road and there are good western views

Take Bayside Drive to the end and park for western views. Also you can park at the Tale of the Marsh trail parking lot and walk along the elevated boardwalk and find a view from the elevated boardwalk trail or go to the little crescent beach (Elsa’s Point) at the end of the trail. Beautiful western view. 

Go to the Naturalist Shack at the end of Old Ferry Landing Road or the take Tale of the Forest trail, also an elevated boardwalk, just past old ferry landing road heading to south beach.

Shennandoah National Park:
If you want to try Shennandoah National Park here are the overlooks I’d use. These all help if you access the park from Rt 211 outside Sperryville at Thornton Gap head south along Skyline drive and hit one of these overlooks which face West:  Jewell Hollow Overlook, Stoney Man Overlook

I’ve had a family emergency occur and doubt I’ll be able to get out for this event this year. Prayers would be most welcome

Anyway, I hope these suggestions are helpful to some of you all. I wish everyone success and hope to see some great shots of this years eclipse. 
Cheryl Kerr

Sundar Raghavachari

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Feb 27, 2026, 10:42:00 PMFeb 27
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Hello Jose:
The conservancy does not have any gates but the sign at the front says 'Grounds close at dusk' but I have gone here many times well after dark and set up my telescope near the entrance without any issues. But it is a good idea to call ahead just in case.

Thanks ,
Sundar Raghavachari.

'Hope is not a Strategy. Hope for the Best but Plan for the Worst'

Alin Tolea

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Feb 27, 2026, 11:51:33 PMFeb 27
to Raghavachari Sundar, Jose Urias, j...@tomney.com, HAL Group
Forecast is basically snow for Tuesday morning
Alin Tolea, PhD

On Feb 27, 2026, at 22:42, Sundar Raghavachari <sundar.ra...@gmail.com> wrote:



Victor Sanchez

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Feb 28, 2026, 12:10:30 AMFeb 28
to sundar.ra...@gmail.com, Jose Urias, j...@tomney.com, HAL Group
Not everyone does, but It's best to call the Conservancy front desk during business hours to coordinate in advance.  Last summer/fall they had some issues with vandalism at night (presumably high school kids) and they are a bit more wary than in the past.  In fact, they may soon be installing a gate.

There is a great western horizon view from the entrance road on their grounds, but I've noticed more light pollution in recent years.  The Snowball Stand on Woodstock road has increased their outdoor lighting and it seems like the population west of the area keeps growing. 

Happy viewing wherever you wind up, 

Victor 

Jose Urias

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Feb 28, 2026, 12:17:03 AMFeb 28
to Victor Sanchez, sundar.ra...@gmail.com, j...@tomney.com, HAL Group
Thank you Victor!

I will call them either tomorrow or Monday to ask for permission and I’ll let you all know!

James Willinghan

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Feb 28, 2026, 4:59:34 AMFeb 28
to Raghavachari Sundar, j...@tomney.com, HAL Group
All… regarding the Howard County Conservancy 

They are in the process of installing a gate at the Howard County Conservancy. Unless you have permission to be there on the property you are not supposed to be there. They have been having problems which is why they are installing the gate.

James 

Sent from my iPad

On Feb 27, 2026, at 8:09 PM, Sundar Raghavachari <sundar.ra...@gmail.com> wrote:


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