New gate procedure for Coe overflow

[Mark Wagner]

After Drew (?) found he was locked out last time at Coe, I wrote and asked about using a monthly reset combination lock on the gate for astronomy (like Fremont Peak does).

This morning I received an email that they will do that going forward.

Now, we can contact the park and ask for the combo.  Just remember the combination will be changed monthly.  I will update the Coe section of observing sites, on the web page too.

Hopefully this will be a more reliable method!

Mark

[Richard Navarrete]

Thanks, Mark!

Richard

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[Mark]

BTW.... When the gate was not opened the last time, the rangers were called into the park for an injury emergency.  No staff around for us.  They are very helpful and I told them were very appreciative.

[Raymond Wong]

Mark:

Thanks for thanking the Rangers, public service folks don’t get the acknowledgment of their service to the community.  👍🙏

Cheers, 73s, Clear Skies and Clear Blocks,

Ray

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[Mark]

TAC's webpage for the Henry Coe observing site is updated with the new use instructions (at the bottom) along with a google map link precisely to the location.

Also, agreed Ray.  And again to Coe's Ranger John Verhoven, Patrick Goodrich and others involved.

[Drew Pletcher]

Mark,  thank you for getting this arranged and thank you for expressing thanks to the Rangers for their service to the public.    While I know the cost of a combination lock will be small, I am more than happy to pick up the costs and reimburse the Rangers or if they have a specific lock in mind, acquiring the lock and having it sent to them.

I did end up at Coe again on Saturday night, pulled out around 4am.  The moon was 44% and in the west to wnw skies and did not impact the imaging at all.  The moon was an incredible shade of only what I can call a mix of red/orange/pink hues.  I was able to grab photons from M101, M16 and and started on a mosaic of Rho Ophiuchi.   I parked in the same spot as last weekend in the lot below the visitors center. Had the spot all to myself until ~11:30 when 3 cars showed up with a number of young adults who popped up to talk, and drink beer.  They did have designated drivers.   A few of them came over and asked what I was imaging and e spent an hour or so just talking about everything overhead, shared a number of images I have out on flickr just to increase the understanding of our passion.  They finally rolled out about 1am.   Temps never dropped much below 57, and the wind (5-8mph) died off by midnight. 

d-

[Mark]

Happy to do it Drew, easier for everyone.

I've asked today to be notified once the new lock is in place.  I'll post here again once it is confirmed.

[Mark]

Further good news update:

Its been approved that Richard Navarrete and I can be TAC contact for the lock combinations.  No need to contact the park - just contact one of us (saving the rangers time, and you'll likely get a faster reply).  Email itsmar...@gmail.com or richa...@aol.com.  It is not necessary that we contact the park in advance.  Just pay our use fees and lock up when leaving.  The lock is installed, so no more unexpected lock outs!  I'll further update the observing site web-page to reflect this.

[Francesco Meschia]

This is fantastic! Thank you, Mark and Richard! And thanks to the Coe staff – the park is really astro-friendly!

Francesco

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[Peter Santangeli]

Awesome!!!

Thanks guys!

I did mean to mention I went down to LSA last weekend. Fun couple of nights. Seems like there is a 'regular' new-moon bunch, and conditions were pretty good. Unfortunately had some disk space issues on the second night, but I did manage a few nice images:

Blackeye: https://www.santangeli.net/astrobrowser/photo/607

LDN 1174 (and Iris!): https://www.santangeli.net/astrobrowser/photo/608

M101 (and starlinks! 😞): https://www.santangeli.net/astrobrowser/photo/609

pete

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[Richard Navarrete]

More great images, Pete. You certainly have your workflow and process nailed!

Richard

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[Joel Lee]

Thank you Mark, Richard, and all the park staff! This is excellent news!

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[Richard Navarrete]

To be fair, Mark did all the work to make this happen. I’m just helping by being a contact .

Richard

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[Mark]

Actually Richard, I wouldn't do it without reliable help as contact.