OI for Friday July 10

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Komal Bhardwaj

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Jul 9, 2026, 2:44:25 AM (5 days ago) Jul 9
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Checking if anyone is interested in observing at a place 2-3 hours drive from San Jose, Bay Area on Friday July 10 night? One option is Williams Hill recreation area (Lockwood San Ardo Rd, Bradley, CA 93426) - I am open for more suggestions. I was planning for East Pinnacles on Saturday night, but the forecast is cloudy and I cannot make it to GSSP this year :-( 

If this doesn't work out then I'll try a nearby location (FPOA as per Tanveer's OI or Henry Coe). 

Christopher Kelly

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Jul 9, 2026, 3:33:00 PM (5 days ago) Jul 9
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Komal - I might be up for a quick trip to Guacamole Ridge.   Saturday conditions don’t look good.

Clears

Chris

On Wed, Jul 8, 2026 at 11:44 PM Komal Bhardwaj <komalb...@gmail.com> wrote:
Checking if anyone is interested in observing at a place 2-3 hours drive from San Jose, Bay Area on Friday July 10 night? One option is Williams Hill recreation area (Lockwood San Ardo Rd, Bradley, CA 93426) - I am open for more suggestions. I was planning for East Pinnacles on Saturday night, but the forecast is cloudy and I cannot make it to GSSP this year :-( 

If this doesn't work out then I'll try a nearby location (FPOA as per Tanveer's OI or Henry Coe). 

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mtoma...@outlook.com

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Jul 9, 2026, 4:50:29 PM (5 days ago) Jul 9
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I'm seriously considering Pinnacles west entrance parking lot for Friday (7/10) evening.  Any takers?

Komal Bhardwaj

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Jul 9, 2026, 9:22:38 PM (4 days ago) Jul 9
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Chris - could you pls share the exact coordinates of Guacamole Ridge?

mtomalonis - Are you open to East Pinnacles as well? I used to go to West Pinnacles but a friend mentioned that East Pinnacles may be better from light pollution perspective. I am not aware of this difference, hence open to suggestions. Nevertheless, Pinnacles seem to be perfect. 

Regards,
Komal

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mtoma...@outlook.com

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Jul 9, 2026, 10:33:08 PM (4 days ago) Jul 9
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Komal,

I have been to East Pinnacles only once, perhaps two years ago.  At Peaks View parking lot.  A good collection of astronomers with large Dobs.  But the ranger made everyone move their 'scopes off the asphalt and into the dirt.  And, with trees close by, the horizon wasn't great.

I prefer Pinnacles West.  I like the convenience of nice clean restrooms right there and the safety of the entrance gate being closed at 8pm.  Yes, there's that light dome to the west (Soledad and a  prison or two).  Also, I'll be coming from Monterey.  The west side is closer to me.

I hope this helps.  Please let me know if you decide to go to the west side.

Mark

Jamie Dillon, DDK

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Jul 10, 2026, 12:41:22 AM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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Komal, as Mark mentioned, on the west side of the Pinnacles there is a compact light dome to the north, from the prison, but it's sure not a big one. Light pollution is far from being a thing at Pinnacles West. Last night, Peter and I were marveling at the lack of extinction to the west, south and east.

Christopher Kelly

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Jul 10, 2026, 1:37:10 AM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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@Komal

Due to agreements for CDSE, I can’t disclose on the open group.   It’s described in the the CDSE group.  You should join that group.

you can contact me at tyg...@gmail.com to discuss.

Chris



On Thu, Jul 9, 2026 at 9:41 PM Jamie Dillon, DDK <ngc1...@gmail.com> wrote:
Komal, as Mark mentioned, on the west side of the Pinnacles there is a compact light dome to the north, from the prison, but it's sure not a big one. Light pollution is far from being a thing at Pinnacles West. Last night, Peter and I were marveling at the lack of extinction to the west, south and east.

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Komal Bhardwaj

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Jul 10, 2026, 3:14:43 AM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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Thanks Mark, Jaime. I am almost certain to return to West Pinnacles. I will confirm in the morning on Friday either way. 

Chris - thank you. I am a part of CDSE group as well. Will have to dig through the resources there. 

mtoma...@outlook.com

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Jul 10, 2026, 2:06:13 PM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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Good morning, Komal,

Have you decided whether or not to head down to Pinnacles West this evening?  The forecast looks above average later in the evening.

Mark

Komal Bhardwaj

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Jul 10, 2026, 3:15:02 PM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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Hello Mark, 

I am planning to go to Guacamole Ridge tonight. 

Thanks,
Komal

Francesco Meschia

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Jul 10, 2026, 3:19:59 PM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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I will be at PinnWest tonight.
Francesco

mtoma...@outlook.com

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Jul 10, 2026, 3:32:46 PM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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Komal, thanks for your update.  Safe travels.  Please follow-up and let me know what you think of your chosen site.  (Safe?  Cell coverage?  Nearby facilities?  Dusty?)

Francesco:  excellent!  Thanks for joining me.  I believe that we have met at Pinnacles once before.  I look forward to seeing you there again.

Mark

Drew Pletcher

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Jul 10, 2026, 4:33:24 PM (4 days ago) Jul 10
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I will be heading up to Henry Coe this evening.
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