by Gerrit Kooi
Jay wrote in his report that Fremont peak was *very* dark last Saturday. Maybe Jay meant to say that it was *very* dark for Fremont Peak? My friend John Gibson and I were also at Fremont Peak on Saturday. Even though there was lots of fog, to me the sky appeared somewhat bright. It was definitely not dark. Maybe I feel this way because John and I usually observe near the Pinnacles.
I talked to an astronomer, I don't know his name but he has a 9.75" Celestron SCT, and he told me that he talked to the ranger the week before and the ranger told him that amateur astronomers are allowed to stay overnight if they have a telescope with them. John and I set up by the 30" and we were not hassled by anybody. But considering the official rules, I wouldn't dare set up when the 30" has no official program. But I only go to the peak on a Saturday near a new moon, so this is not an issue for me.
Around 8:30pm about 9 mini vans drove by Coulter row and lots of boy and girl scouts came out to attend the program at the 30". But by 9pm, 15 minutes before it was dark, they all left! I overheard one adult complaining that he didn't get to look through the 30". First time ever I saw people leave a star party before it was even dark!