[APML] Re: Organ Pipe Cactus NM for AP?

[Axel Mellinger <axm2@canopus.physik.uni-potsdam.de>]

On Sat, 3 May 2003, Dean Jacobsen wrote:

> Axel was there last winter and has some photos up on his film comparison 
> page of the remote campground.  The remote camp looks good but I would 
> prefer to take the tent trailer vs, sleeping in a tent for a 3 night 
> trip.  The tent trailer is not allowed at the remote camp.
> 
> Has anyone set up in the main campground?  If so, how were the conditions 
> for AP, i.e. ability to set up reasonably far away from other campers, 
> amenities, light issues, etc.?

Dean,

it is possible to do astrophotography from the main campground (three
years ago, I took part of my Orion mosaic

http://canopus.physik.uni-potsdam.de/~axm/photo.cgi?Image=images/orion

from there), albeit with some restrictions. First, it is hard to find a
spot more than 200 ft away from a bathroom light. They might prevent you
from getting fully dark-adapted, although they are not bright enough to
cause problems for astrophotography unless you are using wide-angle
lenses.

The bigger issue are the lights from the Mexican town of Sonoyta approx,
5 miles away. Don't plan on shooting objects low in the south, although
anything higher than 40 degrees above the horizon is probably ok.

Other campers were not a problem during my visits in the winter, because
the campground was only filled to maybe 15-20% of its capacity. I don't
know what the situation is at this time of the year, though.

Another option would be to stay at the main campground and set up your
telescope in the day-use area at the beginning of the road leading to
Alamo Canyon. AFAIK the rangers don't object, but you'd have to pack up
your equipment after each night.

Clear skies,

Axel
-- 
Axel Mellinger  <http://canopus.physik.uni-potsdam.de/~axm/astrophot.html>

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