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The July-August 2001 issue of WESTWAYS features an
article, "Galaxy Quest", supposedly about the best places to visit the night
sky. These places are, according to author Joshua Tompkins, Griffith
Observatory (blinding light pollution from Los Angeles), Mount Pinos [sic.] at
8500 feet [sic.], Joshua Tree, Red Rock Canyon (offensive "space" music played
on loud stereo), Santa Lucia, Julian (where you are likely to encounter a REAL
ALIEN!), and some other places. Also various tours are promoted in
the article.
The author also recommends the following
equipment:
(1) a planisphere. (IMHO, the David
Chandler version is best.)
(2) a red flashlight
(3) a book: Peterson First Guide to
Astronomy
(4) binoculars
The number one thing you need, expecially for Mt.
Pinos [sic] is a very warm parka.
The author recommends that you BUY a telescope from
Scope City or from a web vendor. There is no possibility that you can make
your own.
So what is WESTWAYS magazine? It is an
operation of the Automobile Club of Southern California, which actually is not a
"club" at all. It is a travel agent, an insurance company, a publisher, a
tow-truck agent, a political lobbying organization (they supported the 55 speed
limit), and a closed self-perpetuating board of directors with no accountability
to the so-called "members".
Barf before reading.
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