Where to go

[fattyjohnst]

Good evening,

Being a new telescope user and a new member of this forum, I was wondering where are the best places to go for dark skies? At our house in Mira Mesa, the neighborhood lights aren't to bad, but I'm curious as to where most people go to get good viewing. I'm stationed at Camp Pendleton and have asked to use the ranges up there, but I would like some suggestions for places my family could go with me. Thank you.

[Bob_riggs]

Hello, and welcome to AC.

In your shoes, I'd contact Penny Distasio at Oceanside Photo and Telescope. OPT has a great club, the OPT Astronomical Society, which Penny coordinates. Her e-addy is penny@optcorp.com. Whether you bought your scope from OPT or not, you'd be very welcome and would find lots of support from local members who would advise you as you develop your familiarity with your equipment and our hobby.

There is also the San Diego Astronomical Association (www.sdaa.org) and the Orange County Astronomers (www.ocastronomers.org) to look into. Both would welcome you and you would find enormous support for your interest.

Clear Dark Skies!

Bob

[fattyjohnst]

Thanks Bob....I did in fact purchase my scope from OPT. Tomorrow (Sat) I plan to go up there to get a dew controller, and I'll ask about the club they have. Thanks for the info.