[Atmob-discuss] FW: New England Dark Sky Sites

[Bruce Berger]

I thought this interesting enough to forward.

Bruce Berger 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gene Harriman [mailto:vze2brn7 at verizon.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 7:53 PM
To: richobservatory at att.net
Subject: New England Dark Sky Sites

Hi fellow star watcher,

My name is Gene Harriman.  I am an amateur astronomer living in Plymouth,
Massachusetts.

I started a web project on Google maps to list dark sky observing sites in
New England.  I started this project because I'm looking for places in New
England to go for a weekend getaway with my Dob to do some dark sky viewing.
I thought, "I wonder if other folks are looking for these sites?"  I decided
to create a one stop web resource folks can use to find these spots online.

Here is what I have so far...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&cd=1&msa=0&msid=114863451440437
703349.00043dcb27418eee53a7d&ll=43.149094,-70.949707&spn=5.738709,10.217285&
z=7&om=1

May I bother you to please send me dark sky locations you know about?

I'd like to know:

...the street and city address
...latitude / longitude
...contact person
...is the site open to the public?  or open by request?  or open seasonally?
...paved or gravel or dirt road?
...off street parking?  for how many vehicles?
...emergency numbers for the site?
...facilities (restrooms, heated shelter, cooking pits, etc.)?
...nearby lodging?
...web address URL?
...affiliated astronomy club?

You don't have to complete every piece of information.  If you know the
address of a field, park, or site, just send it along and I'll track it
down.

My vision is to have a public Google map showing our dark sky sites.  Each
location will have contact info, site info, and a link to the local weather
and clear sky clock.  Google maps provides drive to directions.

If you know about a similar resource please let me know.  I'd hate to
duplicate someone's efforts. 
I'd like to also hear your feedback, if any.

If you know anyone you think would like to contribute to this list, would
you please forward this along?

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Clear Skies and Best Regards,

Gene Harriman
PO Box 903
Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA
02362-0903
tel 508-747-8198
email gene.harriman at verizon.net