Start time: Twilight (we ask that people setup before the end of twilight - you drive your vehicle right onto the observing field).

End time: we are authorized to stay all night though us old guys are usually tired by 0100-0200 (Troy Riedel is the last to depart & he locks the gate).

Observing Site: After entering the park (the entrance fee is waived for amateur astronomers), drive to & enter the ‘right’ parking lot. At the back/riverside corner of the lot, take the “No Admittance” dirt road (we are allowed to drive on it) to the observing site where you can park & unload. 

From May through September, we support YRSP's programming. For example, they have a Night Hike or an evening Canoe Tour. At the conclusion - on the way out - participants stop & visit us.  Event size varies, but the normal range is 15 - 24. If there is a scout or other youth group involved, we could have 50. That's a lot of people for only 2-3 amateurs and we'll lose people who get tired of waiting. 

October through April, we are by ourselves ... but obviously receptive to onlookers. YRSP lists our 'winter' observing dates on their web site - and they invite interested people to stop & visit us. But during the 'winter' period (Oct-Apr) we are not supporting a formal YRSP-sponsored program and thus we only have a couple of visitors, if any at all.

Park Phone: 757-566-3036
Outreach P.O.C. Troy Riedel: (757) 342-5173 Cell (texting is preferred)