Event

We have permission to use the grassy knoll at Bear Branch (outside observatory, but also the observatory for CERTIFIED, trained members), Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 1, 2, 3.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL BBNC with questions about this WASI members' event.

  1.  If you want to use the property after dusk (closure):  email Jeff Burns and me to document your intent (we must document usage).
  2. When other organizations use the property after dark, BBNC lets us and them know who's on the property doing what - including when PARKING LOT LIGHTS WILL BE ON.  (Please do not request them to turn them off.  The notice will be in the message we send you.).  We have no indication of shared use for this time period.  BBNC coordinates with multiple organizations and communications through points of contact in each for efficiency.  (Jeff Burns & I again)
  3. When we are granted permission to use the property after dark, this does NOT include the nature center itself unless there is a public event going on (planetarium show, WASI membership meeting, etc.).  We have no indication of shared use for this time period.
  4. If you are on the property after dusk, with permission, you need to have your membership card with you for both club and law enforcement identification.  (This is also in our agreement with BBNC.)
  5. When using the property be vigilant to your surroundings - there is wildlife and it's a secluded area.  Have your cell phone handy in case you need to call #77 or 911.  Be careful of what might attract wild animals
  6. As always (thankfully this hasn't been an issue that I know of), be sure to take everything with you that you brought.
  7. Be mindful of your headlights as you approach as others may be engaged in imaging or may be dark adjusted.
  8. If for some reason, there is a crowd coming through (like when we had the aurora), we have the okay from BBNC to put out cones and/or red lights to block the driveway circle, to maintain a dark area and for safety.

Date: Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 3, 2024

Time: 5 p.m. Eastern

Information for Visitors

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat 9/6/2025
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Eastern
Cunningham Falls Night Astronomy Cunningham Falls - Night Viewing Area (Dam Overlook Parking Area)
14372 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, MD
Sat 9/6/2025
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern
Cunningham Falls Day Time Astronomy Cunningham Falls - Day Viewing Area
14343 North Beach Circle
Graceham, MD
Wed 9/10/2025
7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Eastern
What's Up & Astronomy Basics Bear Branch Nature Center
300 John Owings Rd
Westminster, MD
Wed 9/10/2025
7:25 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Eastern
Monthly Member Meeting - open to public Bear Branch Nature Center
300 John Owings Rd
Westminster, MD