Star Points for June, 2006; by Curtis Roelle Searching for Dark Skies Have you ever seen the Milky Way from a truly dark site? Did you see splotches of bright star clouds? Did you notice the intricate patches of dark dust clouds intertwindc among them? It's quite an experience. Have you ever seen the Milky Way that well within 100 miles or so from Baltimore or Washington? Probably not within the past quarter century or so. In order to see the Milky Way at its best you must find the darkest skies. And because we live in an area plagued by a night time sky glowing with wasted light energy from inefficient outdoor lighting that scatters light up into the sky (instead of on the ground where needed) it is necessary to travel to truly experience the night sky. The darkest sky I recall seeing was in the Peruvian Andes. Observing from within the ruins at Macchu Picchu, the "dark" Incan constellations were clearly visible. Unlike our "connect the dot" star pattern constellations the Inca saw animal shapes in the unilluminated dust clouds along the Milky Way. Closer to home I have a few other places I can get away to once in a while. Some friends who share an interest in astronomy have obtained property in dark sky locations mostly in the mountains of West Virginia. It is a privilege to share their retreats and pitch a telescope and tent alongside theirs. There are several public areas that offer good observing. The Morgan County Observatory at Berkeley Springs, West Virginia is a reasonably dark site about 60 crow flying miles from Westminster (90 miles by car). The observatory holds star parties on certain weekends. Some star parties are open to the public and others are for members only (membership is $20/year). For more information about their next public star party on June 23 visit their web site at nitesky.org. Another good place for dark skies is Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis, West Virginia. The park offers cabins, camping, and a lodge with full dining service. The camp ground has a nice clearing with a good view of the entire sky. Reservation and pricing information is available on their web site at blackwaterfalls.com. There are several drawbacks to public campgrounds, such as the privilege of pitching a tent about 20 feet from your neighbor. Some campers come to enjoy nature but end up swatting moths under the light of a blazing gas lantern that blots out the night sky for the entire campground. Or there's the nearby roaring bon fire billowing smoke into all of the surrounding camp sites. There are some pleasing alternative choices available to the serious observer. Choices that come with responsibilities. Astronomically oriented camping areas normally have strictly enforced restrictions against certain types of lighting and other things so you should check the rules before you go. Cherry Springs State Park (CCSP) in Pennsylvania is a state sponsored astronomical preserve in the Allegheny mountains with the darkest skies between West Virginia and Canada. It is darker than Morgan Observatory and Blackwater Falls but it is also a 4-5 drive, so you should plan to spend a night or two. Camping is free and electrical hookups are available for a small fee. For details including rules and regulations see the CCSP web site (dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/cherrysprings.aspx). The last dark site I will mention is near Spruce Knob in West Virginia -- one of the darkest locations in the eastern U.s. The North Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) sponsors a monthly star party at Gatewood Group Camping Area. the "Year Long Star Party" is held on new moon weekends during the warm months. Like Spruce Knob CCSP is a 4-5 hour drive from here. Information about the star party may be found on the web at novac.com/spruce/. Now for some advice on visiting these or any other dark sky sites. Plan to go during a new moon. If the moon is full or gibbous it will wash out much of the starry sites. You don't have to bring a telescope. A pair of binoculars is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer Milky Way. Plan to take appropriate lighting. Use a red filtered flashlight after dark. If you cannot turn off your car's dome light, get some clear red cellophane tape to cover over the light. Keep your headlights off and don't pull into an observing site with lights blazing after dark. If your car has daytime running lights that cannot be disabled and you plan to leave before morning park your car outside of the observing area and walk in. Many young people these days have never had the chance to see the Milky Way from a pristine site. Everyone should have a chance to see it for themselves so hopefully you and members of your family will find the information in this article to be useful. If you know of any other good dark sky sites I would like to hear about them. Drop me an e-mail with the location and a link, if available.