Mojave National Preserve Star Party information

Sunset is 4:46 p.m. November 11.  The drive from Monrovia is 216 miles, so allow 3.5 hours. Weather is partly cloudy but we are hoping for some decent stargazing. It will dip into the 40's overnight, so bring layers. Directions on the Mojave National Preserve Conservancy Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/MojaveNationalPreserveConservancy/ Black Canyon Group Campsite, 10 miles north of I-40 on Essex road, then 10 miles north of Essex Road on Black Canyon Road. You'll see signs for both the Hole In The Wall Campsite/Visitor Center, and the Black Canyon Group and equestrian campsites. We'll probably set up in the equestrian campsite since we have an ultralight trailer, and save parking spaces for the campers in the group area.  Cell phone coverage is not good past the turnoff to Essex Road from the I-40. Park Map: https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/maps.htm From the Mojave National Preserve Conservancy page: "For those joining us for the Star Party on Saturday: - We have over 150 RSVPs for the event. If there are no spaces to camp when you arrive at the Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground, consider setting up your tent at the Hole in the Wall campground about a mile down the road. -Dinner on Saturday is pot luck. We welcome any dishes or snacks that you would like to bring and share. -Weather: Currently, the forecast calls for highs in the 60s or lower 70s during the day. At night, temperatures could dip into the 40s. Please bring layers. The forecast also suggests that the skies may be partly cloudy. Keep an eye on the forecast and keep your fingers crossed for as few clouds as possible so that we have a clear view of the stars." See you Friday night  for those arriving early, and Saturday night for the potluck and star party.  We'll share views Friday night, too! -- Jane Houston Jones @jhjones @otastro What's Up Video November: Planet pairs & moon passes stellar superstars! https://youtu.be/7HPQAVFGrQ4