Good stargazing spots in SW Michigan? Preferably near Grand Mere State Park?
by admin on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 | 3 Comments
I’ll be traveling to SW Michigan soon, to Grand Mere State Park. I would like to do some astrophotography, but the park closes at 10pm.
Does anyone know of any good sites nearby where I could photograph the stars, preferably right on Lake Michigan? I checked Warren Dunes State Park, since it offers overnight camping, but it’s full during the time I’ll be in the area.
Alternate question: if I stay at Grand Mere past 10pm, will I be ticketed/fined? Or would they just ask me to leave?
Thanks!
You could call and ask the rangers,I have done this at a State park near me and was told if I was out with a telescope past 10pm there would not be a problem as long as I didn’t create one.The rangers met me and I showed them some WOWS.
All was cool with them.
Wally
EDIT:You will need a park sticker or pass.
Contact a local Astronomy club and see where they recommend.
See this web site:
http://www.astronomyclubs.com/1/190/0/0/select_state.aspx
While familiar with the area, you might be able to find out a ‘clear Sky Chart’ near where the park is.
http://www.cleardarksky.com/csk/prov/Michigan_charts.html
It does look like that SW Michigan is fairly light polluted.