Jump to: SkyClock, Description, Rules , Scheduled sessions, Unscheduled sessions.
Please read (and follow) the Observing Site Rules
To be informed of the final decision on observing session status and location it is best to be registered on the email list. The go/no-go decision is usually based on the Sky Clock for the site:
The CHAOS dark-sky site is about a 1 hour drive north of Durham on the Virginia border at a privately owned site. Because it is a privately owned site, we do not publish directions. Instead the club meets at the East Chapel Hill High School bus lot at the published time for release-signing, and makes car-pooling and caravaning arrangments to get to the site. You may print and sign a release form and bring it with you. Departure time is 15 minutes after the published time.
The site is a mowed field with good horizons in basically all directions. To the northeast is a barn (no lights, though), while northwest around to east there's a low wood (about 5-10 degrees above the horizon. There's room for about 10-15 cars, so you can pretty much choose your own site. If you intend to leave fairly early in the evening, please be considerate of those staying later and park near the entrance.
Be aware that after rain or snow the access to the field can be Very Muddy. Always check the e-mail list for updates.
The property owners are very friendly and like to visit for a chat and some viewing. They have 2 border collies which run loose (be careful when you're parking) but generally keep to themselves and are friendly when they do visit.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: OUR CONTINUED ACCESS TO THIS SITE DEPENDS ON FOLLOWING THESE RULES!
This site is owned by (and right next to the home of) Tim and Brenda Currin. Because this is their home, they like to keep track of who is using the site. When you observe, please bring a business card or some other piece of paper with your contact info (name, e-mail, phone) to give the owners when you meet them. In addition, observers at the site need to file a release document releasing the property owners from liability.
This site is available ONLY for scheduled observing sessions, or by prior arrangement with and by permission of the owners.
As always when observing, please be safe and courteous: No loud radios, no alcohol, and please check with the owners before bringing dogs. Clean up after yourself before you leave. We're guests at this site, which is a very valuable club resource.
Please visit the CHAOS Observing page for a list of scheduled observing nights. On scheduled observing nights, those wishing to observe will meet at the East Chapel Hill High bus lot at the scheduled time the night of the session. Anyone without a release on file will need to sign one. With the OK of the "site warden" for the night, a caravan will depart at 7:00 for the observing site.
Those whom the Currins feel comfortable with will be given contact information at the Currins' discretion. As with scheduled sessions, you must have a "hold-harmless" on file. Call or e-mail before noon on the day you wish to observe. If you receive permission from the Currins by 7:00, you may observe that night.
This page was last updated April 10th, 2006.