Death Valley viewing?

Where do you view when you go to Death Valley? I am wanting some input into sites to use there.
Floyd

Is January a good time to go to Death Valley? Where is the best place to stay? Thanks,

Debbie

Floyd…and everyone else…

Last year (November ???), the Astronomical Society of Nevada, Las Vegas (I think) held a star party at the Mesquite Springs Campground. I found the info during some semi-random internet browsing. I wanted to go, but it's a long haul from Fresno for just two days and I couldn't free up more time. If I remember correclty, they were trying to make this an annual event, so you may want to research it.

Mesquite Springs is located near the north end of the valley (SW of Scotty's Castle a few miles) at an elevation of about 1800 feet. It's probably an excellent site. Dante's View might be good too, but it's a pretty exposed ridgeline and can be windy.

Observing at low elevations in Death Valley is likely not to be as much of a problem as it is elsewhere. The air is extremely dry, etc. I took my family a couple of years ago to do some back-roading over Easter Week. Because of the full moon and our focus on rough roads, I did not bring my scope but I did bring a pair of 10x50s. From the parking lot at the Stovepipe Wells Lodge (exactly at sea level), even with all the little yellow lights on the buildings and in the parking lot, I could see mag 6 or better naked eye before the moon came up and I don't have good eyes. With binos, it was extraordinary. Even the one day when it was windy, once it calmed down around sunset, the dust settled out pretty well.

My vedict--this should be a primo spot for fall/winter/spring observing. I still want to go.

Fred