What is BFL Unplugged?
The BFL Crew is hosting an event that doesn't require a great big flashlight. We're heading up north for some stargazing.
Where is the event?
We're meeting at the parking area for Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve.
The posted co-ordinates are the parking area off Southwood Road (Muskoka Road 13). When you see the sign, park on the flat rock.
This unique place has a clear view of the night sky, and minimal light pollution from urban areas. The meet point is the parking area, and we will meet up before sunset. Meet us here, grab your camera or telescope, or a blanket / pillow and follow as the group moves to a viewing area along the trail before darkness falls. If you miss the group at the parking lot, you have missed the event.
When is the event?
We're meeting at the posted co-ordinates at 8:00 pm on Friday, July 27, 2012. The group will DEPART for the viewing area no later than 8:15.
If the sky is blocked by clouds (ie rain) the event will switch to Saturday, July 28 at 8:00pm. Notice will be posted here by 6:00 on the Friday if we're moving the event to the Saturday.
This date allows us to have some moonlight early in the night, and a dark sky afterward.
The moon will be in the southern sky until about 12:30. Sunset is at 8:49pm.
Please note if you are late for the event, you will not likely be joining us for the event. Please do not wander the trail waving your flashlight about (see below).
What about Flashlights? I have a 1500 Gigawatt BFL I wanna show off!
Torrance Barrens is a dark sky preserve. It's a popular place for photography, stargazing and astrometry groups. There will be muggles here who don't want to see any other lights.
The point of the area is to avoid light pollution which interferes with our ability to see the night sky.
There will also be photographers present (hint: I'm one of them) and nothing wrecks a night shot quite as effectively as someone pointing a flashlight at your camera lens. If you must be wandering the trails keep the flashlight on low power, and keep it pointed DOWN at the trail.
You should bring a low power, preferably red flashlight for moving about when necessary. Leave the BFL in the car, this isn't the place for a super bright flashlight. Also, please be courteous with laser pointers as they will appear in long exposure photos as well.
Did you say photos?
Yes, this will be an ideal place/time to take photos of the stars. You'll need equipment that's up to the task to do this - your camera should have the ability to take photos in very, very low light and/or have the ability to be manually controlled. The best scenario is a Digital SLR that supports "bulb" mode. Bring a sturdy tripod, and some sort of remote trigger (cable, IR remote, etc).
If you don't have a camera, you can still enjoy the event. The night sky will be an impressive show either way.
What should I bring?
You'll likely want to lay on the ground to look up easier, so bring a blanket and a pillow.
Limited camping is permitted (if you don't want to drive home at 3AM). Please come early and setup your tent in the daylight.
No campfires are allowed, so bring a stove if you're planning to cook anything.
As mentioned above, if you have a camera, bring it. Don't use your camera flash please.
If you have a telescope, bring it - you'll be hard pressed to find a better place to use it.
Hey, what about Geocaching? There are caches on the trail there!
We will NOT be wandering around collecting geocaches during the night (that would be rude to the other Dark Sky Preserve visitors).
If you stick around on Saturday we'll likely hike the loop then.