Information on WiSE Field Trip to Mt. Laguna Observatory
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		Date: Saturday Oct 4
		Time: 4:30 pm depart from outside Zura, 10 pm return to SDSU
		Contact: Prof. Bill Welsh - wfw@sciences.sdsu.edu

	    Mt. Laguna Observatory (MLO) is an astronomical research facility operated by 
	    San Diego State University. MLO is located in the Cleveland National Forest 
	    approximately 50 miles east of SDSU at an altitude of 6100 feet. Mount Laguna 
	    is one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United States. 
	    MLO is home to four well-equipped telescopes, ranging in size from 21-inches 
	    to 40-inches in diameter. In addition to the observatories and workshop,
	    there is a Visitor's Center with lecture room, a kitchen galley, apartments,
	    and restrooms.

	    At MLO we will have a quick tour of the facilities, eat dinner, see a short 
	    presentation, and then observe the sky (Moon, planets, star clusters, etc.) 
	    through the Reginald Buller 21-inch Visitor's telescope and smaller Meade
	    telescope. The Buller telescope has superb optics for viewing celestial
	    objects by eye.



	    Observatory Conditions and Other Information:

	    - The weather will be cold. The temperature drops very suddenly after sunset. 
	    Temperatures will probably be in the 60s at 6 pm and may drop into the 50s by 
	    9 pm. Please bring warm clothes to put on after you arrive: heavy coat, hat,
	    gloves, etc.
	
	    - The area will be very dark (since this is a research observatory) and we
	    have chosen a night when the Moon won't interfere with seeing the Milky Way. 
	    There will be no lights. Please bring a flashlight if you have one.
	
	    - We will be dropped off at the parking lot and need to walk a few hundred
	    yards uphill to the Observatory Visitor's Center. The walk to the 24-inch
	    telescope is about a quarter mile from the Visitor's center. You can leave
	    your heavy coat/backpack at the Visitor's Center while you take the tour.
	    You'll need your warm clothes for after dinner.
	
	    - Dinner plans are still to be arranged. Drinks will be provided.
	
	    - Transportation will be provided via a bus to/from SDSU.
	      Please do not eat on the bus.
	
	    - Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on the bus and at MLO.
	    - Being in semi-remote mountains, cell phones may not work.
	    - You must sign the Liability Waivers.
	    - For more information see:
	        http://mintaka.sdsu.edu/faculty/wfw/CLASSES/WISE/mlo_fieldtrip.html
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