Edmonton Centre Darksites
Edmonton Centre currently has only two "official" dark sites: Blackfoot and Waskehegan
Visitors to these site must be aware that wild animals live there year around. This primarily refers to Bison, however cougar and lynx have been reported by the rangers (and signs posted). There is also a healthy population of skunk, porcupine, rabbit, etc.
For more information about the Blackfoot Cooking Lake area please visit the Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism Website
Directions to the Blackfoot Site
The Blackfoot site is accessed by following Highway 16 East of Edmonton for about 30 minutes to 4km past Elk Island National Park and The Ukrainian Heritage Village, then turn South. Follow this road for another 4 km up to the park entrance.
There is no fee to enter the park and the public is welcome (it is after all Crown Land). You'll reach another cattle guard, and the observing area is just another 500m around the bend from here so drive very slowly so as not to run anyone or their telescope over and also to keep dust to a minimum (this is not much of a concern in winter - yes were here in the middle of winter too!). The road splits in two with the right fork going to the north end of the parking lot and the left fork going to the south end.
Directions to the Waskahegan Site
The Waskahegan site is accessed by following Wye Road east through Sherwood Park until you get to the intersection with highway #524. Turn left at this point and continue on until #524 "T"-intersects with North Cooking Lake Road. Turn right, and go approximately 500 metres south until you reach the Warden's office (on your left). Turn left and proceed to the site.
|
Etiquite For Dark Sites
When approaching a known dark site it is considered good etiquette to turn off / disable / cover-up exterior vehicle headlights and pause to let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 5-10 minutes (if you arrive after sunset).
Please note that it is illegal to drive your vehicle after dark with no lights on, so we can not insist that you to do it. But it would be greatly appreciated.
You may also want to take the time to disable ALL your interior lights also; if you can't, just be sure to honk or yell "White Light!" a few seconds before you open the doors when you are at the site.
If you can not turn your running lights off, please honk your horn before coming any further. One trick to turning off your running lights is to put your parking brake on slightly (this only works on some vehicles) or to make some covers out of thick red fabric and mount this over the lights with magnets (don't forget to take them off again when you leave).
Many of us bring a fairly bright red flashlight to illuminate the road as we come in, others gain the assistance of other already dark adapted people to guide us in with their red lights.
It best to usually park at the gate for 5-10 minutes (at least, it does take 30 - 60 minutes to fully dark adapt) and let your eyes dark adapt. Then roll down your window down and use a red flashlight to illuminate the road slightly. The open window allows you to hear better and you can lean out the window to see better. Also, come to a complete stop just before you enter the staging area and do a quick walk around to locate everybody and their equipment and choose a suitable parking spot. Most park so they can drive out without backing up as backup lights are white, and a minimum of brake lights (they're very bright too, even if they are red).
Additional Etiquite For Dark Sites
No Smoking on the Observing Field
Smoke damages telescope optics and can cause sensitive individuals to suffer allergic reactions. If you do smoke please try to smoke away from other (non-smoking) observers out of respect. Lighters cause dark adapted eyes to become ruined.
No Aerosol Sprays on the Observing Field
One drop of spray can permanently damage telescope optics. Please do not apply insect repellent spray or use any other aerosol spray on the observing field. Lotions and roll-ons are fine.
No White Lights After Dusk
White light ruins the dark adaptation that your eyes develop after about 20 or 30 minutes in the dark. You will need this dark adaptation to see faint, deep sky objects. When a white light is used after dark anywhere in the vicinity of the observing field (flashlights, car headlights, even a match) it takes up to 30 minutes for everyone to regain their night vision. Once your eyes adapt to the darkness, you will be able to find your way around and avoid obstructions without needing a flashlight.
Turn off Your Headlights and Interior Lights
When you arrive at an observing site after dark, please turn off your car's headlights before entering the parking areas. When you leave an observing site after dark, please do not turn on your car's headlights until after you exit the parking area. Also, please ensure that any non-red interior and trunk lights will not come on when a door is opened. If your car's courtesy lights cannot be deactivated with a switch, please cover the lights with a piece of cloth or paper bag.
No Flash Photography
The bright strobe of a camera flash can destroy everyone's night vision for 45 minutes to an hour. Photographs taken under dark conditions, even with a flash, generally do not turn out well, anyway, unless you're using special film and camera settings.
Watch Your Children
Children are always welcome at all of our outings. But, since the observing field is dark, small children are more likely to trip and get hurt, become lost, or bump into and damage expensive equipment.
Ask Before Touching
Some astronomers may be adjusting their equipment or doing delicate astrophotography, or the telescope may not be aimed at any object in particular. So, please ask before touching or moving a telescope or other equipment.
Clear Sky Clocks
Blackfoot Darksite
Edmonton Space Sciences Centre
