Viewing at Plum Creek- Lake Meredith

I decided to venture out January 21st, Friday evening and take advantage of a new moon sky. A few weeks ago, Jean and I visited Plum Creek, a dry boat ramp on the N.W. side of Lake Meredith. It is exactly across from Alibates boat ramp, which has been high and dry for many years.

As a matter of fact, years ago, a number of us from the club viewed from the Alibates ramp area but were disappointed by a bit of sky glow from Fritch and a large hill obstructing the view toward the S.W. It did shield the Amarillo light dome however. When we walked the area a few weeks back, I was wondering how good the view would be from this location, so here is the report.

Getting there you take 287 toward Dumas, turn east on route 1913  past Masterson, just after a rest stop. The drive is quite nice and the descent into the Plum Creek area is quite spectacular, in the daytime. Total distance from my house, the Amarillo High area, is 56 miles one way.

The boat ramp parking area is huge, probably 500 by 1000 ft and all paved. It could hold everyone in the astronomy club with ease, that inlcudes motorhome, trailer, cars, you name it all at the same time. Camping is free, but there are no facilities at this location. Pit tiolets exist as you enter the area at the foot of the hill. Now for the sky. It is quite good.

The Amarillo light dome extends about 15 degrees ,but is not too bad. The Borger/Fritch light dome is minimal. The Dumas light dome is no problems toward the north being blocked by a bluff. The real advantages are the moderate bluffs and hills which shield alot of the unwanted light.

I could easily see  in the Crab, using the 16 inch with a 12.5 Nager and no filter. The Owl strucutre and Eskimo nebulae were all easily seen as were galaxies like 81/82, numerous clusters and the Orion Nebula. I glanced at Jupiter but it was too overpowering.

The weather conditions were no wind, clear skies, very good transparency, and good seeing. The Trapezium was very steady through the 12.5 Nager. This location has no visitors, no animlas to worry about, maybe Coyotes howling in the distance. I checked with the National Park Office in Fritch, and there are no real restrictions. If fifteen or more were to attend, a group permit would be issued, free of charge.

Did I mention that the roads are all paved, can easilty handle trailers, and motorshomes, with a huge area to turn around, manuever, etc. This area might be good for a future group adventure, or at least we should check it out to see if it might be worth using.

Art Schneider