An invitation to a Lunar eclipse meetup

This is an invitation to watch, and photograph, the January 20th lunar eclipse at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.  I was there last year, I’m going back, and hope others will join me.

One of the challenges I’ve set myself this year is to improve my night photography.  First that means dragging myself, and the tripod, outside after dark.  That in itself might be a huge challenge especially when the temperatures are below my ideal.  I guess wearing more layers will help.

Last year only a partial lunar eclipse was visible in Arizona and that required getting up in the wee hours of the morning.  This time we can see the entire eclipse from 7:35pm to 12:48am, depending on how late you want to stay up.

Here in Arizona, and I think most of the USA, no other eclipses, lunar or solar, will be visible this year.

Look how bright our world is at night

To take full advantage of seeing the eclipse a dark place is needed with the least amount of surrounding light pollution.  I know Palm Canyon Road on the Kofa fits that bill.  It is situated between Yuma to the south and Quartzsite to the north.  Not only dark but also quiet in the wide open spaces of the Sonoran Desert with mountains around.  This is also a great place for sunrise and sunset.

Camping is free on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.  However, campsites cannot be located within ¼ mile of water sources and vehicles must remain within 100 feet of the road.   Campfires are permitted.  You’ll have to bring your own wood.  Please remember fire light would be an issue for night sky viewing.

Although this is the desert nights get cold so come prepared.  Red lights for after dark so night vision isn’t impaired.  A chair or lounger for comfort and maybe wrapped in a blanket depending on what happens with the weather.  Maybe bring a snack to share for the evening of the eclipse.  Otherwise, this is a BYO everything else event.

Services are limited in Quartzsite.  Yuma has most anything.

The big tent RV show is in Quartzsite from January 19th through the 27th.  Plus lots of other events and ‘stuff’ for sale.  If you have a RV want list it’s a good time to shop.

Then there’s the nearby Palm Canyon trail that I’ve hiked before and plan to hike again.  Plus many other places to explore in the area.

We can hope for clear skies.  And maybe try some new ideas with our photography like light-painting a saguaro cactus, or setting up people for a silhouette against the full moon.  Maybe video or how about some vlogging?

I need to study the PhotoPills app videos to learn about the set up for this eclipse.

After a few days around Quartzsite and Kofa I’m hoping to head further south to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and or the BLM just south of Ajo.

Of course I’m excited about this.  Haven’t had a vacation since July.  So today I’m getting the camper propane tanks refit and certified.  And soon I’ll be packing.  Hope you can join me.  Let’s howl at the moon!

How to get there

East side of US Highway 95 approximately 63 miles north of Yuma and 18 miles south of Quartzsite, Arizona near milepost 85.  Sign reads Palm Canyon and the gravel road is usually in pretty good shape, a little rough, but could be nasty after rain.  Seven miles to parking for Palm Canyon Trailhead.  I’ll be somewhere along that road.  Now is when it would be nice to have a GPS unit so I could give exact coordinates for my location.  Yet I’ve always found cell signal out there.  And you know what my truck and camper look like.  Give me a shout.

Although the government shutdown closes some public lands this area shouldn’t be affected.  Plus we can hope the shutdown is over by then.