Alvin has compiled nearly 10 volumes of observation data on galaxies and other objects. Visually observing faint objects such as galaxies also requires a very dark sky. Our group was very pleased with the dark sky this night, which many observers said was one of the best of the year at Blue Canyon. The sky was full of stars to the horizon-except for some light fog near the direction of Sacramento. The Milky Way was a shimmering veil across a star-studded sky field, the great galaxy in Andromeda was easily glimpsed with the unaided eye, and I observed several meteors as well.
Good optics are also important for deep sky observing.
One of the attendees had bought a tool that uses a laser to help align the mirrors in telescopes, and the dobsonian telescope owners who were present at the party were enthusiastic about its ease of use and accuracy. Precise alignment is important for this work because every photon is needed to see the faint objects. Many would remain on site camped in vans or in enclosed pickups. Some would sleep in trailers with all the amenities of home. We left the site then, too.