Observing Site Types and Characteristics

Draft - 11/29/03

A. Close-In

General Description - Site(s) available for members to "drop in" for 1-2 hours of observing and RCA sponsored public star parties.

 

Defining Characteristic - Close to home ("someplace better than my driveway")

• Within 1/2 hour drive from downtown Portland
• Within 15 minutes from downtown Beaverton, Gresham or Tualitin

Desired Characteristics

• Darkness:  Class 6-7
• electricity
• restroom

B. Nearby

General Description - Members-only secured and improved site for extended viewing and club events.

 

Defining Characteristics

• Within 1 hour drive from downtown Portland
• Club able to develop with pads, power, storage, etc.
• Darkness:  Class 4-5

C. Remote

General Description - Primitive site available for members to use for extended observing and RCA sponsored events.

 

Defining Characteristic - Dark

• Darkness:  Class 1-2

Desired Characteristics

• Within 2-3 hours drive from downtown Portland
• Overnight camping permitted
• Able to make some improvements to land, such as:
  • pads
  • restroom
  • storage
  • bunkhouse
  • restroom
  • water
  • electricity