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Question:
I'm new to astronomy, and don't have a telescope. What activities
or opportunities are available for me at NSP?
Answer: A beginner's field school is available to help you find your
way around the sky. Over three days, these two hour classes
will focus on a new skill each day, then each evening the
students will be prepared to practice and fine tune those
new skills. You'll find that many attendees with widely differing
equipment will be happy to show you their scopes and talk
with you about astronomy. This is a great way to learn what
kind of equipment you favor when you eventually do invest
in a scope. If you don't have a telescope, you might want
to bring a pair of binoculars, which are common and quite
affordable. We recommend binoculars labeled 7x50 as a good
starting point, though if you already own a different pair,
don't let that keep you from enjoying the night sky!
Question:
Where can I stay if I'm not interested in camping?
Answer: There are a number of motels, Bed & Breakfast inns, and
RV spaces available in the area, most of which are in the
county seat of Valentine, 27 miles north of Merritt Reservoir.
There are a limited number of trailer spaces with hook-ups
available at Merritt Resort as well as in Cedar Bay Campground
north of the observing field. See our lodging
page for more info.
Question:
Where can I buy food and supplies?
Answer:
The Merritt Trading Post at Merritt Resort is located on Highway
97 adjacent to the dam at the north end of the reservoir.
It is impossible to miss as it is the only developed area
near the lake. It has a convience store with a number of common
food items, fishing tackle, bait, state licenses, gas, etc. It is the only source of these items at the reservoir.
Valentine (27 miles to the north) is the nearest town to offer
major grocery stores and other necessities.
Question:
What kind of restroom facilities are at the campground?
Answer: Snake Campground and the observing field offer only vault
toilets (modern outhouses, though without running water). Shower facilities
are available at Cedar Bay Campground (between Merritt Resort
and the observing field) as well as at Merritt Resort.
These are coin-operated facilities that take quarters.
Question:
Is electricity available at the observing site?
Answer:
No electricity is available at the observing site. Most people
bring car or marine deep cycle batteries to power their equipment.
Question:
What's the best way to get to NSP?
Answer:
See our driving directions on the site
info page.
Question:
I'll be arriving late... will I be able to find a place to
camp and set up my scope?
Answer: The observing field covers about 20 acres. You will have no
problem finding a place to set up no matter when you arrive. But be sure to observe lighting
restrictions if arriving after dark, parking in the "Early
Bird" Parking area with lights aimed away from the observation
fields. See the arial view of the site below.
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