[Guest Series] By Guanyang Xue
The Perseid meteor shower was predicted to reach its peak around Aug 9-13 this year. Last time we attempted a stargazing trip at Camelback Mountain but it was a pity that we needed to leave at 9:30 PM because of the closure of the state park. This time we made an unofficial trip to Cherry Springs State Park, the darkest sky on the east coast. We did not stay overnight or camp at the park because all the spots have been booked up.
The weather forecast indicated it to be a clear sky on Aug 14th, Sat. So we gathered as planned at 6 PM in front of the Alumni building. Everyone stuffed their winter clothes, yoga mat or sleeping pad into the trunks. Two drivers, Guanyang and Jimmy, started the engine at 6:20pm and drove into the sunset along the beautiful I-80 W. In the ancient Chinese tale, Vega and Altair are a couple separated by the Milky Way and two lovers are allowed to meet once a year on this specific date (7/7 of lunar calendar), so-called Qiqiao Festival. One of the traditions on this day is to watch the sky and see Vega and Altair. What a roman tic but sad story!
After a 4-hour drive, we finally arrived at the dark parking lot of Cherry Spring. Not surprising that the lot was almost full even at 11 pm. Grabbing our packs, turning on the red flashlight app on our phones, we headed to the public viewing area. The sky was mostly clear but too bright as the moon was still above the horizon. It was within the plan that we spared 30 minutes for the eyes to adapt to the darkness and started stargazing at 11:37 pm when the moon set.
Guanyang quickly set up his astrophotography equipment and took a panoramic picture of the Milky Way right on the top of the dome. It was splendid.
Shasha had a photo of Vega and Altair, which forms the “Summer Triangle” with Deneb.
Not only did we see these two commemorative stars, but also found other bright stars in the dark sky. Of course Sirius took the lead after the moon set. We also found Big-Dipper and Polaris on the top of it. Big-Dipper was so bright that our Captain was obsessed.
We saw a few meteor stars gliding through the night sky, along with the “Oooh” in the crowds. People were all making wishes at this moment. One second was short, but it felt like forever. A beautiful silhouette was captured when someone turned on the flashlight on the meadow.
We also managed to take a group photo. Despite multiple rounds of 10s countdown plus 10s exposure time (because some people always could not help laughing!!), everyone was finally able to hold their breath and had this astonishing group photo.
Guanyang also attempted to take a time-lapse photo of the star trail. Unfortunately, the lens was covered by condensed dew in the late night and the photographer finally gave up his plan. All of us were lying on the lawn and exclaiming for a few more meteors until 2:30 am. As it got a lot colder and humid, we left the dark field and started to drive back. We stopped for an early breakfast at 4 am at the same lovely Sheetz gas station on the way there and continued driving with more coffee. Luckily we were able to see the sunrise again on the beautiful I-80 E, and finally arrived at the campus at 7 am. This is a 6PM-7AM trip, compact, challenging for drivers, but so memorable for everyone.
Photography: Guanyang, Shasha