18^Aug Mon
18:30

You must read the instructions carefully before joining!

We are looking for drivers.

Our goal is to get the best view of the starlit sky near Munich, combined with an easy (afterwork?) hike, watching the sunset and Alpenglow at the peak. The sky will be dark enough as it will be New Moon soon, which will only rise after midnight. Furthermore the date is close to the maximum of the Perseids shower (August 13th).

Unlike previous years we will neither start nor watch from Winklmoosalm as there was a lot of light pollution from cars and fog in the valley. Instead we will start from the Austrian side, which is not only higher but also closer to the peak. It should guarantee very low light pollution which makes it possible to see the Milky Way and much more stars with the naked eye than in Munich. At the Steinplatte peak there is a viewing platform at the Triassic park (free entry) and a small pool (swimming possible).

Plan: We will meet at the parking lot, hike to the Steinplatte, have a break while watching the sunset, and return to a meadow near Triassic park. There we will watch the stars, milky way and perseids. By 23:30 to midnight we will return to the cars.

The hike will be postponed or cancelled if the weather forecast 24 hours before the event does not predict a clear sky.

Transport: We will go by car as the starting point is not accessible by public transport. The road is curvy and steep. The toll fee to the parking lot is 12€/car. The driver(s) may require passengers to pay in advance. Please read the car instructions carefully. If the hike or lift is cancelled or postponed, the drivers must reimburse the prepaid payments. Otherwise a passenger dropping out before departure must only be reimbursed if the driver can find a replacement. Car drivers must contact me first if they drop out.

Joining: Click on carpool. If a car has free seats, read the instructions and possibly join the car. Otherwise add yourself to the waiting list and regularly check for free seats. You are not automatically assigned to a car.

Technical difficulty: This hike is suitable for fit beginners. You should be fit enough to hike at least 300m gain/hour and feel comfortable walking in the dark with a headlamp. The last meters to the peak are rocky and require surefootedness, especially at dusk. If you are unsure, please stop before the section.

Preliminary schedule:

• ca. 16:45 start in Munich
• ca. 18:15 arrival at the parking lot
• 18:30 (sharp!) start hiking
• 20:17 sunset at Steinplatte,  break, return
• 20:50 nautical dusk (some stars visible)
• ca 21:00 find a place for watching near Triassic park
  
• 21:31 astronomic dusk
• 22:18 max. darkness
• ca. 23:30-0:30 departure (up to each car)
• 0:05 moon rise

Astronomy: The following objects will be visible at that night (TBD):

• meteor showers: Perseids, Kappa Cygnids (maximum on Monday), Delta Aquariids
  
• constellations: Ursa major/minor, Scorpius, Corona Borealis, Sagittarius, Cygnus
• objects: Mars, Saturn, Vega

Recommended apps to install before the hike (one is sufficient): Mobile Observatory 3 Pro, SkyView (Lite), SkySafari

Astronomers are encouraged to bring their telescopes and guide participants through the night sky.

weather forecast dry, sunny, clear sky

Legal disclaimer: This is not a guided tour. I merely organize the trip to the starting point with like-minded, qualified, properly equipped and reliable persons. Every participant must be able to navigate her/himself on the suggested route. If you join, you acknowledge that hiking is dangerous, you are fully responsible for yourself and that you have sufficient insurance (DAV, Bergrettung or similar).

Note: Please unjoin the event well in advance, if you don't want to come. You cannot unjoin the event when it is starting in less than 12 hours. No-shows will be recorded in your profile.