Star gazers gather to view Merritt’s night sky
While Merrittonians might take for granted the crystal clear nights, people from all over the province go out of their way to come here.
It’s mainly the lack of light pollution that makes Merritt a star destination, but it’s also the dry air that decreases the interference caused by moisture.
That clarity brought out over 100 people last year, said Clive Williams, president of the Merritt Astronomical Society.
“When there is a lot of moisture in the air, the stars tend to twinkle, like bouncing blobs,” he said, noting he uses a 12-inch diameter dub Sony telescope.
Registered members camp at a gravel pit approximately 2.3 kilometres along Loon Lake Road off the Okanagan Connector, about 45 kilometres out of town.
The group arrives in Merritt on Saturday and are scheduled to stay until Sept. 16.
Those who want to register, can visit www.merrittastronomical.com. Registration costs $20 and includes camping fees.
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