HAL Observing Sites

The Howard Astronomical League holds regularly scheduled star parties at Alpha Ridge Park from March through November. Impromptu viewing sessions can occur at any time and are communicated via the HAL e-mail group.   These impromptu events are often held at Alpha Ridge, but not always.

For events on the HAL calendar, the Host will have a copy of the County permit, but for informal get togethers at least one attendee will need a copy of the special use permit. The permit can be downloaded from our Documents Page, and must be accompanied by a current HAL membership card to be valid. In addition, a key is needed to open the gate at either site. The number of available keys is limited -- members who are interested in being placed on the key waiting list should contact the HAL Treasurer. A $50 deposit is required when the key is delivered.

NOTE: New feature below. Clicking on the Map links for either site now does more than just showing a map of the Park area. It also allows you to enter your starting address and then print out custom turn-by-turn directions and/or download them to a PDA or cell phone.

Alpha Ridge Park (Map)

Star parties are held at Alpha Ridge Park at sundown. The date changes monthly to coincide with the best lunar viewing so please check the calendar for the next date. Alpha Ridge Park has normal park facilities such as paved parking areas and portable toilets.  Warning: there are steel posts in the parking area that can't be seen unless your headlights are on.

Iridium Flares, Satellites, etc. visible at Alpha Ridge Park.

Carrs Mill Park (Map)

15900 Carrs Mill Rd
Woodbine, MD 21797

Coordinates (at gate off Carrs Mill Rd)
Lat:    39° 18' 59" North
Long: 77° 03' 14" West

Carrs Mill Park is a dark site (dark for this area), but is somewhat rustic.  There are no "facilities" of any kind, and the parking area is gravel rather than pavement. Also, smoking or open flames are not allowed, no exceptions. (The Carrs Mill Park property includes a few methane ground vents that are potentially hazardous in the presence of open flames.)

The entrance to Carrs Mill Park is not well marked. We have included some photos of Carrs Mill Park, including the entrance, that will help you locate it if you are coming out for the first time.

Iridium Flares, Satellites, etc. visible at Carrs Mill Park

Piney Mountain (More Info)

For those who wish to observe at a darker sky site less than 2 hours drive from Columbia, click on the "More Info" link above.