ASET Observing Sites
OFFICIAL INFORMATION, DIRECTIONS, AND NOTES


  Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Observatory
This observing site is located about 10 miles north of Nacogdoches.
DISTANCE: From Tyler 65 miles; from Nacogdoches 12 miles.
PROS: An actual observatory. Excellent dark sky initiative.
CONS: Access limited to scheduled events only.
LIGHT POLLUTION. The SFA observatory has excellent dark sky policies and has worked to curb farm light problems in the area. There is no known light pollution issue.
DIRECTIONS: From Tyler, take SH 64 southeast to Henderson. In Henderson, turn right (south) onto US 259. Drive about 28 miles and slow down once you see FM 2664. Turn left (east) onto CR 123, which will be a very small road about a quarter mile past FM 2664. Follow this road about 0.7 miles, and turn right (east) onto CR 124 (Butcher Rd). Drive about 0.5 mile and the observatory will be on the right. (Detailed directions)
SITE LOCATION: GPS 31.759888, -94.661192 (Google)


  NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, Texas
This observing site is located on the launch pad of the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, about 6 miles northwest of downtown Palestine. Note that the gate can ONLY be opened by the event coordinator, so abide by all posted guidelines for attending the meeting.
SPECIAL NOTES: Please see the detailed information packet (PDF).
DISTANCE: From Tyler 53 miles; from Nacogdoches 72 miles.
PROS: Unrestricted parking. No local traffic. Prestigious site.
CONS: Access limited to scheduled events only. Not a deep dark sky.
LIGHT POLLUTION: No lights visible anywhere in southern third of pad. Some minor light domes to south-southwest and east.
DIRECTIONS: From Tyler, take SH 155 south to Palestine, turn right (west) onto Palestine's Loop 256. Proceed about 2.8 miles to Sterne Ave (FM 320) and turn right (west). Proceed 2.8 miles to FM 3224 and turn right (north). Proceed about 1.4 miles and turn left (west) at the NASA facility gate. (Detailed directions)
SITE LOCATION: GPS 31.781367, -95.722769 (Google)


  Mineola Nature Preserve
This observing site is located at Mineola Nature Preserve.
DRIVING DISTANCE: From Tyler 26 miles; from Nacogdoches 106 miles.
PROS:
CONS: Bring DEET; mosquitoes were reported to be a problem with earlier sessions.
LIGHT POLLUTION: There is one security light at the restrooms and a couple of overhead lights in the parking lot, BUT there is an electrical access panel that turns them OFF. The restrooms have motion lights that only come on when someone is in the restroom.
ACCESS: Unknown.
DIRECTIONS: On US 69 north of Lindale, you will run into highway contruction 2 miles north of Lindale (60mph!!! at night and sometimes 45mph!!!!! daytime). After you cross the Sabine River Bridge about one mile ahead the highways starts a detour. Six miles from the Sabine bridge, look for FM 564, which will be a right turn. Take it. Go 0.6 on FM 564 and look for CR 2724. CAUTION-It is the second right! When they built the new loop the left the old road but added a new PAVED one. Turn right on CR 2724 and go 2.3 miles until see the Preserve Entrance sign on the right. Turn right into the Preserve and go over the hill. (Detailed directions)
SITE LOCATION: GPS 32.633042, -95.460113 (Google)
July 2007 observation report on this site


  Lake Palestine Dam
This observing site is located in an unpaved parking lot on the east side of Lake Palestine Dam.
DRIVING DISTANCE: From Tyler 25 miles; from Nacogdoches 64 miles.
PROS: Unlimited access.
CONS: Motorists driving in and out of the site area.
ACCESS: Unlimited.
LIGHT POLLUTION: One mercury vapor light about 200 yards away at a maintenance hut on the dam. Occasional headlight glare from drivers in the parking lot.
DIRECTIONS: From Tyler, take SH 155 south toward Palestine, turn left (east) onto FM 344 at the traffic light near Brookshires. Proceed about 4.4 miles to FM 346, and make a right (south). Proceed 4.7 miles, and after you cross a bridge turn right (south) onto CR 3504. Proceed about 2 miles until you reach the dead end and see the dam. This is the observing site. (Detailed directions)
SITE LOCATION: GPS 32.058306, -95.430049 (Google)


  Lake Tyler
This observing site is located on a beach site on the south shore of Lake Tyler (West).
DRIVING DISTANCE: From Tyler 13 miles; from Nacogdoches 63 miles.
PROS: Unlimited access. Fairly dark sky.
CONS: Motorists driving in and out of the site area.
ACCESS: Unlimited.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Unknown.
DIRECTIONS: From Tyler, take Troup Hwy southeast to Whitehouse. Turn left (east) on FM 346. Proceed 2.8 miles and PASS CR 2332 and go one more block. Turn left (east) onto Concession Rd. The parking lot will be about 0.2 miles on the left. (Detailed directions)
SITE LOCATION: GPS 32.211606, -95.178704 (Google)


  Hudnall Planetarium
This site is rarely used for observing due to heavy light pollution issues, however since it is co-located with the planetarium, astronomical viewing has significant educational merit. The site is more ideally suited for viewing planetary objects, which are largely unaffected by bright skies.
DRIVING DISTANCE: From Tyler 1 mile; from Nacogdoches 74 miles.
PROS: Convenience. Educational value of planetarium.
CONS: Heavy light pollution as this is within the Tyler loop.
ACCESS: Unlimited (outside) though with impromptu observing sessions there may be issues with campus security.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Heavy.
DIRECTIONS: From US 69 (Broadway) proceed east on SH 155 for about a mile. At either Magnolia, Fleischel, or Baxter make a left (north) turn and proceed 0.25 mile. Turn right (east) onto Lake St. Proceed to the end, and the parking lot is on the right. The planetarium will be in the southeast corner of the parking lot. (Detailed directions)
SITE LOCATION: GPS 32.335513, -95.281829 (Google)