Perseid Meteor Shower - viewing locations? (Tampa, Clearwater: college, pollution, stadium)

[EEJ]

The Perseid Meteor Shower is upon us once again, and is scheduled to peak early Tuesday (August 12th,2008) morning between 2am and dawn.

Unfortunately, as we all know, there's plenty of light pollution (too many streetlights and such) in the TB area, and I'm wondering if anyone knows of a public place without lighting that would be accessible that early in the morning.

A few years ago, we drove out to St Leo's College, but the lights they have in the parking light are akin to the Bucs Stadium lighting, and we ended up using some farmer's field a few miles away, which I'd like to avoid this year if at all possible. (It was a great place for viewing, however it was private property, and I'd like to avoid any further trespassing)

Since the meteor shower will be taking place mostly in the NorthEast area of the sky, it would be best if I could find a nice dark spot NE of Tampa (so we aren't looking through the haze of Tampa).

Anyone know of any place that would be good for a few folks (5-10) to hang out early Tuesday morning in lawn chairs and blankets, that doesn't have a lot of light pollution from Tampa (or large businesses/interstates)?

We won't litter or cause any problems, just want a good place to view the meteor shower and maybe set up a telescope for viewing other heavenly bodies (several planets are great for viewing this time of year)

Any help is greatly appreciated, if you own a field Northwest of Tampa, and wouldn't mind a few folks hanging out, please let me know.

[carverxt]

Just like you I am trying to find a place to watch the meteor shower with as little light as possible.

Not sure of a place but would love to join you if you find one. I am looking at Google earth right now.

I'll let you know if I find a place.

carverxt

[Marielamb]

10 miles out in the gulf of Mexico?

[chi_tino]

I went to watch the Perseids at the airfield/park on Davis Islands a few years ago, and it was a great location. There were dozens of people out there with blankets and you could see from horizon to horizon.

[Cruzincat]

You all had better check the date of the OP.

[thethinktank]

Originally Posted by Cruzincat

You all had better check the date of the OP.

You know this is an annual event... right? The Perseid Meteor Shower will occur on the 11th and 12th of this month, peaking at 2:00a.m. this Sunday.

[LKJ1988]

Originally Posted by Marielamb

10 miles out in the gulf of Mexico?

Too much light glow from the east. Even when i was fishing 80 to 100 miles west of Clearwater FL there was a big light dome to the east.

Best time to view is after 1am.

[cdfacts]

I see this post is from last year, but if anyone is looking for a place this year or knows of a place, please share it with me.
I have 3 acres in Northwest Tampa...Near Citrus Park/Odessa. Only problem is, is that my grass is really high because my riding lawn mower is broken. We're trying to find an alternate place to watch it too because of the grass issue. Now...if anyone wanted to come MOW this yard with a riding lawn mower, I could probably offer up some space. lol

[Ryan_M]

I think best place to ask would be with the St. Pete Astronomy Club. I'm not a member (at least not yet) but I am into astronomy and building telescopes and such. They will know exactly where to go for dark skies. They also have a dark sky site that they meet at, that I'm sure would have at least some basic amenities. I'd also bet that if you went you'd find some that brought their equipment that you could look through.