・陽明山觀星、郊山觀星 (請先讀我) Yangmingshan /Suburban stargazing (Read me first)

草山,為陽明山舊稱,取山上多草之意,至今一般大衆尤其台語母語者仍會以草山稱呼陽明山國家公園。Grass Mountain is the former name of Yangmingshan National Park. It was named after the many grasses on the mountain.  even today, many people in Taiwan, especially those who speak Taiwanese, still refer to Yangmingshan National Park as Grass Mountain.


*本部落格有些文章會以漢羅體台灣台語書寫,有時會附上英文,目前多數文章為台灣華語。

Yangmingshan Stargazing  輕便觀星攝星/ 星空詩學
______ 為住在大人心中的小孩(與所有小孩)而寫   Written for the child living in the hearts of adults (and all children)






陽明山的 NEOWISE 彗星 (C/2020 F3)

*NEOWISE (最亮時接近0等) 是繼1997年 海爾·包普 (Hale-Bopp ,最亮時約達 -1.5等上下)以來北半球能看到的最亮的彗星。應可算是自數位相機普及以來北半球能見的最亮彗星。

*NEOWISE (reaching a peak brightness of about magnitude 0) is the brightest comet visible in the Northern Hemisphere since Hale-Bopp in 1997 (reaching a peak brightness of around magnitude -1.5). It can be considered the brightest comet visible in the Northern Hemisphere since the widespread use of digital cameras.

在七星山主峰觀賞 NEOWISE彗星 (2020/07/21),
Comet Neowise above peak of Chihsingshan (Seven Stars Mountain)

SONY RX100M3, 全幅等效焦距 24mm- 詳見 七星山的 NEOWISE 、如何在陽明山拍攝彗星



2020/07/21 七星山主峰的NEOWISE彗星。彗髮、塵埃尾、離子尾等結構清晰可辨。(35等效焦長 116mm) Pentax K3II, FA77 @F4 , ISO800, ASTROTRACER 30" x32 stacked。全幅等效焦距116mm

NEOWISE的離子尾(ion tail,照片中藍色的彗尾)相當長,明顯已經超出鏡頭所拍的視野,照片中涵蓋的離子尾長度約 9°42'

The ion tail of NEOWISE (the blue tail seen in the photo) is quite long, clearly extending beyond the field of view captured by the camera. The length of the ion tail covered in the photo is approximately 9°42'.




此為以另一種程序處理的 Neowise,並將構圖轉90度,有不同的味道,視覺效果更強烈。(35等效 116mm)



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大屯山鞍部停車場

索引 Index

如何在郊區尋找一個適合長期觀星攝星的地點 (How to find a suitable long-term stargazing spot in the suburbs.)
暗空品質/等級測量 (Dark sky quality/rating measurement.)
台北市絕佳的觀星地點 (Stargazing spots in Taipei.)
流星雨在陽明山  (Meteor showers on Yangmingshan.)
攝影與眼視觀測 (Photography and visual observation.)
天空背景亮度(光害程度)即是關鍵 (Sky brightness, light pollution level is crucial.)
熟知該郊區光害的特性 (Familiarity with the characteristics of light pollution in the suburbs.)
適合郊山觀星的便攜器材 (Portable equipment suitable for stargazing in the suburbs.)
觀星的默契 (Understanding of Stargazing .)
陽明山的光害  (Light pollution on Yangmingshan.)
給下一個十年的草山觀星者的備忘 2021 (Reminders for future stargazers on Caoshan/Yangmingshan for the next decade)
觀測手札,我的草山星空故事(自2011起)  My diary/ memories (since 2011)
近期天象備忘  upcoming events
即時星圖 Star map

 


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如何在郊區尋找一個適合長期觀星、攝星的地點(為何是陽明山)

How to find a suitable long-term stargazing spot in the suburbs. (How, and Why Yangmingshan)

*上山請務必注意保暖,即使是夏天的深夜也有涼意(也請準備除霧線給設備,山上濕度高。)

*Please make sure to dress warmly when going up the mountain, as there can be a chill even during the late nights of summer. (Also, please prepare a dew heater for your equipment as the humidity is high on the mountain.)
keep warming


大屯鞍部的秋季銀河 Autumn Milky way above Datun Anbu
2022/10/1 PM11:25~11:50, PENTAX K3II ISO1600, Samyang 16/F2
Kenko Red enhancer filter
ASTROTRACER 90sec x12 frames
SiriL 背景校正, Photoshop photomerge 8幀自動接圖,約240度。


鞍部的夏季銀河 Summer milky way above Anbu, Yangmingshan

2023/07/08 PM 09:30~10:45, Pentax K5(full spectrum), Red Enhancer filter, ir-cut filter , Samyang 16/F2, ISO1600, ASTROTRACER 40sec x 30, Siril, Registar, PS Photomerge


*台北市郊的陽明山是可以進行星野、天文攝影與目視觀測、裸眼賞星的無庸置疑(無論行星,銀河、星軌等星景,以及星雲星團星系包括所有梅西爾天體等深空天體皆可)。

There is no doubt that Yangmingshan in the suburbs of Taipei City is an ideal place for astrophotography, visual observation, and naked-eye stargazing. It offers opportunities to capture stunning images of various celestial objects, including planets, MilkyWay, star trails, as well as deep sky objects such as nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, including all Messier objects.

 

要素 requirement:

1. one hour drive,   2. bortle 5(or above) sky,  3. safe and comfortable for long stay


第一,選距離住家在一小時的車程內可達的地方(但不要是熱門的會有很多人前往的夜遊、看夜景地點),且車子能夠停放在觀測地或旁邊(譬如在沒有照明,或照明以及路過車燈不至於干擾到觀測、人眼適暗性的停車場,因為若有燈光干擾,每次干擾後適暗性的重建需要約二十分鐘以上),能就地裝卸架設器材。


*因為距離近,可以在傍晚時視天空狀況臨時起意出發,不需要太依賴氣象的預報選擇特定日期(擇期不如撞日)。在山下看天氣好再上去,即使到了山上發現天氣不佳,可以很快地回到家裡好好睡覺,不會舟車勞頓,機動的出勤率會大增(好天氣很少錯過。對我們一般觀星同好而言好天氣不算少,無需勉強自己在天候不佳的情況去碰運氣),這便是郊區觀星的地利之便。


First, choose a place that can be reached within an hour's drive from home (but not a popular night tour or night view spot with a lot of people), and the car can be parked at the observation site or nearby (for example, in a parking lot with no lighting, or lighting and passing car lights will not interfere with the observation and the adaptation of the human eye to darkness, because if there is light interference, it takes about 20 minutes or more to rebuild the adaptation of the dark after each interference), and can be unloaded and set up on the spot. 


*Due to the proximity of the location, you can decide to go on a whim in the evening, depending on the sky conditions. You don't need to rely heavily on weather forecasts to select specific dates (spontaneity is better than scheduling). You can check the weather at the base of the mountain and decide whether to go up. Even if you reach the mountain and find unfavorable weather, you can quickly return home and have a good night's sleep without enduring a long journey. This increases the flexibility and frequency of your stargazing outings (rarely missing out on good weather). For us amateur astronomers, good weather is not scarce, and there is no need to force ourselves into unfavorable weather conditions to try our luck. This is the advantage of suburban stargazing.


沒有燈光的停車場最適合架設赤道儀觀測


第二,在上述的距離範圍內尋找一個光害較低的地點。

*個人建議,在晴朗且無月光影響的午夜使用SQM向仰角45度量得的SQ天空表面亮度若能夠達到平均 19.5 MPSAS*(1)以上,即可進行非常多樣豐富的觀星與攝星。 
雖然目視可察覺光害的影響,不過借助望遠鏡器材以及觀攝技巧、數位處理的輔助,可以有很大的程度降低光害的影響(比一般大眾想像或傳說的還要好上許多,許多關於市郊無法觀星的都市傳說來自不客觀的印象或錯誤偏見)。不要誤認為有些光害就無法進行觀星攝星。
Secondly, within the aforementioned distance range, look for a location with low light pollution.

*Personally, I recommend finding a place where the sky surface brightness, as measured using an SQM (Sky Quality Meter), can reach an average of 19.5 MPSAS*(1) or higher at an elevation angle of 45 degrees during clear, moonless midnight. With such conditions, a wide range of stargazing and astrophotography activities can be carried out. 
Although light pollution can be noticeable to the naked eye, it can be significantly reduced with the aid of telescopic equipment, observation and imaging techniques, and digital processing. It is much better than what the general public may imagine or what urban legends suggest. Many misconceptions about the inability to stargaze in suburban areas arise from subjective impressions or incorrect biases. Do not assume that certain levels of light pollution prevent stargazing and astrophotography.




巴拉卡公路及陽金公路沿線天氣與夜空透明度良好的夜晚可以看見淡淡的台北市銀河。(Canon G1x MKII固定攝影,無濾鏡,單張15 sec,攝於大屯鞍部。 
the milkyway above the Taipei basin

On nights with good weather and high transparency along the Balaka Highway and Yangjin Highway, one can catch a faint glimpse of the Milky Way in Taipei City.

 

拉長曝光時間或加上濾鏡並搭配影像處理會更加明顯:

看台北市的夏季銀河升起 Watching the Milky way rising (攝於大屯鞍部) 

Pentax K3II, Samyang 16/F2 @F2, Kenko red enhancer filter, ISO2500 ASTROTRACER 40sec, SiriL Background Extraction 

(透明度好的時候,單張40秒曝光下的銀河呈現出不錯的細節)



第三,選擇適合長時、長期觀測的舒適地點。雖說越荒涼的地方通常光害越小,但若考慮到安全性,在觀攝地附近幾百公尺外有少數一兩戶住家或管理站,在大部分的情況下,這樣一點燈火不至於有太大影響(比較會影響到的是若要拍攝低仰角的銀河),這樣的地點安全性會高上許多(臨時有任何緊急狀況也可就近請求幫忙)。
此外,若離無路燈的公路旁不遠,但車燈角度需不會影響到(這點對於能持續保持適暗性很重要),而非路底安全性也會高上許多。

特別當你是獨自一人,在這樣的地點觀測攝影,心理不會產生較大的壓力,精神不會長時處在緊繃的狀態需要隨時注意周遭的狀況,才可以真正放鬆心情,悠閒地專注在看星星,欣賞浩瀚宇宙之美。如果能長時間的在該地觀星,就能熟悉附近的環境,除了增加觀測時的安定感之外,熟悉地形地物對於擬訂觀測拍攝計畫也有很大的幫助。
Thirdly, choose a comfortable location suitable for long-duration and long-term observations. While more remote areas generally have lower light pollution, it is important to consider safety. Having a few households or a management station within a few hundred meters of the observation site can provide a sense of security. In most cases, the presence of a few lights in such proximity will not have a significant impact (except when capturing low-elevation Milky Way shots). Additionally, the safety level of such locations will be significantly higher, allowing for assistance to be requested nearby in case of any emergencies.

Furthermore, being not too far from a road without streetlights, but ensuring that car headlights do not interfere (this is crucial for maintaining dark adaptation), can also enhance safety.

Especially when you are alone and engaged in observation or photography at such a location, it will help alleviate psychological pressure and allow you to relax and focus on stargazing, appreciating the beauty of the vast universe without being constantly on edge or needing to be alert to your surroundings. If you can spend a long time observing at the same location, you will become familiar with the surroundings. This not only increases the sense of stability during observations but also helps in planning observations and photography based on your familiarity with the terrain and surroundings.

 



鞍部的夏季銀河全景 Summer Milky Way above Anbu(ASTROTRACER 40sec x 42)。選擇一個舒適、適合長期定點觀測的所在,在熟悉了觀測地後於黑暗中也能感到安心。


第四,如果會使用到需要對極軸的赤道儀或攝星儀,在不借助額外電子輔助對極設備為前提下,那麼就要選能看得到北極星(北半球觀測者)的地點。視野當然是越開闊越佳,但倒不是必需,反而有點遮蔽對減少光害影響有很好的效果。

視觀測拍攝的目標而定,如果只是一般的深空天體的拍攝或觀測,因為所有的天體都會每日從東升起過中天然後西下(除了受限於觀測地緯度本來就看不到的天體),所以即使只有部份的天空仍能觀測到許多天體,只是可觀測的日期與時間窗口就小很多。此外,較高的海拔受都市塵霾影響較小,也可避開數百公尺低雲的影響。

Fourthly, if you will be using an equatorial mount or astrophotography mount that requires polar alignment, it is important to choose a location where the Polaris/North Star (for observers in the Northern Hemisphere) is visible, without relying on additional electronic polar alignment devices. While a wide field of view is preferable, it is not necessary. In fact, having some obstruction can be beneficial in reducing the impact of light pollution.

The choice of observing and photography targets depends on the goals. For general deep sky object photography or observation, as all celestial objects rise from the east, reach the zenith, and set in the west daily (except for objects that are not visible due to the observer's latitude), even if only a portion of the sky is visible, many celestial objects can still be observed. However, the available dates and time windows for observation may be smaller. Additionally, higher elevations are less affected by urban dust and haze and can avoid the influence of low clouds several hundred meters below.


鞍部的秋季銀河



一小時車程內、便利可達、安全、舒適(讓人覺得安心放鬆)、視野良好、光害尚在可接受克服的程度,且少蚊蟲野獸侵擾,一個好的地點乃以上各項取折衷值

並不是最暗的地點就最佳,只要暗度達到你觀測或攝影目的所需即可,最重要是能「經年累月長期穩定、安全舒適地進行觀測」的地點。

大屯鞍部初秋的銀河與即將西沈的夏季大三角 Milky way above Datun Anbu in early fall



在大屯鞍部以口徑 8吋(20公分)以內的小型望遠鏡做眼視觀測可以看到至少三百個以上的深空天體。

若能符合以上幾點,便是優質的近郊觀星地點,也適合家長帶小朋友一起看星星,即使是在學的學生,也能輕鬆偕伴觀星(能結伴共乘最佳,節能減碳又可讓家人較放心),沒有交通工具的邀有機車的友人一起,這樣近郊的地點,機車當作交通工具已經很方便(機車已足夠攜帶輕便的觀攝星裝備),也可只觀測上半夜,十點十一點收拾回家仍可好好睡覺,隔天上學上班也影響不大。

A location within an hour's drive that is convenient, accessible, safe, comfortable, offers good visibility, and has acceptable levels of light pollution that can be overcome. A good stargazing place is a compromise of various factors.

It's not necessarily the darkest location that is the best; as long as the darkness meets your observation or photography needs, the most important thing is to have a place where you can "observe comfortably and safely over the long term."

If a location can meet the above criteria, I believe it would be an excellent suburban stargazing spot. It is also suitable for parents to bring their children to stargaze, and even students can easily enjoy stargazing together (carpooling is ideal for saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and giving family members more peace of mind). People without transportation can invite friends who have motorcycles to go together, a suburban location is already convenient (motorcycles are sufficient for carrying lightweight observing and photography equipment). They can choose to observe only in the first half of the night and still have a good night's sleep by packing up and heading home around ten or eleven o'clock. It won't have a significant impact on going to school or work the next day.

鞍部的冬季銀河全景 Pentax K3II, ASTROTRACER 40sec x60 

鞍部的冬季銀河與冬季大三角



暗空品質/等級測量

*(1)SQM與AiryEye等暗空測量器材測量的是天空表面亮度,其單位為 mags/arcsecond² ,縮寫為MPSAS, 數值越大表示越暗,測量SQM請不要只測天頂,要往各個方向都測一下,不同方向數據會不一樣,尤其光害區。
並且請在晴朗無月的夜晚測量,陰天,雲、水氣、霧霾都會影響亮度,並無法顯示真實暗空數值。此外,隨城市作息各時間光害也會不同。

筆者於鞍部停車場進行 300個深空天體眼視素描 (2016~2023) 所測量的目標方向的天空背景亮度

 

 

Dark Sky Quality/Level Measurement


*(1) MPSAS stands for surface brightness unit in mags/arcsecond². A higher SQM value indicates darker skies. When measuring SQM, please do not limit measurements to the zenith (overhead position); measure in various directions as the data may vary, especially in light-polluted areas. Additionally, please measure on clear moonless nights. Clouds, moisture, fog, and haze can affect brightness and cannot reflect the true value of dark skies. Furthermore, light pollution levels may vary at different times according to urban routines. 


19.5相當於 NELM +5.14左右 (NELM - 裸眼極限星等,實際上會因人而有所差異),平均19.5以上 (19.7以上尤佳),最差方向低仰角能達到19 (NELM約+4.7)以上,就算是不錯的市郊(Bortle暗空/光害等級為5: SQM19.1 ~ 20.4,bortle等級與各種亮度標準之間的關係請參考Sky Brightness Nomogram),亦可參考光害地圖,盡量尋找綠色甚至墨綠的區域),當達到 20 mpsas 時左右,透過望遠鏡眼視觀賞已經觀賞非常豐富的深空天體,請參考我的 陽明山 300個深空天體眼視素描。(註:合歡暗空公園約21.7,清境一帶約 西方20.5 /其他方位21 左右)
個人的經驗 SQ18.5~19 MPSAS的天空背景已可以無需後製便可直接曝出淡淡銀河且以十公分折射鏡已可觀賞衆星團與少數較亮的星雲。SQ19.2 則天頂的銀河隱約可見,達SQ19.7以上後短徑長於1'以上的星系絕大部分透過8"鏡,約80~100倍,無需任何濾鏡,僅需讓眼睛充足適應視野的暗度就已輕鬆可見,此時若透明度良好即使使用FC-76 7.6公分口徑小折射鏡搭配濾鏡也能看到螺旋星雲與西面紗星雲(以上僅個人經驗值,但個人觀賞時若旁邊有朋友也會請他來double check,所以因人而異的程度應不高)。

19.5 corresponds to NELM +5.14 approximately (NELM - Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude, which may vary slightly among individuals). On average, a value above 19.5 (preferably above 19.7) is considered good. In the worst direction with a low elevation angle, it can reach 19 (NELM approximately +4.7) or higher. Even in such cases, it can be considered a decent suburban location (Bortle Dark Sky/Light Pollution Level 5: SQM 19.1 ~ 20.4). Please refer to the Sky Brightness Nomogram for the relationship between Bortle levels and various brightness standards. It is also helpful to consult light pollution maps and look for areas that are green or even dark green.

When the SQM value reaches around 20, you can visually experience the rich diversity of deep space objects through a telescope. Please refer to my Yangmingshan Visual Sketch as a reference (Note: Hehuan Dark Sky Park is approximately 21.5~21.7. around 20.5 in the western direction near Qingjing, and around 21 in other directions).

Based on personal experience, with an SQM value of 18.5 to 19, the sky background is already suitable for capturing faint milky way without the need for post-processing, also can observe star clusters and some brighter nebulae through a 10cm refractor. With an SQM value of 19.2, the Milky Way becomes faintly visible at the zenith. When reaching an SQM value of 19.7 or higher, most galaxies with a short axis longer than 1' can be easily seen through an 8" telescope at around 80 to 100x magnification without any filters, just by allowing the eyes to adapt to the darkness of the field of view, at this time, if the transparency is good, even using a small 7.6 cm aperture FC-76 refractor telescope with a filter, it is possible to observe the Helix Nebula and the Western Veil Nebula. (These are personal experience values, but when observing, I often ask a friend nearby to double-check, so the degree of variation among individuals should not be significant).


 


*根據個人經驗 bortle scale 5等級的裸眼極限星等約在 4.6~5.0,2級暗空極限星等約6.1~6.5。



SQM-L and AiryEye
台灣的Airy 艾里公司開發販售的Airy Eye,目前出到二代,除了與SQM一樣可測天空背景亮度 與溫度外,還可測濕度、雲層遮蔽程度等,是一款多功能的個人迷你暗空氣象站(因偵測頻寬即使用的ir cut/L濾鏡略為不同,讀數約比SQM-L亮8~10%,實測當AiryEye 2測得20 mpsas時,SQM-L讀數20.1左右)。這兩種產品皆經過IDA進行響應頻寬、精度、穩定、線性度等特性測試過,有一定的可靠性。


 

Airy, a Taiwanese company, has developed and sells the Airy Eye, which is currently in its second generation. In addition to measuring sky background brightness and temperature, similar to SQM, the Airy Eye can also measure humidity, cloud coverage, and other factors. It is a multifunctional personal mini dark sky weather station. Due to slight differences in the detection bandwidth and the use of an IR cut/L filter, its readings are approximately 8-10% brighter than those of the SQM-L. Both of these products have undergone testing by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to ensure characteristics such as response bandwidth, accuracy, stability, and linearity, providing a certain level of reliability. 

 

光害地圖(光害地圖 https://www.lightpollutionmap.info)the Light pollution of Yangmingshan。是在尋找觀星地點的很好參考工具。但請注意光害地圖是由太空中衛星拍攝,與從地面看到的夜空散射回來的光害多少會有出入,以AiryEye 或SQM實地測量才是最準確的。
這張地圖上標示的鞍部與大直的SQM 數據則是個人十年來的實際測量平均值,此外,右下角的各區間值是筆者個人依據測量後的估計(原始網頁的區間值個人認為對於VIRS 2021的圖是過於低估。) 
Note: The SQM range values on the original webpage are personally considered to be underestimated for VIRS 2021. The range values in this chart are the author's personal estimates. The white data marked on the map represents the average values measured personally over the past ten years.

如果要查詢 SQM值,Overlay請選擇 World Atlas 2015年,點選地圖各處它會計算該處天頂的SQM值,與筆者已知的最佳天候狀況時實際測量的數據相當接近,平均天候狀況時約比這數字低0.1~0.2 SQM 。(請忽略2015地圖上的區塊顏色,看起來比數據更嚇人)

 


絕佳的台北觀星地點



 

以陽明山國家公園來說,大屯山巴拉卡公路(101甲)以及竹子湖路沿線,西至大屯自然公園附近,東至冷水坑一帶,都是可選擇的光害較小的觀星地點,請多利用沿途的停車場,譬如冷水坑停車場(海拔740公尺)、小油坑停車場(海拔805)以及大屯山鞍部停車場(海拔828)、二子坪停車場(海拔816)、大屯自然公園停車場(海拔800) 或空曠之處(海拔 800公尺以上尤佳,暗空與天候都較優,又,巴拉卡公路側受東北風的影響比陽金公路側小。),既方便搬運設置裝備也少蚊蟲。距離台北市中心約三十公里,從大直或士林、天母開車或騎車約45分至一小時內可到(如果不塞車從台北市中心出發也可以在一小時左右到達)。除拍攝南方低仰角天體,或日出前、日落後不久的低仰角彗星等偶而會需要爬上主峰或到巴拉卡觀景台、擎天崗石梯嶺步道等特殊位置的特殊情況以外,在上述的幾個800公尺以上海拔停車場中任一處皆適合進行長期的定點觀測。(二子坪停車場假日往來車燈干擾較大)

 

在大屯山鞍部測量(仰角45度),好天氣時SQ平均都能達到 南19.4/北19.9,透明度佳的夜晚會達到 20,若盆地的光害被雲海或霧霾覆蓋的深夜北方則可達到 20.4 左右並持續至曙光來臨*(2)。(圖為2016至2022眼視素描時的背景天空亮度測量值,並以季節區隔,取45度以上樣本,有註記方位仰角)

 

At Anbu (the saddle of Mt. Datun) , on clear nights, the average SQM of the elevation angle of 45 degrees can reach around 19.4 in the south and 19.9 in the north. On nights with good transparency, it can reach 20. If the light pollution from the basin is covered by a sea of clouds or haze during late-night hours, it can reach around 20.4 and persist until dawn*(2).

 

然則若是觀測月亮行星,就不需要很暗的地方,即使在下方的菁山遊憩區或二停附近也適合觀賞月亮行星)。前述諸條件評估,綜觀大台北,陽明山國家公園具有得天獨厚的郊山觀星環境。

請注意上述公路沿線的停車場已施行24小時收費(必須使用悠遊卡、一卡通,且餘額必須充足),有些停車場摩托車不收費。若出停車塲刷卡不足額時可打廠商服務電話臨時放行之後再補刷。


Excellent stargazing locations in Taipei


In Yangmingshan National Park, the Balaka Road and Zhuzihu Road are options for stargazing with relatively low light pollution. These areas stretch from the vicinity of Mt. Datun Nature Park in the west to the Lengshuikeng in the east. Please make use of parking lots or open spaces along the way, as they are convenient for setting up equipment and have fewer mosquitoes.  They are approximately 30 kilometers away from downtown Taipei and can be reached by car or motorcycle in about 45 minutes to an hour from Dazhi, Shilin, or Tianmu (if there is no heavy traffic, it can take around an hour from downtown Taipei).

However, if observing the Moon and planets, it is not necessary to be in a very dark location. Even areas such as the Jing Shan Recreation Area below are suitable for observing the Moon and planets. Considering the aforementioned criteria, the Yangmingshan National Park in Greater Taipei offers a unique suburban stargazing environment.

Please note that parking lots along the aforementioned roads have implemented 24-hour fees (using an EasyCard or iPASS, and the balance must be sufficient). Some parking lots do not charge fees for motorcycles. If the card balance is insufficient when exiting the parking lot, you can call the service number provided by the parking lot operator for temporary release and then make up the payment later. 


*(2) 請參考手札,至2023年止就有紀錄到的多發生在入冬之際的下半夜以及七月底,(2016'12'19 1:30) 20.36, (2017'12'25 4:30) 20.47, (2019'07'31 2:00) 20.34, (2019'11'31 4:30) 20.4, (2022'07'29 4:00) 20.3(2020'02'21 3:30) 21.08  (是目前記錄最暗)。

 



巴拉卡公路 (2017/09/07,路面剛完成全面更新),地面反光裝置非常完善,行車舒適安全。


流星雨在陽明山

2017英仙座流星雨攝於陽明山鞍部,共十四幀馬賽克接圖。
在不受月光影響的年份(譬如2023),在陽明山光害較小的地方譬如鞍部極大期峰值每小時肉眼約可看到10~16顆流星,極大期的前後一天平均每小時約可見5~10顆。




台北陽明山觀星的小確幸——年度三大流星雨(峰值ZHR≥100)包括象限儀座流星雨*(3)、英仙座流星雨與雙子座流星雨的輻射點升起方位都在東北方附近,正是陽明山光害最小的方位,陽金公路沿線(避開路燈),擎天崗(海拔770公尺)、中湖戰備道、冷水坑、小油坑以及大屯山鞍部(海拔828)、巴拉卡公路沿線至二子坪、大屯自然公園(海拔800)一帶都是觀賞流星雨的不錯的地點(建議擇月相75%以下日子,但盡可能距峰值日期兩日以內),請多利用共乘,可減碳、節能、降低對生態的影響且有利交通順暢。 

*(3):象限儀座是舊星座名,在今日使用的八十八個星座已不存在,大部分併入牧夫座。

*(4):若是要觀賞ZHR 小於50的流星雨個人建議找光害小的高山的開闊地,因為ZHR 是指無光害(裸眼極限星等M+6.5, 等於21.73mpsas, 差不多即合歡山暗空公園的天頂亮度)完美天候無遮蔽環境的天頂小時率(這裡我們談論的是極大期時的峰值即 peak ZHR),所以若有光害等環境影響,或極大期輻射點不在天頂(通常都不是),真實能看到的流星數都需大量下修,以陽明山或一般bortle 5 等級郊山的天空亮度而言,依個人經驗要將完美極大期每小時流星數先除以五至六左右,另極大期時輻射點若不在天頂或觀看的時間不是正好在極大時辰數量都要再下修(往往既不是在極大也不在天頂),種種因素影響下,若ZHR=20的流星雨,在陽明山可能一小時只能看到一顆。即使在高山也可能只有兩三顆。其實平日觀星也都可以見到偶現流星。所以小流星雨是否值得專程上山,請自行斟酌,可參考國際流星組織網站上的流星群即時觀測統計,看ZHR曲線趨勢是否與往年有差異來做為行前參考。
個人並不建議專程只為了小流星雨上山(若要上山建議搭配其他遊程)。看不到什麼卻舟車勞頓且可能需要進行交通管制徒耗社會資源(除非流星雨的母體彗星回歸年,才有可能有數量上的增加)。建議可觀賞網路轉播。

 




The Delight of Stargazing in Yangmingshan, Taipei - Annual Top Three Meteor Showers (ZHR≥100) including the Quadrantids Meteor Shower*(3), Perseids Meteor Shower, and Geminids Meteor Shower, all have their radiant points rising in the northeastern direction, which happens to be the direction with the least light pollution in Yangmingshan. Along the Yangjin Highway (avoiding streetlights), Qingtiangang, Zhonghu Defense Road, Lengshuikeng, Xiaoyoukeng, and Mt. Datun, Balaka Road to Erziping, and the vicinity of Mt. Datun Nature Park are all good locations for observing meteor showers (it is recommended to choose days with moon phase below 75%, but as close to the peak date as possible). Please make use of carpooling to reduce carbon emissions, save energy, minimize ecological impact, and facilitate smooth traffic.




*(3): Quadrantids is an obsolete constellation name that no longer exists among the current 88 constellations. Most of it has been merged into Boötes.


*(4): If you want to observe meteor showers with ZHR less than 50, it is recommended to find open areas in high mountains(above 2000m) with less light pollution. ZHR refers to the zenithal hourly rate under perfect conditions, which means the hourly rate of meteors visible to the naked eye under a sky with no light pollution (naked-eye limiting magnitude M+6.5, equivalent to 21.73 MPSAS, which is approximately the zenith brightness at Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park). Therefore, if there are environmental factors such as light pollution or if the radiant point is not at the zenith during the peak period (which is usually the case), the actual number of meteors visible will need to be significantly reduced. Based on personal experience and considering the sky brightness at Yangmingshan or typical Bortle 5 suburban areas, it is advisable to divide the ideal peak ZHR by approximately five to six. Furthermore, if the radiant point is not at the zenith or if the observation time is not precisely during the peak time, the quantity should be further reduced. Taking these factors into account, a meteor shower with ZHR of 20 may only yield one meteor per hour at Yangmingshan, and even in high mountains, there might only be two or three. In reality, sporadic meteors can be seen during regular stargazing sessions. Therefore, whether it is worth making a special trip to the mountains for a minor meteor shower should be considered individually. You can refer to the real-time meteor shower observation statistics on the International Meteor Organization website and compare the ZHR curve trend with previous years as a pre-trip reference. I personally do not recommend solely going up the mountain for a minor meteor shower (if visiting the mountain, it is recommended to combine it with other activities). It may result in a tiring journey with little reward, and there may be traffic restrictions that waste societal resources (unless it is the year of the comet's return, which may lead to an increase in meteor quantity). It is suggested to watch the live broadcasts available on the internet.



 攝影與眼視觀測


在郊山,可以比在市區做更多、更有效率的觀測或攝影。

一般人可能會以為郊山跟市區的光害差距有限,其實不然,就以個人曾研究過的台北市大直與大屯山鞍部的差異為例,在好天氣的情況下,在大直朝東45度角測量得到的SQ值為17.3 MPSAS左右(同時段不同日的差異不大),稍微好一點在北方,最好的情況仍低於18(偶有非常好的天氣可超過18)。
大屯山鞍部的北方(45度仰角測量)好天氣則平均都能達到19.8以上,非常穩定(SQ差1等便約差2.5倍亮度),透明度佳的夜晚皆可達20(當台北盆地被雲海或霧霾覆蓋時則可達到20.3、20.4左右)。

In suburban mountains, it is possible to engage in more extensive and efficient observations or astrophotography compared to urban areas.

Many people may assume that there is only a limited difference in light pollution between suburban and urban areas. However, that is not the case. Let's take the example of the contrast between the Da'an District in Taipei City and the Anbu area of Datun Mountain, based on my personal research. On a clear day, measuring the sky quality (SQM-L) in the Da'an District towards the east at a 45-degree angle yields an SQ value of around 17.3 MPSAS (with little variation between different days within the same time frame). Even under slightly better conditions in the northern direction, the best SQ value is still below 18.

On the other hand, the Anbu area of Datun Mountain consistently achieves an average SQ value above 19.8 in good weather conditions, exhibiting remarkable stability (a difference of 1 magnitude corresponds to roughly 2.5 times the brightness). On nights with excellent transparency, the SQM value can reach 20 (in the case of Taipei Basin being covered by clouds or haze, it can reach around 20.3 to 20.4). 



 


月光下的啞鈴星雲 M27。 
Pentax 75SDHF, Pentax K3II, STC 雙峰窄頻濾鏡,Pentax MS-3z 赤道儀(改可單軸導星),MGEN 自動導星。單張10分鐘曝光(裁切)。攝於陽明山鞍部,2019/05/13 PM11:42, Alt 25°, 124° from Moon, SQ18.71 <-即使在月相有68%的夜晚,在離月亮較遠的地方,仍然比山下平常沒有月光影響時的晴朗夜空還要暗。

天空背景亮度(光害程度)即是關鍵

這裡與山下差異多大?以攝影方面來說,譬如以要目標天體的影像達到同樣訊噪比(SNR,用口語簡單說類似清晰度,可以把“噪”理解為訊號起伏的部分)所需的曝光時間,在除了光害程度的不同、其他條件與設備都一樣的情況下,帶入計算式可得,在鞍部拍攝同樣的目標約只要花在山下大直的曝光時間的 1/6(譬如在山下曝光一小時,在山上只需曝光十分鐘便可得到同樣效果,剛好就差不多是六倍的差距,詳細的計算方式請參考暗空對於曝光時間影響,公式可參考王為豪的《星野攝影》 。而對眼視來說,前面已提到過,個人經驗天空背景暗度要達到19.5mpsas以上(近 20尤佳)才能盡興地觀看星雲星系等黯淡的深空天體,然而在台灣的都會市區甚至邊緣都在18以下。(*如果使用濾鏡,則非天體及分子雲以外的區域的黑暗背景的訊噪比則視濾鏡過濾後的光子強度而言)
所以說絕對值得你離開繁華的市區,不用非得要上高山,花半小時一小時車程到郊山去看星星(特別是住在都市的人),樂趣、效益還是要比在市區高上許多。


The sky background brightness (level of light pollution) is the key factor.

How different is it from the lower areas? In terms of astrophotography, for example, to achieve the same signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, which can be understood as a measure of clarity, where "noise" refers to fluctuations in the signal), under the assumption that all other conditions and equipment are the same except for the level of light pollution, the calculation shows that capturing the same target at the Anbu area of Datun Mountain would require only 1/6 of the exposure time needed at the lower area of Da'an District(northern outskirts of Taipei City). This means that if it takes one hour of exposure time in the lower area, it would only take about ten minutes of exposure time at the higher location to achieve the same effect. The difference is roughly six times. For detailed calculation methods, you can refer to the influence of dark sky on exposure time, and the formula can be found in Wang Wei-hao's book "Astrophotography." 

Regarding visual observation, as mentioned earlier, in my personal experience, the sky background darkness needs to reach at least 19.5 MPSAS (preferably close to 20) to fully enjoy observing dim deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. However, in Taiwan's metropolitan areas, even on the outskirts, the sky darkness is below 18 in normal night.

Therefore, it is definitely worthwhile to leave the bustling urban areas. You don't necessarily have to go to high mountains. Spending half an hour to an hour traveling to suburban areas to observe the stars (especially for those living in cities) will bring much greater enjoyment and benefits compared to observing in urban areas. 


訊噪比 Signal-to-noise ratio

SNR= μ(信號的平均值) / σ(信號的標準差,即雜訊)



礁湖星雲 Messier 8 ,攝於鞍部。
Pentax 75SDHF,  Takahashi EM-2S (Airy改雙軸導星), IDAS NB1 filter
MGENII 自動導星,
Pentax K5(NKIR改全光譜) , ISO1600
Light: 5min x15 共曝光75分鐘
processed via Siril (biasx12, darkx5, flatx10 )
在山下台北市區以同設備要得到同樣天體訊噪比依公式計算約要共約450分鐘的曝光時間(在光害很低的高山則僅需約15分鐘) 。



在郊山進行星景、天文攝影,平場校正、光害減除等背景校正是很重要且關鍵的程序。請參考影像處理
 

在郊山做星野攝影,盡可能的累積曝光時間亦是關鍵

夏季銀河南段,Sony RX100M3 固定攝影ISO6400 20sec 單張(上);曝光13+1 張疊圖總曝光260秒,使用 Registar 疊圖,FlatAidePro平場,Photoshop地景回疊(下)  (2020/02/21 鞍部)
注意:星景攝影的疊圖的作用—與精神是為了增加原本單張攝影中既有的天體影像的曝光時間即訊號清晰度,而非添加原來單張攝影中沒有的天體。或者,長時追蹤星體因曝光超過一定時間地景必定會模糊,故要地景清晰則亦需疊回原來地景部份。



熟知該郊區光害的特性

如果我們把天空亮度的變化做成曲線,我們就會發現郊區的亮度並不會在暮光結束後很快地達到當天最暗的狀態,而是要接近或過了午夜才會到達最暗(這可以進行長期的連續觀察),原因就是光害的變化。在光害光譜圖中,除了傳統的鈉燈與水銀燈之外,還有一種光害來源非常的強叫金屬鹵化物燈,比 LED的影響還強,幾條強的譜線如Tl, In 就是它的特徵,這些亮白的強光燈廣泛被用在建築物譬如旅館、大賣場、商店外牆投射、廣場、探照燈等等,這些燈有部分會在子時或深夜之後被關閉,如果我們在不同時間測量,我們就會發現光譜的變化。 
在像陽明山這樣的郊山進行觀測時,子時, 也就是晚上近午夜才會開始進入最佳/最暗的時段(北方平均SQ19.8-20之間),尤其是南方特別明顯。 
話雖如此,當一般好天氣的日子,大約在天文暮光結束後一個小時多即可開始做些較亮天體的眼視觀測(南北方皆可),而在天文暮光結束約兩個小時後鞍部最暗的北方、東北方SQ約可降到19.5暗,所以打算只作上半夜的觀測也有適合的目標(注意下圖SQM 是觀測天體素描時的天空背景亮度,由此亦可知,即使在SQM 低於19的天況也有些可見的深空天體。)。攝影則受影響較小,因為可以增加曝光時間來克服較大的光害,所以約在天文暮光結束後即可開始拍攝。

此外,就在鞍部長期的光害測量研究顯示,除了北方比南方光害小以外,東方也比西方的光害較小,也就是說,在不受天候影響的前提下,(鞍部)在天體過子午線之前拍攝/觀測會比過子午線後較佳。(下圖乃2016至2022間在眼視素描天體時同時記錄的天空亮度測量值,分別以方位、仰角為橫軸作圖)


 

 

Understanding the Characteristics of Light Pollution in the Suburbs


If we plot the variation of sky brightness on a curve, we will notice that the brightness in suburban areas does not reach its darkest state immediately after twilight ends, but rather it approaches or surpasses its darkest point around midnight or later (this can be observed through long-term continuous monitoring). This is due to the fluctuation of light pollution. In the light pollution spectrum, apart from the traditional sodium and mercury lamps, there is another strong source of light pollution called metal halide lamps, which have a stronger impact than LEDs. Their characteristic features can be observed through strong spectral lines such as Tl and In. These bright white lights are widely used in buildings, such as hotels, department stores, exterior wall projections, squares, floodlights, and more. Some of these lights are turned off after midnight or late at night. By measuring at different times, we can observe the changes in the spectrum.


When conducting observations in suburban areas like Yangmingshan, the optimal/darkest period begins around midnight (average SQ between 19.8 and 20), especially in the southern direction, which is particularly noticeable. However, on generally good weather days, we can start observing brighter celestial objects about an hour after astronomical twilight ends (both in the northern and southern directions). About two hours after the end of astronomical twilight, the SQ in the darkest areas in the northern and northeastern directions can reach around 19.5, so there are suitable targets for those planning to observe or photograph only in the first half of the night.


Furthermore, long-term light pollution measurements conducted at the saddle point have shown that the light pollution is smaller in the northern direction compared to the southern direction, and the light pollution is also smaller in the eastern direction compared to the western direction. In other words, under the premise of weather conditions not affecting observations, shooting/observing before the celestial meridian (the time when an object crosses the meridian) at the saddle point will yield better results than after the celestial meridian.




適合郊山觀星的便攜器材   equipments portable by a scooter 

注意!買任何器材前請先做功課。除了鏡筒與赤道儀等架台外,不要低估將來添購配件的費用。

Attention! Please do your research before purchasing any equipment. Besides the telescope and mount, do not underestimate the cost of future accessory purchases. 

 

個人使用的器材,左起  雙筒望遠鏡Nikon Monarch 10x56, 折射式望遠鏡Pentax 75SDHF、Takahashi FC-76、Pentax 105SDHF,  牛頓式望遠鏡Skywatcher 150, Dall Kirkham反射式望遠鏡 Takahashi Mewlon-210。

 

要特別一提的是,上面照片中的望遠鏡鏡身長度都在75cm以內,長度 80cm內是個人定義的輕便的一個上限值(摩托車易載,攜行袋的規格也比較容易找)。

這裡的便攜的定義為以一台125速可達摩托車可攜帶的,一般有加後行李箱且前腳踏空間大的摩托車機型可載一套承重八公斤的赤道儀以及以上任一隻鏡筒(設定鏡筒重量在八公斤以下,口徑在8"以內,鏡筒長在八十公分以內)與目鏡或攝影配件。

It is worth noting that the length of the telescopes shown in the above photos is within 75cm. A personal definition of portability includes a maximum length of 80cm (easier to carry on a motorcycle and find suitable carrying bags).

Here, portability is defined as being able to be carried on a 125cc motorcycle. Generally, motorcycles with added luggage boxes and ample front foot space can accommodate a lightweight equatorial mount weighing up to 8kg, along with any telescope of similar weight (up to 8" aperture) and length (within 80cm), as well as eyepieces or photographic accessories. 



一台摩托車可以載的設備



口徑決定了集光力與分解能,是觀測或拍攝暗天體時佔決定性的重要因素。
  • 望遠鏡焦距 /目鏡焦距 = 倍率。   目鏡標稱視視野 / 倍率 = 實視野(True field of view_TFOV,即從目鏡看見的實際天空大小),故望遠鏡的焦長則左右該望遠鏡實用的實視野範圍。


就陽明山(鞍部)而言,8”鏡已可以看到相當相當多的天體,個人覺得8”鏡是進行郊山目視觀星時,同時能兼顧輕便機動與集光力的一個平衡點(若以攝影為目的的話考慮到赤道儀承載與追蹤性能,要使用8”鏡長焦拍攝需要更重的赤道儀也需要自動導星設備,會變得相當不輕便。以攝影為考量時,十公分以內、700mm以下的鏡頭或望遠鏡已能「拍出」非常多天體)。 
For Yangmingshan (Anbu) in particular, an 8" telescope is already capable of observing a wide range of celestial objects. Personally, I believe that an 8" telescope strikes a balance between portability and light-gathering power for visual observing in suburban areas. However, if the purpose is astrophotography, considerations need to be given to the capacity and tracking performance of the equatorial mount. Using an 8" telescope for long focal length photography would require a heavier equatorial mount and automatic guiding equipment, which can make it less portable. For astrophotography purposes, lenses or telescopes with apertures of 10" or less and focal lengths below 700mm are already capable of capturing a wide variety of celestial objects.




即將沉入山後,鞍部南方樹梢的老人星(Canopus)
當透明度良好時,南方低仰角的天空也會變得澄澈。(南方低仰角的天空可以作為當晚天空狀況的參考指標)

從巴拉卡公路上的觀景台望向台北盆地 


 2018/1/16 AM 1:45 Carinae Nebula visually passing through the sky above Taipei 101 。船底座大星雲 Eta Carinae Nebula (NGC3372, 赤緯 −59° 52′ 04″) 透視視覺上正通過台北101 上空。 (LRGB HDR )

   南十字與Omega 星團在台北的夜空中升起而Eta星雲正將西沉。

 


船底座星雲 Eta Carinae Nebula (NGC3372), 攝於巴拉卡觀景台(畫面左上角的大星團是 NGC3532)

Pentax k5 (全光譜,NKIR改機)
STC Duo-NB (雙峰濾鏡)
DA*200 F2.8 ISO3200
ASTROTRACER 10sec x137 frames
SiriL, Starnet++, FlatAide Pro, Photoshop 恆星星雲分離處理


***********
觀星的默契(懇請配合)

*請使用紅色且低照度照明以減少破壞眼睛的適暗性(Dark Adaptation),完全適暗才能觀賞到極限星等。 
*行車請放慢,避免傷害、干擾夜行生物等夜間生態,進入停車場取出器材後請熄燈熄火,勿明火、露營。 

*雖然在公共場所空間在不影響他人的前提下每個人都有自由活動的權利,但在山上若您發現您正經過觀星的朋友附近請注意車燈等照明的使用盡量降低影響。
家庭或商店使用戶外照明也請注意遮光,讓光線只照在需要的地方。 
*器材架設請保持適當距離、預留運轉與操作的空間以避免操作時撞到別人,建議架設時取距離已架設好的朋友至少四公尺以上。
*勿抽煙、大聲喧譁。下山時請將垃圾帶走,維護環境清潔。
Understanding of Stargazing (Please cooperate)
* Please use red and low-intensity lighting to minimize the disruption of dark adaptation of the eyes. Complete dark adaptation is necessary to observe the limit of stellar magnitude.
* When driving, please slow down to avoid harming or disturbing nocturnal animals and the nighttime ecosystem. After entering the parking area and retrieving your equipment, please turn off the lights and the engine. No open flames or camping.
* Please make good use of star-finding scopes and devices like red dot finders and Rigel. Try to avoid using laser pointers for aiming, especially when there are nearby flight paths. The Legislative Yuan recently passed the third reading of the "Civil Aviation Act Amendment," which imposes a maximum fine of 900,000 NTD or imprisonment of up to 7 years for anyone who shines a laser beam at an aircraft, and the most severe penalty is the death penalty for causing death (04/09/2018).
* While everyone has the right to freely move in public spaces without affecting others, when you are in the mountains and notice that you are passing by friends who are stargazing, please be mindful of your use of car lights and other illuminations, and try to minimize the impact.
For homes or stores, please also pay attention to light shielding and ensure that the light is only directed where needed.
* When setting up equipment, maintain an appropriate distance and leave enough space for operation to avoid collisions with others. It is recommended to set up at a distance of at least four meters from friends who have already set up their equipment.
* No smoking or making loud noises. When descending the mountain, please take your trash with you and maintain a clean environment.



讓我們彼此共同保護一個永續的觀星與夜間生態環境,讓星空永遠都在這裡等候你我,將星空留給我們的孩子。


行車請放慢速度,安全第一,保持身體健康(注意保暖,勿過度熬夜),注意器材操作安全,搬重物動作放慢。


 

 


 

陽明山目前的光害

無遮罩或不當照射角度的照明
 

大屯山西北方來自淡水的 千手觀音的光柱光束(自2018/12/23),曾建議定時關閉。 updated :2021年已有減弱。

 

不必要的,浪費能源的照明


(2022/02/28 照片)

往小觀音山的戰備道路原在鞍部驛站拆除後已關閉路燈,近來卻又設了五盞路燈,影響鞍部東南方樹梢低仰角的夜空。實際上戰備道夜間無人通行,因為氣象站門口已有路燈,私以為那些照明其實沒有功能,即使有需求一盞也應足夠。 (有人於戰備道柵門前堆置了一些狗籠養狗,常有流浪犬聚集,請避免靠近。題外話,園區流浪犬氾濫的問題對野生動物的威脅應受重視)


 

除鞍部以外的其它停車場無遮罩的照明影響問題仍存在。譬如二子坪強光炫目的停車場招牌。

(2023) 近期小觀音山的電視台出現一盞白光強照明廣場燈,最近開啟的次數越來越頻繁,且有時整夜都亮著,令人有些擔心會持續下去,整夜開著影響相當大。如果至少能加上遮光罩較好。當然希望這盞燈只是暫時性的。





給下一個十年的草山觀星者的備忘(2021)

個人認為小觀音山,巴拉卡公路鞍部、二子坪、大屯自然公園一直到于右任墓等這一段有很好的郊山觀星環境,因此自多年前至今曾數次建議過陽管處,應考慮自行將這段設為夜間生態與星空友善道路(暗空保護區)以保護之,但陽管處認為已是自然保護區所以沒有必要,而以上提及的有改善空間的照明情況也曾數次建議過但回覆並非其管轄範圍。

由於人眼進入黑暗中約三十分鐘以後(見下圖)才能完全適應黑暗,視杆細胞才達到最敏銳的程度,能夠看到極限的星等,而一旦眼睛受強光照射,適暗性便會被破壞而需重頭建立,是故眼視觀星對於暗空的環境需求會比攝影還要高,觀測地需沒有會破壞適暗的光源。


圖:眼睛接受不同強度光線刺激後的適暗性的建立過程('Dynamics of rod and cone photoreceptor interactions under mesopic light levels'by ML Maynard , 2012)

 

陽明山國家公園目前並未有友善觀星的照明規範,而停車場的照明設置完全由外包的停車場管理公司自行決定,所以並不能確定未來若管理公司更動後是否鞍部停車場的照明還能保持現在的關閉的、維持目前適合觀星的狀態。在過去的十年裡歷經兩個不同的廠商都是筆者與在這裡的觀星朋友直接去電廠商協調爭取才能把照明關閉的(感謝廠商),簡而言之沒有去爭取它不會自己關,所以未來仍需要觀星的朋友們持續爭取與守護。

此外,爭取在鞍部設置全天魚眼相機也是筆者的目標之一。測站資料可提供長期光污染、暗空品質監測統計,以及教育與研究之影像與數據,全天魚眼的即時或錄影影像也可供特殊天像轉播與教學用。
除此,觀星朋友可以透過全天魚眼影像隨時察看山上的天空狀況,能隨時掌握好天氣機動上山,尤其對沒有交通工具的學生決定是否要搭車上山觀星非常有幫助,大大降低學生徒勞往返,郊山觀星的便利性與效率充分被發揮,若能減少星友與一般遊客在天候不佳的情況無謂的往返國家公園,也有益於生態的保護。
再者,全天魚眼監測站的設立讓郊山觀星環境更為友善,有利於國內天文科學的發展,而吸引更多天文觀星者的造訪對於國家公園與停車場廠商來說也不無獲益。
綜合以上,個人認為在鞍部設置全天魚眼與暗空品質監測站對各方來說都有利,可一舉數得。

另,在鞍部設置流動廁所也是個人爭取的目標之一,但陽管處回覆不符效益,其實白天從鞍部出發的登山客並不少,就個人在走五指山系步道系統的經驗,五指山系各登山口、入口幾乎都可以看到流動廁所的設置,相當方便。



Reminders for future stargazers on Caoshan/Yangmingshan for the next decade (2021)

 


Personally, I believe that the section from Xiaoguanyin Mountain to the Yuyouren Tomb, including the Anbu, Erziping(the saddle of Datun mountain), and Datun Nature Park along the Balaka Highway, has a great suburban stargazing environment. Therefore, I have suggested to the Yangmingshan National Park Administration several times over the years to consider designating this section as a night ecology and dark-sky friendly road (dark-sky reserve) for its protection. However, the administration considers it already within a natural protected area and therefore unnecessary. The mentioned improvements in lighting conditions in that area have also been suggested multiple times, but the response indicated that it is not within their jurisdiction.
 

After approximately thirty minutes in darkness, the human eye reaches full adaptation (see the diagram below), where rod cells achieve their highest sensitivity and can perceive the faintest stars. However, if the eyes are exposed to bright light, the dark adaptation needs to start over as it gets disrupted. Therefore, visual stargazing requires a darker environment compared to photography, as the observation site should be free from light sources that would disrupt the dark adaptation.
 

Currently, Yangmingshan National Park does not have specific lighting regulations that are friendly for stargazing. The lighting installations in parking lots are entirely determined by outsourced parking management companies. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the lighting in the Anbu parking lots will remain in the closed state and maintain the current stargazing-friendly condition if the management companies make changes in the future. Over the past decade, we have dealt with two different vendors, and it was through direct communication with the vendors that we were able to coordinate and advocate for turning off the lights (thanks to the vendors). In short, if we don't actively advocate for it, the lights will not turn off on their own. Therefore, stargazing enthusiasts will need to continue advocating for and safeguarding the environment.
 

Furthermore, one of my goals is to advocate for the installation of an all-day fisheye camera at Anbu. The data from the station can provide long-term monitoring statistics on light pollution and dark-sky quality, as well as visual and data resources for education and research. The real-time or recorded footage from the fisheye camera can also be used for special celestial events broadcasting and educational purposes.
Moreover, stargazing enthusiasts can monitor the sky conditions on the mountain through the all-day fisheye camera footage, which allows them to seize the opportunity to go up the mountain when the weather is favorable. This is especially helpful for students without transportation in deciding whether to take a ride up the mountain for stargazing, greatly reducing their commuting time and effort. The convenience and efficiency of suburban stargazing can be fully utilized,and reducing unnecessary trips to the national park by stargazers and general visitors in unfavorable weather conditions also contributes to ecological conservation.
 

Furthermore, the establishment of an all-day fisheye monitoring station makes the suburban stargazing environment more friendly and benefits the development of astronomy in the country. Attracting more astronomy enthusiasts to visit is also beneficial for the national park and parking lot vendors.
 

Taking all of the above into consideration, personally, I believe that setting up an all-day fisheye camera and dark-sky quality monitoring station at Anbu is beneficial for all parties involved and can achieve multiple objectives.
Additionally, one of my personal goals is to advocate for the installation of mobile toilets at Anbu. However, the response from the Yangmingshan National Park Administration stated that it is not cost-effective. In reality, there are quite a few hikers departing from Anbu during the daytime. Based on my experience hiking in the Wuzhi Mountain trail system, almost all the trailheads and entrances in the Wuzhi Mountain system have mobile toilets, which are quite convenient.







 


 memo 近期天象與活動
 


請加入草山星空FB粉絲頁或line群組交流,資訊更即時。


 

2024 

  C/2023 A3 十月最亮


最佳拍攝期約是9/25~9/27日出前。
日落後更好拍:
*10/14開始約3.1等(S-O-T 23.3度)

*10/16 S-O-T 31度,3.4等。

*10/18 S-O-T 38.5度 ,3.8等。

*10/20 4.2等(S-O-T 44度)

到10/30還有6等(S-O-T 55度)會拍到不要不要的。




 

*未來可見的明亮彗星、查詢亮度預測見吉田誠一網站






*火星

*

中央氣象局月食預報 




*天鵝座61雙星、巴納德星。

*長期**參宿四
The Brightening of the Red Supergiant alpha Ori
*試著拍看看春分(3/21)與前後日沒後西方與秋分(9/23)與前後日出前東方的黃道光
*冬天與春天一起來拍看看陽明山的船底座Eta星雲、南十字:

*以上僅列出個人特別感興趣的

天象預報網站


國際流星組織 流星曆  
勿把ZHR值當成你每小時實際可以看到的流星數目,ZHR天頂小時率是指最理想的狀態(極大發生時輻射點剛好在你觀測地的天頂,天空無遮蔽,極限星等達6.5等),很少人觀測時的環境能有如此完美的條件。
以下這篇文章介紹如何估算你每小時可能可以看見的流星數
https://darkskydiary.wordpress.com/2016/07/29/perseids-meteor-shower-2016/


8 則留言:

  1. 請問會有機會開團一起去嗎?

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    1. Hello 我們目前大都是私下約,我通常都是傍晚看天氣比較沒有特定日期,也許您可以先加我臉書或者加入astrotracet 社團,有時我要上山或到山上時會貼文。

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    2. 已設草山星空line聚會群組,歡迎加入

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  2. 謝謝分享!好詳細呀!!想請教有沒有推薦的地點呢(GPS座標之類的或是地標~)?第一次想上陽明山觀星 但不知道應該去哪邊

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