Deep-Sky Observing Marathon at Big Handy’s Ground Tanay, Rizal

The Philippine Astronomical Society hosted a deep-sky observing marathon at the dark skies of Big Handy’s Ground located at Tanay Rizal. It was an off-the-grid camp site, literally – no signal, electricity, water supply and is away from buzzing sounds and blinding lights of the metro, a perfect get away from daily urban lifestyle. The site offeres 360 view of the skies with minimal obstruction from mountain tops and though light pollution from Manila can be seen afar in the west, faint stars that are usually invisible in the metro doesn’t shy away and glitter fantastically and steady that you’ll get lost in the sea of stars! Its such rare occasion for me that I stared in awe above and have to reorient my self to what constellation I am looking into. Faint DSO’s are resolved easily that hunting them was a breeze, only if clouds had not rolled in quick!

View from Big Handy’s Grounds

Members of the Philippine Astronomical Society

Members of the UP AstroSoc joined us also in this event

Fish Eye View of the skies of Tanay, Rizal

Participants of the event included students from RTU Astronomy Society, UP AstroSoc, individuals from other walks of life – PAS members and non members alike.

Big Handy’s Ground is located at Brgy. Cayumbay, Tanay Rizal and welcomes camping, star gazing and other stuff. For more information in the site you may send Mrs. May Serrano an email at mrs_mrs111@yahoo.com

For anything about astronomy, you may attend events of the Philippine Astronomical Society which is free and open to the public. Clear Skies!

Photos by:

Kashogi Astapan