Information Related to Observing at LBT

Table of Contents

1. Links
2. Useful Infomation

The goal of this page is to provide maximum information related to observing in LBT. Everyone is encouraged to update this page as and when necessary.

Links

1. ​LBT Website and observing schedule pdf
2. ​Mt Graham weather forecast
3. ​ALTA forecast
4. ​Telescope Calendar (you can see the daytime and nighttime activities and associated people details here)
5. ​LBT Bedroom allotment
6. ​LBT Reservation Form (for FREE accommodation at LBT. You may want to do this as early as possible)
7. ​LBT webcams
8. ​LBT Staff contact numbers

10.​Object visibility

11. ​Mt. Graham Clear Sky chart
12. ​Satellite infrared imagery of southwest US
13. ​LBT observing Tool
14. ​LBT Observers' Reference Page
15. ​Almost all LBT info available in this webpage

Useful Infomation

1. Nearest Airport: Tucson (TUS) and Phoenix (PHX). Both are in the state of Arizona. Car rentals are available in both airports. You may need an earlier booking (as you probably need a 4-wheel drive SUV with good clearance while driving to LBT).

2. Hotels: There are around 10 hotels within walking distance (10-20 mins) from TUS airport. Some of them have restaurants too. Look it up early.

3. Grocery shopping: Remember that you have NO option of shopping near LBT. You need to drive at least an hour to find something (near base camp). So, take all the food you need for the time you are up in LBT. Usually, whatever you need can be found in supermarkets on the way (such as Safeway). Ask people who have been to LBT if it is your first trip.

4. TUS to LBT Base camp: takes around ~2 hours in a car. From base camp to LBT takes around ~1 hour. Everyone need to check-in/out at the register placed in the basecamp. This is mandatory. If you are arriving at basecamp in non-office hours, you need to know the number to open the lock and door.

5. Health-related points: Humidity @ LBT can be as low as 25 for weeks. Always carry lip-balms and nose moisturizing cream (to avoid nose bleeds). Good to check if the ears are clear before the trip. Body moisturizers are available at LBT for everyone. It is advisable to have travel health insurance while flying to the US. At least, check if your normal insurance works for work-related travel to high-altitude locations.

6. Attire: work pants, good woolen socks, good shoes, good jackets, hand gloves (must), ear covering head caps, helmets.

7. Tools or accessories: Torch

8. Safety: If you are going to LBT for the first time, you will be contacted by the safety manager by email and (maybe) later in person (when you are at LBT). You need to listen to a video recording or a class or a walk-through of the telescope by him (or person in charge). This is essential for everyone's safety at the mountain.

9. Living stuff: inventory wiki page, food items page. Update both at least at the end of every trip.

More to follow....