United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) is a consortium of amateur clubs formed to coordinate and communicate ideas among thousands of individuals in and around the state who make astronomy their hobby. The UACNJ facilities in Jenny Jump State Forest, near Hope in Warren County, are 1,100 feet above sea level, one of the few dark sky locations left in the state. There are several observatories: the Greenwood Observatory with a sixteen-inch Newtonian telescope, the Ted Barker Observatory with an eight-inch solar telescope, and the Kevin Brady Observatory which houses a seven-inch Astro-Physics refractor. A 48” reflector telescope is just over the horizon.
North West Jersey Amateur Astronomers club member Ken Taylor describes how he got involved. “At age 55, I borrowed a friend’s telescope for a few nights. It was a simple telescope that can be purchased at WalMart. The first thing I did was look at the craters of the Moon. About a week later, I asked a friend who is a science teacher for some assistance. He showed me views of some deep space objects and we looked the rings of Saturn. After that, I was hooked on the hobby of astronomy. Knowing that I was going to need some direction and instruction, I looked on the Internet for an astronomy organization or club and discovered United Astronomy Clubs of NJ (UACNJ).”
Free lectures and observing are open to the public every Saturday evening from April through October at the Jenny Jump site. In 2012, over 1200 visitors attended these events, some who were camping in Jenny Jump State Forest for the weekend, and many more who, like Ken Taylor, have become regular spectators. This year’s comets are a special added attraction to the normal spectacular array of things you can see from the moon to deep space. Says Taylor, “Viewing the Ring of Saturn, the colored bands and red spot on Jupiter are a normal occurrence at different times during the year. You can even see their moons. But planets are not the only objects visible. You can see, star clusters, double stars, galaxies, nebula and other deep sky objects during your visit, depending on the weather. Many deep sky objects like Andromeda Galaxy and our Milky Way galaxy are clearly visible at Jenny Jump by eye or through binoculars. So if you have a pair, bring them.”
For program schedules and directions to the observatories check the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey website..
A canal boat captain and her daughters navigate the Bread Lock in June, 1863.
Native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs grown using all natural methods in an organic potting mix. All plants are local provenance, seed-grown at our family farm. Mail order and web-based retail. Pick up by appointment only. Botany and restoration services.
Private campground for RVers and Tenters with wooded sites available by the day to by the season. Rustic cabins also available. Home of Lakota Wolf Preserve.
Restored c.1754 stone ironmaster's home associated with c.1741 Oxford Furnace.is open first and second Sundays, 1-4pm, for tours through Colonial and Victorian rooms with costumed docents. There are special events throughout the year as well as programs for schools. Sunday concerts on the manor lawn are a favorite during the summer.
