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Member Astronomical League and International Dark-Sky Association

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Canyon of the Eagles

The Canyon of the Eagles area, on the northeast upper end of Lake Buchanan, near Burnet, is now the site of the Society's dark-sky Eagle Eye Observatory. The site, well removed from the lake, is a former cornfield on a large plateau with excellent horizons that is within the boundaries of the Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park. On good nights, the limiting magnitude at this site has reached +6.5.

The elevation of the Eagle Eye Observatory is about 1,100 feet or 335 meters above sea level, and its geographical coordinates are:
 
    30° 53' 27.6"  or  30° 53.46'  or  30.8910 north latitude
    98° 25' 34.4"  or  98° 25.59'  or  98.4265 west longitude

Drive northwest from Austin to Burnet (three alternatives given below). Proceed west out of Burnet on Hwy 29 for about 3.5 miles. Look for the Vanishing Texas River Cruise sign. Turn right on RR 2341 and drive 15 miles north to the Canyon of the Eagles resort entrance station. If you are a paid-up member of the Austin Astronomical Society, identify yourself by name to the guard at the entrance station to gain free entry on official Society star party nights. Once you are through the entry gate, turn right and proceed north-northeast on the road leading to the observatory site.

1. Alternative 1 (From north or central Austin)
    
   Drive north on Hwy 183 through Leander to Seward's Junction. Turn left on Hwy 29 and proceed west to Burnet.
    
2. Alternative 2 (From far north Austin)
    
   Drive north on IH-35 to Georgetown. Turn left on Hwy 29 and proceed west through Seward's Junction to Burnet.
    
3. Alternative 3 (From south or central Austin)
    
   Drive west on Hwy 71 from the Y in Oak Hill. Turn right on Hwy 281 and proceed north through Marble Falls to Burnet. Turn left (west) on Hwy 29 in Burnet.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTES

1. The site is accessible by good paved and caliche dirt roads, which are easily navigable by standard passenger vehicles in all but heavy downpour conditions. Plan to arrive well before dark, and when you see the sign, TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS!
    
2. A dark sky protocol is in effect on star party evenings.
    
3. There are limited facilities at the observatory site. A porta-potty is nearby, but there is no water. Be prepared!