San Francisco Bay Area Milky Way Viewing Guide π
π Best Spot: Lake Berryessa (1.5-hour drive from SF) π Timing is Everything Check the lunar calendar! Aim for new moon nights )to avoid bright moonlight (especially avoid full moons like ). Ideal window: Late spring to early fall (May-September), when skies are clearest. π Location Tips Escape light pollution! Choose spots 20+ miles from cities. Pro alternatives: Mount Tamalpais (Marin) Pinnacles National Park (darker skies!) πΈ Gear Up Must-haves: π Full-frame camera (Sony A7 series, Canon EOS R) π· Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider, like Sigma 14mm) π¦Ά Sturdy tripod (for long exposures) Bonus: Red flashlight (preserves night vision), warm clothes (it gets chilly!). β‘ Pro Techniques Manual mode: 20-30 sec exposure, ISO 3200-6400. Apps to help: PhotoPills (for Milky Way tracking), Clear Outside (cloud forecast). #BayAreaAstro #MilkyWayChasing #NightPhotography #NorCalAdventures