Mingus Mountain is located in Prescott National Forest, in the cool pines of central Arizona. With an elevation of 7,818 feet (2,383 m), the summit can be reached by road after branching off from State Route 89A, offering views of the Verde Valley, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and the towns of Cottonwood, Jerome, and Clarkdale. The mountain has a number of hiking trails, cabins and campgrounds, and the area is generally accessible around-the-clock, but can be prone to wildfire and restrictions can be put in effect at any time. Astronomers of Verde Valley (http://www.astroverde.org/) use the mountain as one of their favorite stargazing spots, and a stargazer shared the following with EarthSky: “You have a 360-degree view of open skies. Perfect for meteor showers, etc.”

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.