What is the Distance?

I'd like to clear up a point about the required brightness of a light shone from the mountainside. The estimate of several million candle power required to be seen appears to be based on the distance involved. In several posts and in the Introductory video, it's stated that Mt Adams is located some 13 miles distant.
However, in Video 3: Mountain Lights, the observing position is said to be only 'three-point-five miles' away. Is that correct, or was there an error in the commentry? This is surely a vitally important parameter in the investigation.
Are we seeing lights from 13.5 miles or from 3.5 miles away?

The distance involved is paramount to the study. Since a conventional lamp produces a cone of light, its intensity at any point drops by the square of the distance. Clearly an extra 10 miles in the equation would add a considerable difference to the calculation. Another feature of the lights I have observed, is they appear to be very directional. They seem to be very finely focussed into a narrow beam, similar to a laser for example. As many who use them will know, the hand held laser pointers have great carrying power. Even a reltively low power unit will carry a beam well over 5 miles. Some will be easily visible from 20 miles away, providing they are observed 'beam on'.

I'm not suggesting that we are seeing lasers, but any ambiguity in the distance involved will dramatically affect what type of lamp would be required to create what was seen.

WG3

The Pacific Crest Trail is a very popular trail for long distance hikers, and probably the most visited on the mountain. My first thought after seeing the light was that it may be near this trail. However, the trail, according to topos, is nowhere near where the light was spotted about half way up the mountain. It's far off to the west, on the opposite flank.

Actually, the light appears to be very close to the boundary with The Yakima Indian Reservation. This would be on the southeast flank of Mt Adams, above treeline (7000 feet elevation). Hiking on the reservation has more restrictions on gaining access, and would be much less popular.

The most common route to the the summit, via Piper peak, is from the south. These routes would be plainly visible from the ranch therefore. I'm currently looking at climbing maps to see if any of the more common routes take climbers past the large snow field/glacier, visible in Johnny's video, where the light was located. From the topos, it appears to be the logical ascent route.

From my cursory look at the maps, it seems that where the light appears is a common base camp for early morning summit attempts.

Originally posted by waveguide3
What is the Distance?

I'd like to clear up a point about the required brightness of a light shone from the mountainside. The estimate of several million candle power required to be seen appears to be based on the distance involved. In several posts and in the Introductory video, it's stated that Mt Adams is located some 13 miles distant.
However, in Video 3: Mountain Lights, the observing position is said to be only 'three-point-five miles' away. Is that correct, or was there an error in the commentary?

An error in "My" commentary.. And thanks for pointing that out to me (us), and my apologies.. I hadn't had any sleep for 30 some hours when making those voice-overs in my attempt to have something for you folks on that Mondays premiere release.. SO AGAIN SORRY..!!!!

But to set the record straight..

It is 13.5 miles from our viewing area of the mountain (again as the crow flies straight from Point A to Point B)..

Below is our beloved Springer getting the Bar-Be-Que ready for some "T-Bones" for Crakeur and I.. By the way.. Crakeur can down two (1) pound steaks in less time than Springer and I can finish just one.. incredible!




[edit on 9/25/2008 by JohnnyAnonymous]

he's actually prepping garlic bread in that shot but, yes, crakeur can pack away the t-bones.

Since the query was made about more photos, here's one of some folks looking at Mount Adams and observing the hikers. The revelation of hikers on the mountain certainly made us look at these strange night lights in a whole different direction. Not that it completely answer all the questions, but it is a factor that we have to figure in.

Originally posted by Crakeur
he's actually prepping garlic bread in that shot but, yes, crakeur can pack away the t-bones.

Guess it wont be long before someone accuses you of being a shapeshifting reptile.

Looking forward to more pictures and further information from this visit...

I wait patiently..

Finally listened and watched the interviews and you all sound like you had fun. I have only watched the first video of what you saw and as interesting as it was, I am not sure I am convinced, but regardless of that would be happy to be convinced (as long as they were friendly). Do I believe we are alone in the universe of course not that would seem egomaniacal and silly, have we been visited I don't know.

You talk about the black helicopters and vans possibly being there to pull a fast one, don't remember your exact phrasing, but could they have known you were all going to be there. Was the trip announced on the site before you went?

Its nice to see robbie and his fellow ATS freaks (heheh :lol enjoying a good UFO hunt and grill.

Looks like you have a great grill...gezzh why you didnt invite me..i am good on goose bumps night tales hehehe dont forget the marshmellows please and the fire next time!

Robbie i think you did great and enjoy yourself 100% thats good for the spirit pal!. I was a bite disconnected (dam office job :barf but i am back again.

Springer and Johny is this going to be permament on ATS that, once a year a hunt on the ranch or just was a special ocation?, you should do this once a year.

Robby dont worry about some posters..they come and go like tides in a wave, enjoy the ride and have fun..thats the most important thing (whetevr we find the truth of UFO in the run or not)

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IF there was amazing evidence caught on video at James' ranch, it is my personal opinion that ATS should have beat Paranormal State to the punch with the video.

Their show will air tomorrow night on A&E. Their crew was at the ranch concurrent with Johnny. If they have ANYthing...Johnny should have caught it too. I think Johnny should release his first. Why not?