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A Stellar Hunt Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

Doctor Teeth: Greetings.

This cache has been temporarily disabled for some time now without any action taken on your part to address the issues with the cache. The cache is being archived at this time, so please return to this location and remove what is left of your cache.

Should you resolve cache issues and wish it re-posted, contact me through my profile. Please include GC Code (GCxxxxx) and cache name in all correspondence. Please keep in mind archived caches go through the review process once more and current guidelines apply.

Sincerely,

Doctor Teeth
Geocaching.com Volunteer Reviewer

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Hidden : 8/28/2013
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This is a two-stage astronomy-themed cache and the initial coordinates will bring you just outside WVU's Physics & Astronomy Department (give us a wave if you stop by during normal work hours!). From these coordinates, there is a trackable in plain view for you to discover! As with optical astronomy, there are some times of day that make observing (the trackable) easier than others and the serial number is small, so you might want to bring binoculars.


Stage 1 is responsible for most of the difficulty rating -- use your "geosense" and the cache description to get a few hints about where to look while standing at the posted coordinates. Bringing a pair of binoculars may be very helpful for reading the serial number once you spot the recognizable Travel Bug insignia (plus it helps simulate the "star hunt" experience). Although the trackable is always in plain sight, there are some times of day and sky conditions that make it easier to spot.

In order to gain access to the final coordinates, you will need three numbers -- call them X, Y and Z. X is the only digit found in the trackable's ID, Y is that digit's position (1-6) among the 6 ID characters and Z is the diameter (in meters) of the Green Bank Telescope. The final coordinates are N 39 39.nnn W 79 59.www, where nnn is given by (Z-41)*X and www is given by (2Z-7)*Y.

The final location is in another astronomy-related part of town and is not shielded from passerby, so use some stealth. The container itself is big enough to hold small trinkets, geocoins and perhaps a small travel bug or two. I would encourage kids (or adults) to name the stars they find. There is a Signal the Frog geocoin for the FTF!

Don't forget to take a picture to "record your data!"

Congratulations to Aquacache on the FTF!

9/9/2014: Multiple mechanical issues with the final hide have led me to replace the small container with a micro, which unfortunately does not hold more than a log. I think the original difficulty rating was slightly too high when I first hid this cache though, so with the new container, it's probably just about right now. Good luck!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Chyfnef ner pbzcnpg fgnef jvgu irel fgebat zntargvp svryqf -- gur pnpur lbh ner ybbxvat sbe unf fvzvyne cebcregvrf.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)