Here’s the beginning of my report. The other attendees can add their comments as necessary.
The Black Forest Star Party is held in the late summer, every year, at Cherry Springs State Park, on the Astronomy Field.
This year, there were dire warnings of hurricane force winds, and pelting rains. As it was, i got 2 perfect nights, and one perfect half-night along with much socializing with fellow amateur astronomers. And i was only there for 3 nights.
Those that spent longer fared even better.
Sadly, Jim’s tent has tested the warranty claims.
In such a dark sky, things become visible that would otherwise not be noticed. One example is the zodiacal light. This was so bright it almost fooled me into thinking it was dawn, the first night. The second night, i saw it extend beyond the Pleiades.
On Sunday morning, it was again prominent, this time with many more present to appreciate it.
The food was excellent, especially the cooperative way it was prepared. We were fortunate to have almost the whole group within a small area, so we were able to come and go, and trade views in our scopes.
Early on Saturday evening, the sky was still cloudy. I tried the “Dobsonian Cannon” trick… shining my bright flashlight into the eyepiece hole of the GWS and shining a focused parallel beam high into the sky, and onto distant trees, clouds, etc. I tried shining it through a gap in the clouds but it seemed to hit higher clouds.
Pluto had set by 3 AM, so there as no fishing it up. Comet Boattini was not in my CDC anymore. I wonder why.
Steve
The “hurricane winds” struck us suddenly during the brilliant sunshine on Friday just after lunch. Jim and I spent a few anxious moments re-staking tents that threatened to fly off to Kansas. The Mullers’ kitchen shelter was blown to bits and Cindy & Stewart’s tent went for a tumble across the field!! Jim’s tent poles snapped and tore through his tent during one particularly strong gust. The afternoon forecast had called only for moderate breezes with gusts to 22mph (!?!)
The observing on Thursday night was superb and I was able to find the dark nebula known as the Ink Spot just above the “spout” of the teapot asterism in Sagittarius with my homemade 8″ telescope. (Sue French mentioned this object in her September 08 Sky & Tel column.)
There were bargains galore at the vendors’ tent and many HAA-ers now have new scopes & accessories to show and tell!!
The HAA banner was prominently displayed at our group campsite, making it easy for those of us who came later in the week to find everyone. Thanks again to Steve and Kerry for saving us all prime camping spots at this very busy star party!!!
Ann
John G and I drove down together, making a last minute spontaneous run for it at 8:00pm Wednesday night. We arrived at Cherry Springs late, around 12:30am. Our tents were already transported and ready with the others. We (Kerry,Steve and I) helped John G unload and he was able to set up his equipment quickly, joining the others.
The sky was outstanding. The red lights, the whirring of scopes,the soft chatter and comforting sounds of observing surrounded us. What a perfect night. What great fun!
Soon the signs of dawn were upon us. Kerry, John G and I hurried over to the ridge across from the park to watch the sun break over the mountain top, lighting up the meadow through the mist.It was so beautiful we headed over after each night of observing.
John G and I said we were the most fortunate. We were able to observe all night on Thursday ~twice! Once when we arrived, (just after midnight) and then later again that night.
The entire star party was a wonderful experience. The lectures, the friendship between astronomers can’t be beat.
The one highlight for me was meeting John Dobson. What an amazing man! He has a great sense of humor, wonderful tales and was so generous with his time, to all of us.
For the HAA it was a total co-operative effort from the get-go. Ed collecting and sending in a group registration. Steve and Kerry scouting the space for our HAA village. Jim W creating our gathering place. All the rest lending a hand whenever needed. Thank you all! Thanks for the memories.
Jackie
After a pleasant drive through NY and PA countryside, Gail and I arrived at the BFSP Thursday afternoon. We easily located the HAA “village” and, even though we’d intended to set up further back from the main entrance, there was so much room in the adjoining section we decided that was the place to be.
As mentioned, the weather was a mixed bag and, yes, our dining shelter did get blasted apart, but with a couple of splints and some duct tape we managed to resurrect it and carry on.
In addition to the common highlights, Gail was thrilled to have her picture taken with John Dobson along with John Gauvreau, and she also won a TMB 30mm Ultra-wide 2″ eyepiece that gave us a great view of M31/32/110 in the same FOV of our 12″ reflector.
And we will take the blame for the clouds that hung around all day Saturday since we bought a Coronado PST (only $499 no tax, duty or shipping 🙂
As usual, we met friends from previous star parties and made some new ones, and can’t wait for the next opportunity to combine camping with astronomy.
Glenn & Gail
With the flurry of blog updates last night, it looks like my comments and photos were overwritten by another. Of course with my memory, I forgot most of what I had said except for 2 things: Thanks to Steve and Kerry and others for setting up our site which was great, and that I had a great time and look forward to going again. I hope other members will join us since it was a great venue for observing, socializing and meeting astronomers from many areas. Everyone was very friendly.
I’ve re-added my photos and posted the shot from Jackie’s camera of John Dobson with Gail Muller and John Gauvreau. Hopefully if I can get some of my astro-photos to work out, I’ll include some of them later.
Don
