As a service to our members and those interested in astronomy, we’re providing a list of upcoming star parties that will be occurring in our general area over the next couple of months.
If you love astronomy and want to observe with lots of other like-minded people in reasonably dark skies, then you’ll want get to at least one of these star parties. They are always a lot of fun and usually have interesting programs during the day. Also many of these have vendors present who offer good deals to help upgrade your equipment. You’ll meet many astronomers from other clubs and pick up some observing tips. And don’t miss the chance to look through the wide variety of equipment that observers will have set up. You may end up with aperture fever and eyepiece envy, but it’s worth the “suffering” for the all the benefits you’ll gain.
The darkness of the skies, camping facilities and programs vary significantly between each of these events. Be sure to check the websites for more details and see what is being offered. All of these star parties have been attended by at least 1 or more members of the HAA over the years and each of them can be recommended.
Star party # 1:
Stellafane – Aug 5 – 8
If you like to make scopes or see how they are made, this is the event for you.
Springfield, Vermont
Registration and website: http://stellafane.org/convention/2010/index.html
Star Party # 2:
Manitoulin Star Party – August 6 – 9
Very dark skies, fairly rustic camping and facilities.
Gordon’s Park Eco Resort, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
Program: http://www.gordonspark.com/man_StarParty.pdf
Website: www.gordonspark.com
Star Party # 3:
Starfest – Aug 12 – 15
The granddaddy of them all for Canada.
Mount Forest, Ontario
Registration and website: http://www.nyaa.ca/index.php?page=/sf10/sf.home10
Star Party # 4:
Huronia Star Party – Sept 8 – 12
Duntroon, Ontario (near Collingwood)
Registration and website: http://www.hsp-ssaa.ca/HSP_Site.html
Star Party # 5:
Black Forest Star Party – Sept 10 – 12
Darkest skies in Eastern USA.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Registration and website: http://www.bfsp.org
