Introduction
This year the world is celebrating the International Year of
Astronomy as it commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo.s use
of a telescope to study the skies, and Kepler.s publication of
Astronomia Nova. 2009 is also the anniversary of many other historic
events in science, including Huygens.s 1659 publication of Systema
Saturnium. This will be modern astronomy.s quadricentennial and the
2009 Year of Astronomy will be an international celebration of
numerous astronomical and scientific milestones. As Galileo discovered
400 years ago when he first turned a telescope skyward, it's a whole
new realm overhead when you use even modest optical aid on the Moon,
planets, and stars. To do our part we would like to invite you to
a star party!
A star party is people gatering to observe the sky. The public is invited
to participate at open star parties. We typically choose a dark site away
from light pollution. Participants bring telescopes and binoculars
of all types and sizes and spend the nights observing astronomical
objects such as planets, comets, stars, and deep sky objects together.
You don't have to be a member of the club or own a telescope or
binoculars top join in the fun. Just keep reading!
The idea of a star party is not new and allegedly goes back at least as
far as George III of the United Kingdom, who was passionately interested
in astronomy and mathematics. On nights when poor weather blocked the
view of the real stars and planets, attendants are said to have hung
paper lanterns marked with drawings in the trees around the royal palace
to provide something else for the King and his guests to spot through
their telescopes.
Our club and the Herrett Center co host a public star party on the
second Saturday of each month (weather permitting) in the Centennial
Observatory at the Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho located
in Twin Falls, ID. Additional public events at the Herrett center can
be found by clicking on the Centenial Observatory link on the left.
We also have two major public events annually in fantastic dark sky
locations. The first is July 17th at Castle Ricks in the City of Rocks
State Park and National Reserve. The second is on top of the mountain
at the
Pomerelle Ski Resort
on August 15th. There may be other public star parties during the
year.
The Society also holds additional star parties for club members only.
You need to sign up for the members email list to be notified of
these.
If you plan to attend a star party, which are completely informal, we
suggest you follow the links for star party etiquette and rules links.
Clothing
In Southern Idaho nights get cool, even after the warmest summer days, and the
lack of motion while observing makes it even worse. These tips will help you
stay warm so you can enjoy the spectacular Idaho skies:
- Dress in layers. Add an additional sweatshirt if needed.
- Cover your head, hands and feet. When any of these get cold
you will be cold.
- Bring snacks to resupply your body with energy. Stay hydrated with
something to drink. By keeping your energy level up, your eyes will be
more likely to be able to see objects better.
Lights
Allowing your eyes to adapt to the dark is very important for good observing.
Please use only dim, red lights as much as possible. If there is no way you
can avoid white lights, for example if you can't control the headlights in
your car, be sure to warn everyone before you turn them on, and make sure no
one is in the middle of an astro-photo when you turn the lights on.
Bugs
Be sure to bring insect repellant.
Many of our star parties are held in Idaho wilderness, which comes with
large numbers of blood sucking insects during the evening. The Bruneau
observatory has legendary mosquitoes, as well as bats that dine on them.
(We welcome the bats to our summer star parties there!)
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External links
Star Party Survival Guide
Star Party Etiquette
Austin Astronomical Society (PDF)
Stargazing Etiquette
Amateur Observers' Society of New York
Dark Sky Etiquette
Amateur Astronomy Magazine
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