BBAA's East Coast Star Party - Spring 2025
As spring approaches many local amateur astronomers get excited because that means that it is almost time again for the BBAA's very own spring East Coast Star Party (ECSP) Thursday, March 27 - Sunday, March 30, 2025! This is a reminder message about completing your registration so we can gather up the necessary supplies needed for this bi-annual event. You can register for it on our website: and find out many more details there. We have some new things planned for this time and we hope to see you there.
|
Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
Usually access or opportunity comes with personal contacts as one grows in the hobby. So few places allow access after dark due to liability or concerns for, at the least, bad behavior, and at the worst something else. A long time ago some of our younger observers might push the limits of property rights which is a bad image for astronomers in general. Urbanization has exacerbated access and made dark skies difficult unless you own rural land. Parks and such are wary of activity after sunset as a general rule. I once had property south of Pungo and offered viewing opportunities in a safe location. Surprisingly few took up the offer though some did. Remote locations after dark can carry a fair amount of risk. As one friend who was a retired police officer said "after dark it is a different world out there".?
We do have a twice a year star party at Chippokes State Park for three nights twice a year.
The good news is planets, moon, and double/multiple stars don't much care about light pollution so there is always something to look at even in the most urban areas.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 04:09:12 PM EST, Aaron via groups.io <aaron.cominio@...> wrote:
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
|
Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
We don't as of now, but that's a worthy project to see if we can work out!
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
|
Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
|
Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
No we usually stay until 11(2300) at night. We have arrangements for the equestrian area so the 9 closing does not apply to the monthly skywatch.
As to other spots you almost have to own land or have an arrangement with a private land owner. There is a Cornland event that perhaps someone familiar with it can address.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 12:57:59 PM EST, Aaron via groups.io <aaron.cominio@...> wrote:
Are there any local places (Chesapeake, VA) that allow us to set up a telescope? I noticed we hold events at Northwest River Park, but they close at 9 pm.
|
Are there any local places (Chesapeake, VA) that allow us to set up a telescope? I noticed we hold events at Northwest River Park, but they close at 9 pm.
|
Fw: Announcement! TSP 2025 Attendee Registration and Venue Lodging Booking is Open!
I would love to attend the Texas Star Party, but??I can't?this year.? However, if anyone out there can, here is a lot of good information about it.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: TEXAS STAR PARTY, INC. <tsp@...> To: "pathfinder027@..." <pathfinder027@...> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 05:30:14 AM EST Subject: Announcement! TSP 2025 Attendee Registration and Venue Lodging Booking is Open!
|
?Have you seen the stars tonight??
Texas Star Party, Inc. invites you, your family, friends,
astronomy clubs, and anyone curious about the wonders of our universe to join
us for the 45th Annual Texas Star Party. Come experience the breathtaking
Bortle 2 skies of the West Texas Big Bend Region. As the premier event for
amateur astronomy enthusiasts, we offer the unique advantage of onsite
accommodations to fit any budget. Whether you prefer hillside cabins, RV sites,
or camping, TSP 2025 has the perfect setup for your astronomy getaway. With
excellent amenities, services, educational programs, and activities, this will
be an unforgettable experience.?
Read on for more details!?
We apologize to those of you who are receiving this email and have already registered and booked either onsite or offsite lodging for TSP 2025. This message is being sent to all primary TSP attendee account email addresses, as well as the email list generously provided by the Astronomical League. A special thanks to the staff of the Astronomical League for their help and support.
This email contains updated information about TSP 2025 Week activities, evening speakers, and more. Please take a moment to read through and discover all the exciting plans our TSP staff is working on to ensure your TSP 2025 astronomy vacation is an enjoyable and memorable experience.?
TEXAS STAR PARTY
2025: The Premier Amateur Astronomy Event!?
? Mark Your Calendars for TSP 2025!?
Dates: April 20th ¨C 27th, 2025
Location: Prude Guest Ranch, Near McDonald Observatory, Big Bend Region?
Get ready for an unforgettable experience under the stars at
TEXAS STAR PARTY 2025! This 7-night event promises a stellar time
for amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, and astronomy enthusiasts of all
levels and ages.?
If you have not already "Booked" you attendance and onsite lodging for TSP 2025. please Book Now!?
Onsite venue accommodations at Prude Guest Ranch are going fast.??
New starting with TSP 2025, TSP has implemented a new Booking System for ?you to register and to also choose your onsite (Prude Guest Ranch) lodgings.?
To make your purchase for your attendance to TSP 2025 and to select your Prude Guest Ranch lodging on TSP¡¯s new Booking System by clicking on this link. BOOK NOW! FOR TSP 2025 Star Party Event by clicking on this link.?
Please note that all offsite lodgings selections are not included in the TSP 2025 Booking System. You must choose your own offiste lodgings.
Why Attend TSP 2025? ?
- This is Texas Star Party, Inc's 45th Texas Star Party
- Come and join us on Opening Sunday for lunch.
- We are serving hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and a beverage
- Come and celebrate with all of us!
- Special 45th star party prize maybe prizes :) and you won't know if you don't attend. (I do mean "Special"!)
- And you must be present to win!
- TSP staff deploys an electrical power grid on all 3 observing fields.
- ?TSP Onsite Security
- TSP Communications Center
- TSP staff carry communication equipment to assist you when needed
- Free TSP 2025 Star Party Tee-Shirt
- Cash Prizes for competitations
- TSP Darks Out all Venue Infrastructure
- TSP Radio for ?you listening enjoyement
- Featured Evening Guest Speakers: Larry Mitchell, David Levy, Stephanie Miliam, and Stephen J. O'Meara.
- Bortle 2 night skies
- Venue is a mile high in elevation
- Free Technical Seminars in the afternoon during TSP 2025 Week
- TSP Staff are planning all of the activities
- More activities are being researched
- Movies will be shown in the meeting hall when no presentations are being made. (Times to be determined.)
- Saturday Night Ice Cream Social after dinner (April 27, 2015)
- All you have to do is attend TSP 2025
- Accommodation for Everyone:
????You can choose the comfort of Onsite Lodging or the flexibility of Offsite Lodging?
- Over 550 attendees can join us, with: ?
- 350+ Onsite Lodging options: 41 cabins, 17 bunkhouses (over 100+ lower bunk beds), 50 RV sites, and space for 90+ individuals camping out in tents or dry camping. ?
- 200+ Offsite Lodging options in nearby Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa and the surrounding area ?
For?lodging opportunities near to our Prude Guest Ranch Venue please see the recommendations listed below.?
??
- Prude?Guest Ranch Onsite Amenities: ?
- Restaurant-grade kitchen & dining hall (seating 150+ at the same time)?
- Meeting hall for up to 300 attendees?
- Tennis?court, swimming pool, walking trails, and horseback riding.?
- All-night snack bar (open until 4:00 AM)?
- Vendor/Sponser Hall (The Lodge Building
- Horse Rides
- Hiking trails
- Highspeed Internet (Fiber Optics)
- WiFi access points covering all structures and observing fields
- Offsite Lodging Opportunities near TSP 2025 for those of you who choose to stay offsite. ?
- 200+?Offsite Lodging options in nearby Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa and the surrounding area?
- Some of our TSP star party event attendees choose to obtain their lodging accommodation at these recommended establishments. ?
- ?
- ?
- (15 Rooms)?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- The caf¨¦ is open Wednesdays through Fridays Breakfast (8 to 11 am) and Lunch (11 to 2pm)?
- Saturdays?and Sundays (8am to 8pm to include dinners) ??
- ?
- ?Located in the Davis Mountain State Park, The Indian Lodge is anticipated to reopen in late February or?March 2025 time frame. Call to Confirm ?
- ?
- ?
- A new property located 5 miles south of Fort Davis, High Frontier, is a beautiful wedding, conference and guest center situated on 70+ acres sitting on a high mesa overlooking Musquiz Canyon.?
- This?property has been beautifully restored and renovated to accommodate?large groups. ???
- ?You will have to make your own lodging reservations for all offsite lodging establishments.
????
What¡¯s Waiting for You at TSP 2025? ?
- 7 Nights of Visual Observing & Astro-Imaging:
- Under some of the darkest skies in the world rated Bortle 2! ?
- 3 expansive observing fields with electrical power grids to power your?telescope(s) and astro-imaging equipment.?
- Special Observing Challenges (Advanced, General, Novice, Binocular and Beginner levels) with Challenge Pins awards upon completion! ??
- Opening Sunday Welcoming and 45th TSP Star Party Celebration Lunch
- Inspiring Speakers & Seminars: ?
- Evening Guest Speakers
- 4 Featured Guest Speakers (Monday ¨C Thursday evenings) ?
- Larry Mitchell, David Levy, PhD., Stefanie Milam, PhD., and Stephen J. O¡¯Meara ?
- Friday?evening Fireside Chat: Q&A with all 4 speakers!?
- Afternoon Presentations & Free Technical Seminars?
- Competitions: Art, ATM (Amateur Telescope Making), Technical Poster, and Astro-Imaging ?
- TSP Movies of the Week
- Saturday NIght Ice Cream Social after the dinner meal
- Networking, Learning & Fun: ?
- ?Friday morning Swap Meet: Trade, sell, and buy astronomy gear ??
- Sponsor and Vendor Product Demonstrations and Afternoon Presentations?
- The Great TSP 2025 Give Away! ?
- Donated products provided by vendors and sponsoring companies?
- Visit our Sponsor/Vendor Webpage to see the list of companies that have donated products for TSP 2025 and previous years. ?
- Thank?you, Vendors and Sponsors, for supporting Texas Star Party. ??
- Special Attractions Nearby: ?
- Only 20 minutes to McDonald Observatory?
- Explore the Big Bend region, with stunning natural landscapes. ?
Bonus Features: ?
- Free TSP 2025 T-shirt for all attendees!?
- ??Lodging Options to fit any budget. ?
- Cash Awards?for Afternoon Speakers and Competitions
- McDonald Observatory facility - Special TSP 2025 Star Party attendee tours ?
- This is not the standard tour that McDonald Observatory staff hosts for the public.
- ours include Visiting the dome floor of the 107-inch telescope and the dome floor of the HET telescope.?
- The cost is $27.50 / person per tour
- Price includes the cost of the tour and?transportation from Prude ranch, all of the visited McDonald Observatory's facilities, Visitors Center and back to Prude ranch.
- Tour dates and times (Does not include going to the Visitors Center)
- Tuesday
??????April 22, 2025 (1:00PM to ?3:00PM approximately) ?
- Wednesday
??????April 23, 2025 (1:00PM to 3:00PM approximately)?
- ALL Tour participants must meet outside of Prude front office by 12:15pm to check in and to load onto the bus.?
- Prude?Guest Ranch Bus will depart at 12:25PM Approximately ?
?
- The Great Texas Giveaway (Lots of great products are donated by companies)?
- Event-filled days and unforgettable nights of stargazing.?
- Donate to Texas Star Party different programs (Visit TSP WooCommerce Page)
- Friends of TSP
- John Wagoner Award
- Youth Outreach
- TSP Event Operations
- HAM Shack Fire - Cover the cost to replace supplies and equipment lost in the grass fire that destroyed the HAM Shack. ?
- McDonald Observatory¡¯s ¡°Dark Sky Event¡¯ ??
- This?event is hosted by the observatory staff on Mt. Locke during TSP 2025 week with many activities during the day and at night, April 2025. ?
- This event is not associated with TSP 2025 but is being hosted by McDonald and University of Texas staff during TSP 2025 Week. ?
- Please visit the McDonald Observatory website for more information, dates and times. ?
Join Us for the Ultimate Premier Astronomy Event of 2025!?
Don¡¯t miss out on the TEXAS STAR PARTY, Inc.¡¯s 45th Star Party, TSP ?2025. Book your attendance today and join fellow enthusiasts for a week of fun, learning, and stargazing!?
? For more information
visit:
?Contact us: tsp@...?
TSP 2025 Event Contact ?Phone Number 979-313-2730
To Book your attendance for TSP 2025 for onsite lodging at
our venue, Prude Guest Ranch, Fort Davis, Texas.? Or to book your attendance if you are an
offsite lodging attendee for TSP 2025, please click on this link ?
TSP 2025: Where Stars, Nebulae, Galaxies are bright,
Planets Align & Memories are Made! ?? |
|
|
TEXAS STAR PARTY, INC. 2512 Avenue I, Bay City, TX 77414 |
|
|
|
|
Thanks Jeremy. Pretty late hours for Parks and Rec.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:18:55 AM EST, Jeremy via groups.io <jsaria@...> wrote:
We are reaching out to confirm, but that was scheduled after the closure (and temporary reopening).
On Sat, Feb 8, 2025, 9:39 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote: I noticed on the schedule that on March 13th there was an event at the Chesapeake planetarium. Is that still on or did the closure of the planetarium negate the event? I didn't know if this had been scheduled prior to the closing.
|
We are reaching out to confirm, but that was scheduled after the closure (and temporary reopening).
On Sat, Feb 8, 2025, 9:39 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote: I noticed on the schedule that on March 13th there was an event at the Chesapeake planetarium. Is that still on or did the closure of the planetarium negate the event? I didn't know if this had been scheduled prior to the closing.
|
I noticed on the schedule that on March 13th there was an event at the Chesapeake planetarium. Is that still on or did the closure of the planetarium negate the event? I didn't know if this had been scheduled prior to the closing.
|
BBAA Meeting Zoom Link 2-6-25
Here is the zoom link for those who wish to attend tonight's meeting remotely.?
?
Richard Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BBAA Meeting
Time: Feb 6, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
? ? ? ? Every month on the First Thu, until Apr 2, 2026, 15 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYrcuCsrzIqGtbq0KWBV25JEbU6csIcs3G6/ics?icsToken=DMrWOXYKC9y1uuxT4gAALAAAAM08TW22WmgLEuAgHklWCnL0SgUqfuteBVKQ8pn-LJ2knKgsD5uTBodCwymNZOV98PTKGgwqEcvvqd3l6DAwMDAwMQ
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82659419002?pwd=TJ96jGZPb3q2rk4rBhncVaCeAam0g5.1
Meeting ID: 826 5941 9002
Passcode: 471443
---
?
|
February Meeting (Feb 6, 2025 @ 7:30pm)
Good evening!
I hope to see many tomorrow evening at our monthly meeting at TCC Virginia Beach, where our very own Rich Roberts will share his findings on the star V725 SGR, a semi-periodic variable star he has been following for four years.? With a promise to take us from the ground level to the stars (heh), I hope you join me in lending him your attention (and cheering him on to publish his findings!).
There have been a lot of great events, despite the clouds.? We'll be pressed for time in the business meeting section to ensure we have time for our presenter, but there will be time to go over the most recent successful Outreach events (including tonight's 'Harry Potter and the Stars' by the inimitable George Reynolds) and a discussion of upcoming events.
Please reach out if you have something you want added to the agenda for tomorrow.? Otherwise, we'll see you there!
Clear skies,
Jeremy Mitchell President, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers
|
Re: A different way to look at the stars
Best book I've read on this is by Steve Thomas', "The Last Navigator". It's more of a sailing book but he talks a lot about one of the last surviving navigators in Micronesia sailing canoes across thousands of miles by stars, waves and birds.?
Tom
On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 10:56?AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Speaking of migration waves in the Pacific and similarities.
The Pleiades in different Pacific languages:
Hawaiian; Makali'i Samoan: Li'i Tongan: Mataliki Tahitian: Matari'i Maoris of New Zealand: Matariki Melanesian (Vanuatu): Mataliki Pohnpei (Micronesia): Makeriker
On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 09:52:33 AM EST, kiowa706 via <kiowa706= [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks for the info.? It's always enjoyable to dive into something and next thing you onow you're 10 websites away.
?
The astro-archeaology story, it wouldn't be the one regarding why we call it the Seven Sisters and it's relation Orion the Hunter would it?
|
Michael,
?
Here is a comparison ... same object, same exposure time but not the same time/same night. You'll notice the FOV difference. And at the same exposure time, I think the S30 excels ... but if I wanted to go double that with the S50, I'm sure you'd see the advantage of the S50's increased aperture.
?
Again, these are raw, unprocessed stacks though I may used the AI Denoise on the S30(?).
|
Thanks, those photos are very helpful in showing the size difference. So an S30 will be mine soon. I wonder how it would be photographing the Northern Lights, which I have a good chance of seeing from the 50-passenger ship I'll be on in Alaska? On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 9:12?PM Troy Riedel via <troy.riedel= [email protected]> wrote: Michael,
?
BTW - that's the raw stacked image off the S30 ... no post-processing, I didn't even run the AI Denoise.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure under applicable law. Any use, disclosure, distribution, or copying of this e-mail or the information contained herein by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may be a violation of state and/or Federal privacy laws. If you have received this e-mail in error, please delete any copies of it from your computer. ??
|
Michael,
?
BTW - that's the raw stacked image off the S30 ... no post-processing, I didn't even run the AI Denoise.
|
Yes, Michael, the S30 is definitely a better travel option. I'll attach a couple of [better] photos re: comparison.
?
The more I use the S30, the more I like it. I would not have any apprehension re: resolution differences. I'll attach a photo that I took last night of the Jelly Fish Nebula.
?
Cheers,
Troy
|
Re: A different way to look at the stars
Speaking of migration waves in the Pacific and similarities.
The Pleiades in different Pacific languages:
Hawaiian; Makali'i Samoan: Li'i Tongan: Mataliki Tahitian: Matari'i Maoris of New Zealand: Matariki Melanesian (Vanuatu): Mataliki Pohnpei (Micronesia): Makeriker
On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 09:52:33 AM EST, kiowa706 via groups.io <kiowa706@...> wrote:
Thanks for the info.? It's always enjoyable to dive into something and next thing you onow you're 10 websites away.
?
The astro-archeaology story, it wouldn't be the one regarding why we call it the Seven Sisters and it's relation Orion the Hunter would it?
|
Re: A different way to look at the stars
No, though there is an interesting thing about the seven sisters and Orion that crosses very diverse and isolated cultures that would have had no contact or at least none that anyone knows about, being too ancient. The stories can have similar aspects. I suppose being an obvious asterism in the sky, it could invoke stories along similar lines. The Australian aborigines have a very similar story to many cultures. They are one of the oldest continuous cultures on the planet it seems.
In Hawaii it is quite different. The asterism was thought of as fruit or food that a bad Ali'i (royal personage) horded from the people. This would have been quite unacceptable in Hawaiian tradition and society. The hungry people wanted to get the food and a mouse volunteered to go up and cut the sack that held the food. That is what you see in the sky now. The food that fell out of the sack. Nothing to do with women hiding from some male threat in western and Australian culture.
Scorpius was the fishhook of Maui which pulled the world from the oceans. That is fairly easy to see too considering the shape of the constellation. Remember they are further south than us and see a bit different sky. Also there were vast low horizons on the open ocean hence the very long, multi constellation, lines.? Navigation was a unified holistic observation of stars, birds, current patterns, and wave patterns. Wayfinders were highly respected and sat in the rear of the canoe, often not sleeping for long periods. That was their only job. Not the mechanics of sailing. Many were children of wayfinders and the knowledge was passed to progeny.
There is one lovely story of a famous navigator who was placed in a tidal pool at the age of 1 or 2 to get an intuitive feel of ocean rhythms. Upon? his first open water voyage, when he was older, he got sea sick so his teacher tied a rope around his waist and drug him behind the canoe until the nausea passed. 
On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 09:52:33 AM EST, kiowa706 via groups.io <kiowa706@...> wrote:
Thanks for the info.? It's always enjoyable to dive into something and next thing you onow you're 10 websites away.
?
The astro-archeaology story, it wouldn't be the one regarding why we call it the Seven Sisters and it's relation Orion the Hunter would it?
|
Re: A different way to look at the stars
Thanks for the info.? It's always enjoyable to dive into something and next thing you onow you're 10 websites away.
?
The astro-archeaology story, it wouldn't be the one regarding why we call it the Seven Sisters and it's relation Orion the Hunter would it?
|
Shawn Loescher
