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Re: 2024 FALL PARTY DATES

 

Hopefully this works out!

October is a great time for observing, possibly my favorite. The weather is still pretty reasonable (you don't fry during the day, and you don't usually freeze during the night), and statistically, late September to October has the highest probability of clear skies in our region. ?Sunset is around 6:30, and it should be completely dark by 8 or so, so you can observe for 4-5 hours and still get almost a full night's sleep.

In the early evening you'll still be able to catch the summer sky - the stars set 2 hours earlier compared to September, but the sun also sets an hour earlier so you gain some of it back. There's a brief window to catch Sagittarius if you pick a spot with a good southwestern view; the Lagoon will be up at ~20 degrees at 8 PM (which is pretty good considering that it never gets above 25 degrees anyway). Cygnus will be straight overhead at 8 PM and Andromeda will be rising in the early evening, followed by the Pleiades. And by 1:30-2 AM Orion will be high enough to observe (although it doesn't reach its highest until after 4 AM). Saturn, along with Uranus and Neptune, will be up all night. Jupiter will rise around 10, and Mars around midnight.

Let's hope the park is available and the weather gods choose to smile upon us...

Jeremy
2024 FALL PARTY DATES

 



Hello everybody!

First, I want to thank all of you for your continued support, especially those that either attended or registered for the June party this year.? in spite of the torrential rains the first 2 days, we did end up with about 2 1/2 evenings of observing, and decent camping.? It takes a lot of prep to pull off, and I always enjoy and appreciate everyone's participation, but especially that everyone makes this a fun event.

I want to provide current thoughts about the fall party briefly.? so here I go...
September dates were unavailable because of an unknow conflict at the park.? October new moon is October 2, so I am looking at?October 3-6, Thursday to Sunday, as the most sensible time to request from the park supervisor.? Yes, it's a day shorter, because I have commitments the week before the party that need to be kept.? Expenses don't really change, so the fees will be the same, unless I am off in my estimates are off.

As soon as I get a reply from the supervisor, I will announce it and activate the registration page.??

After a successful use of the new solar equipment, I want to state?there is sufficient power for recharging?phones, lights, and some computers, and if necessary, even some battery packs with the use of a small generator.? If you have solar, bring it along.? I have a screen room and table I set up to shade batteries and phones.

While I can't promise the weather, but given what we've experienced so far this year, and the one October party I had in 2021, there is a good chance camping might be more comfortable beginning of October, and the nights are longer, so be prepared for cool nights.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
PLEASE STAY TUNED!
PHIL
Re: UPDATE JUNE 7

 

Glen here, just arrived, I marked about a full scale apollo 11 landing and walking around site, foot.pads, science location,? flag TV camera and Armstrong long walk to pan5 photo.? I have some ideas to helps people talk to people about the moon, a scale model of the milky way and some solar telescope stuff if people want to check it out.?


On Fri, Jun 7, 2024, 11:40 AM Phil De Rosa via <philderosa1=[email protected]> wrote:

The weather is glorious today, and the forecast isnt bad, either.? Bill and Kaitlan arrived last night, and they were up late observing after dark.??

The field is dry, spots are on a first come basis.? Registration is at the table in front of my camper.? Please sign in upon arrival.??Large units need to ask for me before picking the best location.??

Thanks, looking forward to seeing everybody.
Phil
UPDATE JUNE 7

 


The weather is glorious today, and the forecast isnt bad, either.? Bill and Kaitlan arrived last night, and they were up late observing after dark.??

The field is dry, spots are on a first come basis.? Registration is at the table in front of my camper.? Please sign in upon arrival.??Large units need to ask for me before picking the best location.??

Thanks, looking forward to seeing everybody.
Phil


20240607_113043.jpg

June 5. I'm here! Re: [YCSP] JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE

 

Hi guys, nice to hear I'm going to have company soon.?
I've had only a few drops so far.? The radar looks interesting, though, and I dont blame anyone who is choosing the times to arrive here.? Please spread the word, though, I'm certain everyone has had a busy year, it's now time to party!

Its actually quite nice.? Cool, breezy, and everuone else has gone home for the day.? I've got my camper and storage tent set up, and that's only in the last hour.??

NOTE: I arrived around 12:30, they HAD ROAD CLOSED SIGNS EVERYWHERE, BUT CONTINUE.? They are repaving the road, one side at a time, and letting people pass asap.? I waited 15 minutes.??

I had help to get EVERYTHING COVERED WITH RED FILTERS.? That was my priority today.??

Now it's time to eat.? Looks like I've got to get things done quickly, I've got less than an hour before the rains arrive, raining for maybe an hour.
C u soon!
Phil

Get

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Bill McGeeney <bill@...>
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 10:15:04 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; Jeremy Carlo via groups.io <jpc2001@...>
Subject: Re: [YCSP] JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE

Hey Phil,
?
I hope to be there tomorrow afternoon (probably 4-5). Hoping for some good skies!?
?
Thank you for setting everything up for this!
?
Clear Skies!
?
Bill
On 06/05/2024 12:22 AM EDT Jeremy Carlo via groups.io <jpc2001@...> wrote:
?
?

Great news!? The forecast is looking decent, and I plan to be there for Friday and Saturday.

Regarding the September party, that's a bummer.

Here is a list of a number of other star parties scheduled in the region (see page 3): ?

The original September dates were already a few days after the new moon; the following weekend (September 13-15) will have a more-than-first-quarter moon up until after midnight.

Any chance of doing Labor Day weekend (August 28 - September 1), which could possibly be extended through Sunday night since it's a holiday weekend?? That does conflict with Spruce Knob, which might be on some folks' radar.? That said, AHSP is already sold out, so if you haven't gotten your tickets already it's too late

Early August conflicts with Stellafane, although it's also worth pointing out that Cherry Springs will be limited in early August since the Woodsman's show is occurring over the new moon weekend, so folks might be looking for alternatives for the August new moon period.

The last weekend in September conflicts with the South Jersey Star Party, so that's not ideal since I know there are some folks who like to attend both.

First weekend in October could work.? That overlaps with the end of the Staunton River Star Party; not sure how much overlap this group has with attendance there.

Best,
Jeremy
Re: JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE

 

Hey Phil,
?
I hope to be there tomorrow afternoon (probably 4-5). Hoping for some good skies!?
?
Thank you for setting everything up for this!
?
Clear Skies!
?
Bill

On 06/05/2024 12:22 AM EDT Jeremy Carlo via groups.io <jpc2001@...> wrote:
?
?

Great news!? The forecast is looking decent, and I plan to be there for Friday and Saturday.

Regarding the September party, that's a bummer.

Here is a list of a number of other star parties scheduled in the region (see page 3): ?

The original September dates were already a few days after the new moon; the following weekend (September 13-15) will have a more-than-first-quarter moon up until after midnight.

Any chance of doing Labor Day weekend (August 28 - September 1), which could possibly be extended through Sunday night since it's a holiday weekend?? That does conflict with Spruce Knob, which might be on some folks' radar.? That said, AHSP is already sold out, so if you haven't gotten your tickets already it's too late.

Early August conflicts with Stellafane, although it's also worth pointing out that Cherry Springs will be limited in early August since the Woodsman's show is occurring over the new moon weekend, so folks might be looking for alternatives for the August new moon period.

The last weekend in September conflicts with the South Jersey Star Party, so that's not ideal since I know there are some folks who like to attend both.

First weekend in October could work.? That overlaps with the end of the Staunton River Star Party; not sure how much overlap this group has with attendance there.

Best,
Jeremy
Re: JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Great!? I look forward to seeing you!
Thanks for the dates.? I plan on having one in september...

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Jeremy Carlo via groups.io <jpc2001@...>
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 12:22 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [YCSP] JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE
?

Great news!? The forecast is looking decent, and I plan to be there for Friday and Saturday.

Regarding the September party, that's a bummer.

Here is a list of a number of other star parties scheduled in the region (see page 3): ?

The original September dates were already a few days after the new moon; the following weekend (September 13-15) will have a more-than-first-quarter moon up until after midnight.

Any chance of doing Labor Day weekend (August 28 - September 1), which could possibly be extended through Sunday night since it's a holiday weekend?? That does conflict with Spruce Knob, which might be on some folks' radar.? That said, AHSP is already sold out, so if you haven't gotten your tickets already it's too late.

Early August conflicts with Stellafane, although it's also worth pointing out that Cherry Springs will be limited in early August since the Woodsman's show is occurring over the new moon weekend, so folks might be looking for alternatives for the August new moon period.

The last weekend in September conflicts with the South Jersey Star Party, so that's not ideal since I know there are some folks who like to attend both.

First weekend in October could work.? That overlaps with the end of the Staunton River Star Party; not sure how much overlap this group has with attendance there.

Best,
Jeremy
Re: JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE

 

Great news!? The forecast is looking decent, and I plan to be there for Friday and Saturday.

Regarding the September party, that's a bummer.

Here is a list of a number of other star parties scheduled in the region (see page 3): ?

The original September dates were already a few days after the new moon; the following weekend (September 13-15) will have a more-than-first-quarter moon up until after midnight.

Any chance of doing Labor Day weekend (August 28 - September 1), which could possibly be extended through Sunday night since it's a holiday weekend?? That does conflict with Spruce Knob, which might be on some folks' radar.? That said, AHSP is already sold out, so if you haven't gotten your tickets already it's too late.

Early August conflicts with Stellafane, although it's also worth pointing out that Cherry Springs will be limited in early August since the Woodsman's show is occurring over the new moon weekend, so folks might be looking for alternatives for the August new moon period.

The last weekend in September conflicts with the South Jersey Star Party, so that's not ideal since I know there are some folks who like to attend both.

First weekend in October could work.? That overlaps with the end of the Staunton River Star Party; not sure how much overlap this group has with attendance there.

Best,
Jeremy
Re: Attendance

 

Thanks everyone!

-Anthony




On Sat, May 11, 2024 at 2:26 PM, Prasad Agrahar via groups.io - ad_prasad=yahoo.com at groups.io <ad_prasad_yahoo_com_at_groups_io_qnfsrjlt@...> wrote:

That is what I have always been doing. I get there only on Friday evenings and observe only for one night and return home on the next morning.?



On Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 01:21:28 AM EDT, swept_clerk989 via groups.io <swept_clerk989@...> wrote:


Hello! I see the site says these run from Wednesday to Sunday. Is there any option to only attend one night of the star party? So if I could just come for Saturday night for example, that would be perfect! Thanks!

JUNE 5-9 2024 PARTY UPDATE

 
Edited

HELLO EVERYONE!? THE JUNE STAR PARTY BEGINS IN 2 DAYS!

I hope everyone is looking forward to this party.? I now have cooperation from the park people to get ALL the lights either covered in red filters and/or controlling spillage from the security lights affecting the ballfield, while still keeping the building secure.? I will be at the park before noon to meet a staff person who will work with me to get this accomplished for the duration of the event, and plan on staying on site until the event ends Sunday at noon.

Like all star parties, having good weather is always a plus.? Thankfully, for the vast majority of people, it is also a social event, a time when like-minded people get to meet others and share experiences and ideas.? For many of us, astronomy can be a pretty solitary hobby.?

NOTE:? There has only been one star party out of seven here that did not offer a single night of good observing, and that was the October party in 2021.? All the others had at least 2-4 clear nights, in spite of Canadian wildfire smoke last year, and even when it rained during the day, we were able to observe many nights

For those of you who are repeat visitors, welcome back.? For those who are new to this party, WELCOME ABOARD!? I will have a small white camper near the entrance to the ballfield, next to the batting cage.? A registration sign-in tablet and clipboard will be on a table, if I cannot be there the moment of your arrival.? If you have a large RV, you will need to park in the parking lot by going past the rest rooms into the large lot on the right side of the main road.? PLEASE DO NOT SET UP UNTIL YOU HAVE MET ME.? There are rules that have been made RVs, I'll help you find the best locations there.

This is a PA STATE PARK, alcohol is NOT allowed, dogs on leashes are.? Please take the time to read the park rules, there is a link on our RULES AND INFO page.?

For anyone with a tent or small camper, you will be able to pick a spot in the field on the left, tuning left before the pavilion.? It is random site location to prevent ruts from tires.? The road comes in from the north, south is directly in front of you.

FYI there is plenty of room for at least 30 additional attendees, so if you are interested, the more the merrier.? PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR CLUBS AND FRIENDS.? Your support is very much needed and appreciated!? you can register online or at the event.? There is cell service on site..

The original September dates had an unknown schedule conflict, and needed to be changed.
I will be asking for input for the September dates, either near September's 1st quarter or last quarter moon.?

That's it for now!? Please have a safe and enjoyable trip.? AND PLEASE BE CAREFUL, WATCH OUT FOR AMISH BUGGIES!? We can thank them for keeping the skies dark here!
Phil
Re: York Star Party registration

 

Welcome aboard Brett!? I'm glad you asked...

No worries, I see your payment on the 18th.? I will check to see if I can fix that.? I'm still learning how to do the website, I'll see if one of my helpers can do it faster (lol).

Phil
Get

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Brett Beidler via groups.io <bbeidler@...>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2024 8:38:50 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [YCSP] York Star Party registration

I registered online for the York County Star Party but did not see any confirmation that it was processed/received.? Anyone have any comments on this?? I have never attended this event.? Do I just show up?? I plan on camping over one night.? Thanks.

York Star Party registration

 

I registered online for the York County Star Party but did not see any confirmation that it was processed/received.? Anyone have any comments on this?? I have never attended this event.? Do I just show up?? I plan on camping over one night.? Thanks.
Re: Attendance

 

That is what I have always been doing. I get there only on Friday evenings and observe only for one night and return home on the next morning.?



On Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 01:21:28 AM EDT, swept_clerk989 via groups.io <swept_clerk989@...> wrote:


Hello! I see the site says these run from Wednesday to Sunday. Is there any option to only attend one night of the star party? So if I could just come for Saturday night for example, that would be perfect! Thanks!

Re: Starstruck Newbie

 

Hi Glenn, I'm the person to contact about topics and AV.? You can email me directly at starpartyphil@...

Thanks!
Phil
Re: Starstruck Newbie

 
Edited

Hi Laura,
Timing is your choice, though if the weather turns bad at star parties many people just consider it a donation to help them survive, even if they want to save the gas.
About the CAMPING: this is the norm. The field is on a bluff 350 feet above the Susquehanna River, with vallies on both sides.? Field heat keeps dew and fog to a minimum.? Flush toilets and a dumpster are nearby, so is drinking water.? I am supplying some solar and generator ac power for recharging.
I've been a lifelong tent camper since the 1960s, and also have a camper.? This site offers some of the best camping experiences I've ever had.? Beautiful turf gently sloping to the south gives a good southern horizon, hard enough for vehicles and small campers, yet good for tent pegs.? Even after inches of rain, no ponding, mud or ruts in the turf. Many places to buy supplies and food or meals nearby, and you Caan BBQ on site.
I pay camping fees for use of the field regardless of the number of people that show up.? The more that attend, the more gear I can buy, like the solar and a generator.? I'm perfecting the use of a shower tent with hot water, possibly for September.
Re: Attendance

 
Edited

You may arrive and depart for whatever times work best for you, as long as it isn¡¯t during dark observing hours, if that is what your question is about.? Many people only have a day or two, or prefer to avoid any wet or severe weather.? Others stay start to finish to catch up with friends.
One fellow from mid-Jersey has been attending regularly the last few years, arrives Saturday just before dark, and clears out early Sunday morning.
Attendance

 

Hello! I see the site says these run from Wednesday to Sunday. Is there any option to only attend one night of the star party? So if I could just come for Saturday night for example, that would be perfect! Thanks!
Re: Starstruck Newbie

 

I think it's like a Bortle 4, I do remember absolutely needing a red flashlight to move around safely at night.?

It's a much closer trip from Baltimore area for me, closer makes easier and better for observing for sure.?

I'm curious if there is a sign up for giving talks, I have a few topics that people might?be interested in. (Anyone know who to contact,? I could make a list of little topics I could talk about,? visual observing,? helpful tools for visualization and sharing the skies etc I've come up with)

Glenn

On Fri, May 10, 2024, 8:04 AM Laura Todd via <woodswalker88=[email protected]> wrote:

Hi, I just started stargazing last fall. I'm with DVAA in Montgo county. We reserved space at Big Dipper Lodge at Cherry Springs and it was all ruined by rain & clouds. Now I'm thinking I should forget Cherry Springs and try for something more local, less expensive and if it gets ruined by rain, not as big of a deal. (still a big deal but not as much of a drive home.)

How soon do I need to register for York County Star Party, or can I just show up at the last minute if weather looks good?

What's the Bortle and humidity like at Susquehannock? I'd check it out but I don't think they normally have camping?

Laura Todd

?
Starstruck Newbie

 

Hi, I just started stargazing last fall. I'm with DVAA in Montgo county. We reserved space at Big Dipper Lodge at Cherry Springs and it was all ruined by rain & clouds. Now I'm thinking I should forget Cherry Springs and try for something more local, less expensive and if it gets ruined by rain, not as big of a deal. (still a big deal but not as much of a drive home.)

How soon do I need to register for York County Star Party, or can I just show up at the last minute if weather looks good?

What's the Bortle and humidity like at Susquehannock? I'd check it out but I don't think they normally have camping?

Laura Todd

?
Re: 2024 Parties UPDATE

 

My family is converging on Blanco, TX in the Hill Country. Was at a wedding there 3 years ago and reserved the rooms before leaving when I realized it was in the path of totality.

Harold?

On Sat, Mar 16, 2024, 2:15?PM Phil De Rosa <philderosa1@...> wrote:
Hi Everyone!? I have been updating the website, registration is now OPEN.?
I've working on some things and ideas since last year, and like everyone else, life happens here, too.

I've invested in power options for the party, solar panels and batteries, and a small generator.? This will be available for some limited recharging, but there is no AC power on site.
I am planning to drive to the April 8 Eclipse centerline, possibly in Ohio.? If anyone else is planning to witness it, perhaps you can mention your plans, or share a location to meet at.? I may only go for the day, or possibly longer.? I remember the traffic from the 2017 event, and I'm hopeful there are enough highways available so as not to repeat that experience to that degree.?
I hope to share any more information by the end of this weekend.

Please be safe in your travels, and I hope to see many of you at the parties this year.??
As always, thank you for supporting this effort, I can't do this without your help, even if it is only to advertise it by work of mouth.? And have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Phil

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