What is a star party? Where do I find information on star parties in and around my area?

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	What is a star party? Where do I find information on star parties in and around my area?

Answer You’ll hear about star parties many times when reading about amateur astronomy online, in magazines or books or even at astronomy stores.

A star party is simply a gathering of people to observe the sky, usually held at an easily accessible dark site. They are usually organized by local astronomy clubs, astronomy and physics departments at colleges and universities or other astronomical associations and institutions. They can be held at places like Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles or out in the middle of nowhere. The idea is to provide a setting where people can set up telescopes, share telescopes and experience the joy of astronomical observation.

They are a great opportunity to meet with others involved in amateur astronomy and to learn both about the sky and telescopes, astrophotography, etc.

Star parties in your area can be found by using the astronomy club/organization locator on the Sky and Telescope website:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/organizations

Once you’ve found the group(s) in your area, the locator will give you all the contact information you need, including websites with a calendar of events listing upcoming star parties.

Article Details

Article ID:

2229

Created On:

Jun 03 2009 04:41 PM