Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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I have registered for TSP 2006 and hopefully I can make it this year! Anyone from here likely to be there?
And before anyone starts on about the crowds, dust and possible dodgy weather (like 2005 was) I want to be there, ok?! It's one of those 'must do' things at least once.  
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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~Steph~
Texas Wildflower
Reged: 06/11/05
Posts: 21662
Loc: North Texas
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Being that it's my first year with a scope and I'm only an 8 or 9 hour drive away (*only*), I'm hoping to go in 2006. Need to talk to hubby to see if I can con him into going, or if I can go on my own sans scope. I bet I could find enough nice CN'ers there that would let me mooch views from their scope, I already had one volunteer!  Be great to meet a bunch of you folks there too!
Steph
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Steph
10" RCX400 ~~ 4" TV102 ~~ WO ZS80FD ~~ PST
Serenity Observatory 
HansenAstro | CN Member Websites
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edwincjones
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 4430
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I am planning to go for the first time(pending acceptance) with my 25x150 binocs. I have thus far avoided TSP due to dust, crowds, etc; but I just have to go at least once.
ed jones
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n w arkansas
Binocular, Solar, General Amateur Astronomy
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Well I have applied for bunkhouse accommodation or, failing that, camping (I can haul my tent and sleeping bag over from the UK) as they are the cheap options as the motel accommodation is too expensive at over $500 for the week (camping is $125 and the bunk is just over $200).
I just hope that my employment luck holds out and I can be there this year. It is a dream of mine and I hope I can fulfil it...
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 16419
Loc: Brooker, FL
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Quote:
I have registered for TSP 2006 and hopefully I can make it this year! Anyone from here likely to be there?
And before anyone starts on about the crowds, dust and possible dodgy weather (like 2005 was) I want to be there, ok?! It's one of those 'must do' things at least once.
It's one of the Premier star parties in the US. I don't go because they don't welcome dogs, and Maggie and Casey go with me everywhere - they've been to 8 or 9 star parties, and they're popular - but not at TSP.
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N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Well, I wouldn't be able to bring my dog anyway!
It is a shame about a no dogs rule because I love dogs.
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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John Flannery
sage
Reged: 12/03/04
Posts: 303
Loc: Dublin, Ireland
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hi Faith,
hope you get to the TSP next year . . . I'll try and do the RTMC again (missed it this year 'cause of Special Olympics Regional Games). In 2004 both star parties were nicely positioned within a week of each other (I think) so to take in both was a possibility. Not the same in 2006 unfortunately.
one thing I found at the RTMC was it got very cold if out observing for a while. At 7,000ft altitude I was completely unprepared for the temperature drop after the Sun shining down from a beautiful blue Californian sky during the day. It's something to keep in mind if planning long observing sessions at night.
also, if you were planning to haul a tent, sleeping bag, etc. you could spare that bulk by buying the gear in the States. We got our (very good quality) sleeping bags for $12 each in Target, a sort of cheap 'n' cheerful superstore www.target.com. It certainly saved on baggage heading to the US (and left room for the optical equipment!).
atb,
John
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Oscail do Shuile D'iontas na Cruinne/Open Your Eyes to the Wonder of the Universe
Bliann Idirnáisiúnta Réalteolaíochta 2009/International Year of Astronomy 2009
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Hi John,
many thanks for the info. I have registered and a bunk is my first choice with camping as my second, so if I get allocated camping, then I'll probably buy the stuff in the States rather than hauling it over from the UK as was my first thought. I would guess El Paso (which I'll be flying into from the UK via Houston) has camping stores (I'm not familiar with the place)?
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 16419
Loc: Brooker, FL
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There may be camping stores in El Paso, but there is surely a Wal-Mart - it'll have everything you'll need for light camping, and at reasonable prices. Temperatures should have moderated by April, but a light sleeping bag may serve you well.
Among the minimal recommended things would be:
Tent
Tent stakes (If not included)
Sleeping bag
Water jug
Linens (if you get the bunkhouse, but the sleeping bag is more versatile)
The TSP site has recommendations, but they need to be tempered with reality. Like any star party, red flashlights are a must, which you can pick up at Wal-Mart.
You'll have a great time - those of us easterly will do others - I'm going to the Georgia Sky View, followed (the week of TSP) by the Mid-South Star Gaze (in Mississippi).
BTW, we drive on the right... 
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N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Thanks Rusty. I have several red flashlights at home, a couple of which will be coming with me.
What are the temperatures at night in West TX in April? I would assume coldish: around +1C?
Fingers crossed, things will work out and I'll be there...!
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 16419
Loc: Brooker, FL
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That time of year and that part of the country could see temps below freezing at night and 80+ F in the daytime. I think TSP is usually in May, but in April this year.
More reliable info would be from someone who lives out that way (I'm looking for a new place to live somewhat west of Ft. Davis, so I've been looking at climatology).
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N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Thank you again, Rusty. I will be going prepared!
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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Ironsides
member
Reged: 08/03/05
Posts: 50
Loc: Latrobe, PA
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Temps at the TSP site at that time of year should be very pleasant to down right hot.... but more likely pleasant. At night though it will get alittle cool so bring a light jacket. I grew up all over the midwest and the weather is very nice at that time of the year. Nice, dry and most often clear.
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Almost scopeless these days.
80mm Meade Achro
10x50 Nikons
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Thanks Ironsides. I'll be prepared for fairly chilly weather, better over prepared than under prepared.
I have saved up over half of the airfare now, so another couple of weeks I'll be able to start seriously making some plans, depending on my success in the drawing. I hope I get a place in a bunkhouse because, camping aside, it is real value for money and won't cost much!
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 16419
Loc: Brooker, FL
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No matter what the accommodations, you'll love the experience! I've been to star parties sponsored by 8 or 9 different entities, and every one has been very enjoyable.
Besises, you go to Texas, you just may go back to IofW as the onliest one can rope, tie, and brand, them dogies!
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N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2119
Loc: Isle of Wight, England
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Lol. I shoore will!
Well, I have just received £100 as a Christmas present, so in the pot that goes! That's the airfare 90% saved.
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Visual Deep Sky Observing
Visual Astronomy blog
Fotopic astronomy gallery My photos from astronomy events, etc
8x42 binoculars 'light thimble'
4" refractor and 4" Meade SCT 'light cups'
12" Dobsonian 'light bucket'
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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Relativist
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/11/03
Posts: 3026
Loc: OC, CA, USA
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Quote:
Hi John,
many thanks for the info. I have registered and a bunk is my first choice with camping as my second, so if I get allocated camping, then I'll probably buy the stuff in the States rather than hauling it over from the UK as was my first thought. I would guess El Paso (which I'll be flying into from the UK via Houston) has camping stores (I'm not familiar with the place)?
Sounds like a fun time, I'll be planning on going also. I know El Paso has a Walmart because the people I know that still live there brag that there is a Walmart.  If you like taquitos make sure to hit chico's taco's. I'd also make sure not to miss carlsbad caverns if you haven't gone there.
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.......Curtis
20mm T2 Nagler, 10mm SW 82degrees, 5-8 SW Zoom:
All of the above replaced with WO Binoviewers!!!
Siebert OCA 1.25x-3.5x
10" OPT Starhunter (flocked & upgraded focuser)
10x50 & 15x70 Celestron Bino's
2" 2x GSO Barlow
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starramus
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1124
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Any guestimates on what gasoline will cost at that time? I cancelled out on RMSS, WUTS, and Okie-Tex because of the gouging on gas prices last year. Looks like they are positioning for another run up. I have long wanted to attend TSP, but I may have to keep punishing the oil companies. 
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edwincjones
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 4430
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$2.40 to 2.60 --I doubt that it will go back over $3 or under $2.00
Off course, I have nothing to base this guess on.
edj
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n w arkansas
Binocular, Solar, General Amateur Astronomy
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DeanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/12/05
Posts: 509
Loc: Nicholasville, Kentucky
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Hi All,
I hope to be able to go this year for the first time. The Winter Star Party will be my first week long party, and also my first with a small travel trailer. It is about the same driving time to both for me so I will have to see if it is worth it after the Keys.
Anyways, they show the RV sites (with full hook ups) up near the entrance away from the main field. Does this put me too far away from the action? They do show a few other smaller observing fields.
Another option may be a limited number of RV spots near the main field but with no hook ups except electric.
Anyone have any experience with taking an RV?
Thanks,
Dean
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8" LX200gps
AP1200GTO Mach1GTO
FS-60C Tak E160 C9.25
SXV-H9 ST2000XM STV
Meade 12" Lightbridge
Moonlite Focusers
www.doghouseastronomy.com
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