41 replies to this topic

[Mr. AH]

Happy Holidays, everyone! The Oregon Star Party Committee wants to remind everyone about the following star party dates:

 

Oregon Star Party: Spring Edition (Tentative)                         June 3 - 5, 2016
Oregon Star Party 2016                                                        August 2 - 7, 2016
Oregon Star Party 2017                                                        August 17 - 22, 2017 (total solar eclipse on August 21)

We're looking forward to planning a fun series star party for all of you to enjoy over the next several years. See you at a star party!

[opticsguy]

Where can I find more information about your:

Oregon Star Party: Spring Edition (Tentative)                         June 3 - 5, 2016

Cant find anything on your website.

[bbbriggs]

Will definitely come in the spring too.

[Mr. AH]

Right now we only have the dates selected.  We are looking at two sites to explore: Ukiah and Silvies Valley.  Once we know more we will post the information.

[DarkSkyKen]

Where is Ukiah and Silvies Valley?

[audioaficionado]

When will the 2017 registration open up?

 

I'm planning on coming this year too.

[Mr. AH]

Congratulations to Carolyn Nissen, winner of the Oregon Star Party 2016 Logo Contest!   Carolyn's design will be featured on this year's apparel, pin, decal, and the website. 

The 29th annual Oregon Star Party will take place from August 2 through August 7, 2016 at Indian Trail Spring in the Ochoco National Forest.

Registration will open mid-April, so please visit OSP's Facebook page for our announcement when registration opens. This year we will be rolling out a wholly new website!

 

https://www.facebook...?type=3

[bbbriggs]

Looks like the website is up. Just registered today.

[audioaficionado]

Looks like we'll also have to keep checking for the 2017 registration to open up. Hate to miss that one.

[audioaficionado]

I'm in for 2016. People were giving away shower tickets, so I'll buy ice instead. It's hot, dusty and dry most summers. Hopefully no fires this time.

July 1st is the cutoff for early registration. It'll be $25 more after that.

[DarkSkyKen]

Looks like we'll also have to keep checking for the 2017 registration to open up. Hate to miss that one.

[DarkSkyKen]

Is there talk of capping off 2017 registration at a certain number?

[audioaficionado]

I don't know, but there is a limit to how many people can camp there. I'm assuming that would be point they could close further registration. It will be the most sought after OSP in history. I certainly want to be there.

[bbbriggs]

I think they should let any attendees at the 2016 star party pre register for the 2017 OSP while we are at the 2016 OSP.

[DarkSkyKen]

I think they should let any attendees at the 2016 star party pre register for the 2017 OSP while we are at the 2016 OSP.

Ah ha! That makes sense. Perhaps that's exactly what will happen.

[audioaficionado]

Guess I'd better bring some extra registration bux just in case

[Mr. AH]

Have you registered yet for Oregon Star Party 2016? As of today, over 250 people have already preregistered to attend this year's star party!

 

There are only SEVEN days left until early registration closes on July 1st. Beginning July 2nd, you'll need to register paying the higher, on site rates, and will not be able to pre-order meals or apparel. Please visit Oregon Star Party's website, and register soon.

 

We still need volunteers! Please visit the Volunteer page at the OSP website and browse the volunteer positions. Then go to the Volunteer Request page and request the shifts you’d like to work. Volunteer positions are filled on a first come, first served basis, so sign up soon. You must be a registered attendee of Oregon Star Party to request volunteer shifts. There are few slots need to be filled. After you request volunteer positions, a Volunteer Coordinator will contact you via email to confirm your shift(s). Please allow up to two weeks for your confirmation to arrive in your email inbox. When you arrive at Oregon Star Party this year, your volunteer shift schedule will be included in your registration packet. If you have questions, visit the Info Tent on site for more information.

 

Want to know more? Visit the website, and thank you in advance for volunteering at Oregon Star Party 2016. We look forward to seeing you in August!

 

https://www.facebook...?type=3

[JMW]

I went to the 2012 OSP and had a great time except for a little wild fire smoke. I hope to be there for 2017. I have been going to the GSSP since 2008 which is much closer to Reno. I am fortunate to be within a reasonable drive of 2 great star party events.

 

Things I like better about the OSP:

You can come early and stay later to make it a very long star party.

There is more darkness in August and some of the fall/winter objects are available in the pre dawn morning darkness. 

There seem to be more daytime astronomy related presentations available to attend.

There are no visible lights from any communities.

 

Things I like better about the GSSP:

The shower truck is included in the price.

The dinners are well attended and people can sit at a central shaded location.

It is much closer to my home in Reno.

It's a shorter drive to buy resupplies, gas or to go out eat.

The community and family that owns the ranch are very friendly and seem to be glad we show up every year.

Many years I go on long backpacking trips in August so the GSSP in late June/early July doesn't conflict compared to the OSP.

Edited by JMW, 25 June 2016 - 02:48 PM.

[audioaficionado]

If there aren't raging nearby fires that threaten to cut off too many highway routes like last year, I'd love to stay a couple of extra nights. If you guys can, please give us a heads up on 2017 registration opening. I'd sure hate to lose out to any non astronomers just looking for a campsite.

[vsteblina]

 

The community and family that owns the ranch are very friendly and seem to be glad we show up every year.

 

The star party is on the Ochoco National Forest, which YOU own, along with some 300 million Americans.

 

I would hope, that the employees would be friendly and be glad when they meet the "owners"....YOU.

[WadeH237]

He's referring to Golden State Star Party, which is held on a private ranch in Adin, CA.

[KidOrion]

Registered yesterday!  Taking my 12.5" and 70mm refractor, and the club's 18" for working on the Advanced observing list.

[audioaficionado]

A little less than 2.5 weeks. Can't wait. Found a nice compact shade canopy that will keep me out of the sun and hopefully not have the same tendency to fly away as the tall square ones. Won't be able to take advantage of the TV sale at this time. My piggy bank got totally raided for my AT111EDT.

[WadeH237]

The motorhome came out of the garage yesterday.  I'll spend the next week and a half getting it ready and packing it slowly.  It could use an exterior wash, but I'll probably do it at the end of the season after the Reno Air Races.  It's going to get completely covered in dust on the way in and out of OSP anyway.

 

Since Golden State, I have built a portable solar charging system for the observatory tent using two 150 watt panels.  So the tent is now completely independent of the motorhome and I don't need to run a generator to recharge anything.

 

I'm seriously looking forward to OSP.

[audioaficionado]

Got the new nexstar HC, Telrad base and a Telegizmo cover for my AT111EDT.