338 replies to this topic

[kfiscus]

This year's dates are Sunday, July 28 through Friday, August 2.  You'll find dark skies, lots of room, good food, and friendly people.  It's the highlight of my year.  Registration opens in February.

 

https://www.nebraskastarparty.org/

Edited by kfiscus, 20 January 2024 - 07:51 PM.

[Knasal]

Ken, I plan on it this year, my friend. Can’t wait!

[bunyon]

How late can one sign up? I have kind of a half plan of an epic road trip that would, hopefully, end with this star party (or, well, the party would be the last event before heading home). But I don't want to pay good money before knowing I'll be vaguely in the area.

[kfiscus]

There is an early-bird discount that you'd miss out on but people are always welcome to show up during the star party.  Many show up mid-week and are quite welcome.  Be sure to ask other questions or check previous years'  NSP threads in this forum.  We discuss weather, bugs, what to bring, other activities, etc.

 

If you go to the NSP link attached above, you can watch a cool drone video of the star party site and see photos from the ground.

 

Ken

Edited by kfiscus, 21 January 2024 - 02:53 PM.

[bunyon]

I've had an eye on the Nebraska party for a long time. It's just a matter of getting there. I understand I'll pay a premium to show up day of but that risk seems better than paying the discount when I have no idea if I'll make it.

 

If I do make it, I'll be in road trip mode so it should be great. Hope so. Thanks.

[kfiscus]

It's not a huge hit.  Less than $20/person IIRC.  I love meeting CN friends in person.  Hope you can make it.

[112aug]

Good evening! Thanks for the invite!

 

I am presuming we register and stay for a few nights and not for the whole week? My wife and I may not be able to get all of that time off for the whole week. But, we are interested in seeing if this could be a good first star party for us to go to. We are from Northern Colorado.

[kfiscus]

Welcome!  You are entirely free to do whatever you need to do.  Some people arrive a couple of days before the official start, some stay after a few days.  MANY come for only part of the week, like I do.  I always get there for the opening Sunday and stay through Wednesday morning's swap meet before I head home.  The weather often determines peoples' stays.  It really is a fun and relaxed affair.  I hope to see you there.

 

Ken 

[112aug]

Welcome!  You are entirely free to do whatever you need to do.  Some people arrive a couple of days before the official start, some stay after a few days.  MANY come for only part of the week, like I do.  I always get there for the opening Sunday and stay through Wednesday morning's swap meet before I head home.  The weather often determines peoples' stays.  It really is a fun and relaxed affair.  I hope to see you there.

 

Ken 

Thank you Ken!

 

If we register, I will let you know! Looking forward to the potential of meeting you there.

[harpo80]

Looking forward to this!  Vacation draft and star party schedule coincided, as rare as a total eclipse.  Pedaling hard to get the 16" TeleKit done in time.  Can't wait.

Edited by harpo80, 27 January 2024 - 09:01 AM.

[Bob W4]

Pencil me in Ken!!!  I have no intentions to miss the NSP.

[Diana N]

I've already booked my room at the Comfort Inn, and as soon as online registration opens I'll be signing up!

[tatmanblue]

Just out of curiosity, what is the attendance like?  

[Diana N]

Just out of curiosity, what is the attendance like?  

It's usually around 300 people.  It feels like fewer, though, because the observing field is so huge that everyone can really spread out.

[kfiscus]

It's usually around 300 people.  It feels like fewer, though, because the observing field is so huge that everyone can really spread out.

Diana is correct.  The number of people on site is always in flux, with some leaving early and others arriving mid-week.  The number of 'walk ins' is always pleasantly surprising.  They are usually people that were coming for the lake and stumbling onto the star party by happy accident.

[Starlancer]

If it's nice Friday for the public star party it gets pretty busy.  If you set up in the middle of the action you'll see lots of people but you can literally set up 100's of feet from another person and be alone, it's a large area.  

 

I usually stay for the whole event, most times I even get there a day early.

[kfiscus]

I got my NSP '24 invitation in the mail last week and got the payment sent.

[Diana N]

Online registration still isn't open, but it should be open some time next week.  I'll make a post when the online registration link is up and running!

[City Kid]

Unfortunately I am going to miss this year and next year both. I've only missed two years since 2010 and I hate it when I have to miss. This year and next year are my last two years of work before I retire and my wife and I have vacations planned that will use up all the available PTO I have. Once I retire time off work will no longer be an issue and I hope to never miss another NSP after that for as long as my health holds out and with any luck that will be many years. 

[Diana N]

Unfortunately I am going to miss this year and next year both. I've only missed two years since 2010 and I hate it when I have to miss. This year and next year are my last two years of work before I retire and my wife and I have vacations planned that will use up all the available PTO I have. Once I retire time off work will no longer be an issue and I hope to never miss another NSP after that for as long as my health holds out and with any luck that will be many years. 

You'll be with us in spirit!

 

And online registration is now open!  https://www.nebraska...istration-form/

[Tom Laskowski]

Unfortunately I am going to miss this year and next year both. I've only missed two years since 2010 and I hate it when I have to miss. This year and next year are my last two years of work before I retire and my wife and I have vacations planned that will use up all the available PTO I have. Once I retire time off work will no longer be an issue and I hope to never miss another NSP after that for as long as my health holds out and with any luck that will be many years. 

Once you retire you can take that big trip to Australia with your other retired astrobuddies!

[City Kid]

Once you retire you can take that big trip to Australia with your other retired astrobuddies!

I'm already preparing! I have an appointment at the post office the last Saturday of this month to apply for a passport. 

[Tom Laskowski]

I'm already preparing! I have an appointment at the post office the last Saturday of this month to apply for a passport. 

Mine is expired and I need to renew it.

[Deep13]

See you then. It's a long ride from Ohio, if the weather is clear, it will be worth it.

[paul]

Hi 

the site says primitive camping. Can I bring an rv??

Thank you