17 replies to this topic

[mark379]

Hi Folks,

The David H. Levy Adirondack Astronomy Retreat is going on from July 28th - August 4th 2024!

Those of you who have been there before know how wonderful a place it can be, but I recently did a talk on it recently and have it recorded here if  anyone wishes to know more about it:

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=IO-wm23dhTU

 

(David himself speaks at the very end of it as well.)

 

Also, if you have questions regarding the retreat, you can email here: adirondackastronomyretreat@gmail.com

 

Hope to see you all there, it's a unique place, and you'll make lifelong friends!

Best,

Mark

 

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[MikeTahtib]

The sky should be good here.  My girlfriend has a friend with a camp on a mountain in Elizabethtown, not far from here, where I have seen the best skies I have ever seen.

[mark379]

Mike, Yes the skies are great there. Depending which direction you look its Bortle 2 or Bortle 3.

A little brighter in the direction of Burlington (but not much) and very , very dark to the southwest. It's almost as dark as Cherry springs overall.

Best,

Mark

The sky should be good here.  My girlfriend has a friend with a camp on a mountain in Elizabethtown, not far from here, where I have seen the best skies I have ever seen.

 

[mark379]

A couple more pictures, one with David, and the other showing the darkness of this site.

Best,

Mark

 

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[Speedy1985]

This sounds like a great event, especially for someone with less time in the hobby like myself. Perhaps after retirement when I have more time, I'd love to be in those skies with night vision AND my incoming 20" dob. 

[mark379]

I spoke with David quite extensively at NEAF this year, and he's excited to be coming to the retreat this July.

He'll be there for the ENTIRE retreat.

Best,

Mark

[Snowhunter]

Hi
I'm very interested and intrigued. That said, although my interest in astronomy and astrophotography goes way back, my experience is all but non-existent and I don't want to be in the way. I'd love to set up my camera gear and do some shooting and wander around and learn but I don't want to interfere with other people enjoying their viewing/imaging. Does this work for me or should I focus on learning more first and some trips maybe to the center at Tupper Lake.
Thanks

[mark379]

I’m quite sure you won’t be interfering with folks, Just make sure that your screen does not show any white light on the observing field. There are often times folks that are just beginners that show up to the retreat, And many times we look through each other’s Telescopes.
Best,
Mark

[Snowhunter]

Thanks Mark. I was just concerned because in something I read or heard on the video it was mentioned that this is a chance for people to focus on viewing rather than teaching? Sharing? something like that. That is something that I can totally understand and appreciate. I do like the idea of being with people sharing common interests as I've been soloing in this pursuit. I also have the added bonus of being only 1 hr 18 mins away from there.

[mark379]

There is some truth to that… A lot of of us do a lot of volunteer work with our clubs in which we are used to working with tons and tons of people from the public all at one time and there is a little bit of getting away from all that …
but one or two people here and there asking a few questions is not a big deal of course.  Everyone there looks through each others scopes...
It is a astronomy vacation.
Best,
Mark

Edited by mark379, 23 April 2024 - 11:10 AM.

[mark379]

Some mor epictures.

David showing the discovery Images of SL-9, and Other talks...

We have speakers during the daytime on many astro related subjects!

 

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[mark379]

Here's the observing field:

 

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[Cotts]

I will add to the information with some photos..

 

the main dining room, social area and presentation space:

 

The observing field:

 

The cabins:

 

cloudy night fun:

 

Visit to nearby Ticonderoga New York (about an hour away) for the Star Trek (original series) set reconstruction.  This is a superb day trip destination with the bridge, engineering, sick bay, corridors and more.  All 100% authentic and many, many actual artifacts from the show.  A must for Trekkers!

 

I will add that the intimacy of this star party is unlike any other due to there being no more than 30-35 people in attendance.  You interact with everybody.   No cliques, no 'in-groups' etc.

 

Presentations are first rate...

 

And how cool is it that you can just sit and observe with David Levy!

 

Food is outstanding, too!

 

I'll see you there!!

 

Dave

[mark379]

Astronomy Magazine updated an older article on the AAR if you're interested:

https://www.astronom...beautiful-land/

 

Best,

Mark

[mark379]

Hi Folks, FYI I just spoke with Doveed over the weekend on ZOOM, and he says that he'll be there for the entire retreat!

He'll have his telescope Minerva there as well!

Best,

Mark

[mark379]

Hi Folks < just a FYI Registration for the Adirondack Astronomy Retreat will most likely close at the end of the month.

If you haven't registered yet, now is the time!

https://fs30.formsit...J2xgnaS2-U-D27S

 

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[astrohamp]

I'll be coming back with my "Tardis" this year thanks to Mark for clearing up a detail for me.

 

And he down plays the sharing, learning, and even teaching that can and does go on during the event.  Some attendees arrive with not much more then a pair of binoculars and chair.  I've listened to Mark present and talk about EAA during the day, and then offer up object observing in-field at night for on lookers with his scope/laptop.  Others easily pulled into an information exchange that goes on during the gathering. 

 

There may be less instrument count on the field in comparison to some gatherings yet the subdued enthusiasm for what ever the night sky brings is just as great. 

 

First light for my 102mm last time and 30 minutes EAA on the Lagoon Nebula gave me hope I was well on in the learning curve.  Even the Trifid Nebula was manageable given my 'amateur' expectations.

 

 

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[T~Stew]

This looks really neat! I love visiting the Adirondacks. Would like to go but I have missed registration and have not the vacation time. I hope you all have great weather and a good time. Maybe next year I'll try to remember to plan on it.