28 replies to this topic

[spacenuut]

Greetings,

 

Registration for the Fall 2024 Staunton River Star Party is OPEN!

September 30th to October 6th, 2024

 

The Staunton River Star Party is hosted by the Chapel Hill Astronomical & Observational Society (CHAOS) and the staff of Staunton River State Park. Staunton River State Park is located in Scottsburg, Virginia, near South Boston, VA. The park's address is 1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg, Virginia.

 

Register at www.stauntonriver-starparty.org. Click on the Registration tab at the top of the page. 

 

Staunton River State Park offers some of the last remaining dark skies on the east coast and became Virginia's first IDA Dark Park back in 2015. It is a wonderful park to come and relax and enjoy the dark skies and the company of your fellow astronomers.

 

Power is available in the observing field for those who need it. The Deep Space Diner offers some of the best food and is opens at 7am and closes at midnight. Coffee is available through out the night.

There are hot showers, facilities for RVs with hookups close to the observing field. Camping on the observing field next to your equipment.

 

The Staunton River Star Party was established in 2011 and has been happening biannually since.

 

Our fall star party is the larger star party where we have guest speakers and door prizes. We will list our speakers on our website.

 

We hope you can join us and we look forward to seeing you this fall.

 

Clear skies,

 

Jayme Hanzak

President of CHAOS

www.chaosastro.org

www.stauntonriver-starparty.org

[The Ardent]

Morning of October 13 , 2023 at SRSP . 
 

Thin crescent moon before sunrise and Venus in the daytime. Handheld iPhone . 

Attached Thumbnails

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[Phillip Creed]

A bit far from NE Ohio for a star party, but I have been interested in this place for off-season observing because it's milder and MUCH sunnier in winter than NE Ohio.  Is the site open during the winter months?

Clear Skies,

Phil

Edited by Phillip Creed, 12 July 2024 - 08:29 AM.

[The Ardent]

Staunton River State Park: There are scheduled public observing events on the following days: Jul. 17, Aug. 3, Sep. 7, Sep. 17, Oct. 4, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7. See this link for more information on stargazing at Staunton River State Park. It's a good idea to check with the park before attending any observing event to make sure of the weather conditions and event status. With park permission, requested at least 48 hours in advance, you can observe the stars any night at Staunton River State Park, but check with the park staff first: 434-572-4623; StauntonRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

[The Ardent]

https://richastro.us...df&e=07dff94c60

[spacenuut]

As the Ardent said, Staunton River is open all year for observers. You can set up on the field, you can't sleep on the field that we use during the star party. The park does however have another area close by where the do let you set up a tent next to your equipment. You do need to contact the park to arrange this option.

 

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions.

 

Clear skies,

 

Jayme Hank

[spacenuut]

Registration has the proper T-shirt on the page now. 

 

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in October. It will be a good break from the craziness happening currently.

 

Keep safe and we'll see you soon.

 

Jayme Hanzak

President of CHAOS

[moonworm]

Count me in. Haven’t used my scope in Months. Terrible weather around here.

Mr. Spock

[Luke24592]

All signed up and waiting.  Already thinking about the omelets for breakfast at the Deep Space Diner!

 

The weather has been much the same here in So. VA Mr. Spock.  Tonight is not looking a whole lot better but keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow. 

[spacenuut]

My biggest concern right now are the Mosquitos. It's been a soggy summer.

[mklosterman1]

Looking forward to the Star Party and just registered! Has there been any improvement to the Internet on the field? Its been the same poor service out there since this started...

[Scott in NC]

Registration has the proper T-shirt on the page now. 

 

It’s difficult for me to tell from the picture when I view it on my phone—are the t-shirts black or navy blue?

[moonworm]

What is the cutoff date for registration?

[Scott in NC]

Here’s what it says on the SRSP website:

 

Registration will close September 21th, 2024.
T-Shirt orders end September 12th, 2024.

 

[moonworm]

I see it now. Thanks

[spacenuut]

The shirts are navy blue.

[moonworm]

Hey Jayme, How many people have registered for the Star Party so far?
Mr. Spock

[spacenuut]

Okay, sorry for not responding in a more timely manor. 

 

We are just over 100 attendees. Registration closes on September 21st. T-shirt orders are in and being printed. Door prizes are in hand, and activities are being planned.

 

We and the park staff are looking foreword to your return to the park. More information to come. 

 

Don't forget to go to  www.stauntonriver-starparty.org to register if you haven't already. 

 

Clear Skies,

 

Jayme

[Luke24592]

Got a copy of the Fall menu from the Deep Space Diner.  There could be some small changes/additions but it should be mostly complete.

 

looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Luke

 

 fall24menu.pdf   212.01KB   23 downloads

[moonworm]

Jayme! There’s talk of a Tropical storm/ Hurricane that may be coming up from the Gulf of Mexico next week. How would that affect our Star Party? Would the Park close?

Regards, Mr. Spock

[Scott in NC]

If it’s next week then I imagine it will have passed before the star party starts.

[AsleepAtTheScope]

Jayme, or anyone. Is there a microwave we can use at the snack bar?

 

Thanks

[Scott in NC]

I’m reasonably sure that the Deep Sky Diner has a microwave available for use. At least they have in past years.

[Pilot87178d]

If it’s next week then I imagine it will have passed before the star party starts.

Doesn't look good for tonight.....Saturday looks improved.

M

[scoale]

<p>Looking forward to returning to SR.&nbsp; Currently planning to arrive on Wednesday...but will see what the weather does.&nbsp; Fortunately, I'm only a few hours away.&nbsp; Suspect the field is going to be a bit soggy!</p>