10 replies to this topic

[Jhunt]

The Pacific Northwest gets all the love while Eastern Washington and other parts of the Inland Northwest are often forgotten. 

 

Are there any groups or clubs in the area? I'm in Spokane, Washington. Seems sort of dead here. 

[jimr2]

Hmmm...when I lived in Spokane (in the 70-80s), there was a club there--they held their meetings at a building at the Arboretum there.... Are you sure there isn't a club there now??

 

-jim-

[cliff mygatt]

the Tri-Cities has a club as well. https://tricityastronomyclub.org/

Spokane astronomi9cal society https://www.spokaneastronomical.org/

Wenatchee Club  https://m.facebook.c...78235812039223/

[jimr2]

OK Cliff, you beat me to it--just found Spokane's club after doing a little searching online here. Figured they'd still have a club there.

 

-jim-

[holdt]

I got my start at the Spokane Astronomical Society.  They helped and encouraged me quite a lot.  The monthly meetings were always interesting and fun.  The monthly star parities out at Fishtrap were good too.  The lending library of scopes and accessories gave me a lot of perspective before I plunked down the c-card for my first scope purchase.  Oh, and I am wearing their sweatshirt as I write this.

 

 

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[medderx]

Though not part of any organized body, the logan valley star party is hosted a little ways outside John Day Oregon. Its a varying and relatively small group that shows up, but brings people from Seattle to Montana. When its dry its the best sky you will find anywhere around minus the moderate altitude. 

 

https://sites.google...ystarparty/home

 

 

I would be interested in attending more star parties in the greater PNW. Would love to go to OSP but for the time being I use a tent and have been advised its best to not attend until that changes. Tried camp Delany once and the wind was too much for my liking. Steens mountain always draws my interest but its quite the trek and people don't seem all that interested in it despite the high altitude. 

Edited by medderx, 26 September 2024 - 03:34 AM.

[holdt]

Like medderx I too have observed from Camp Delany at Dry Falls state park, on a number of occasions.

 

Evenings of the warmer months can often have wind that reduces seeing there.  Early morning viewing can be excellent, as can winter.  I think Olympic Astronomical Society held a star party at Camp Delany in 2014.

 

I can recommend that site as quite favorable for observing.  For me, the main drawback is that one is down in the bottom of the coulee so the horizon is quite high, except to the south.

Edited by holdt, 26 September 2024 - 06:29 AM.

[cliff mygatt]

the Olympic Astronomical Society has two annual star parties at Camp Delany in Sunlakes state park.  One is spring and one in fall.  Check out our website at olympicastronomicalsociety.org

[holdt]

the Olympic Astronomical Society has two annual star parties at Camp Delany in Sunlakes state park.  One is spring and one in fall.  Check out our website at olympicastronomicalsociety.org

Looks like I bunted when I should have swung for the home run.  Doh!

[Jhunt]

I will see if I can get in touch with the Spokane Club. Thank you. 

[DarkSkyKen]

Though not part of any organized body, the logan valley star party is hosted a little ways outside John Day Oregon. Its a varying and relatively small group that shows up, but brings people from Seattle to Montana. When its dry its the best sky you will find anywhere around minus the moderate altitude. 

 

https://sites.google...ystarparty/home

 

 

I would be interested in attending more star parties in the greater PNW. Would love to go to OSP but for the time being I use a tent and have been advised its best to not attend until that changes. Tried camp Delany once and the wind was too much for my liking. Steens mountain always draws my interest but its quite the trek and people don't seem all that interested in it despite the high altitude. 

There are a number of people who tent camp at OSP. Many set up near the tree line at the north end of the site and quite a few set up at locations all over the site. Granted, it's a bit rough no matter where you choose at OSP but with the proper preparation you can make it a bit more comfortable.