68 replies to this topic

[evrimi]

I've just registered for the 2025 WSP, having last attended in 2010.  I know the site is still recovering from hurricane damage, and the on-site facilities have not been restored. I would appreciate insight from any recent attendees on general information and preferred set-up locations for a primarily visual observer who will attempt some simple imaging using a mirrorless Nikon camera.

 

During my previous WSPs I was setup in an open location to the east of the vendor area, not on or near the berm.  I don't know if this location even exists today, and if I should instead setup on the berm (if there is room).  My equipment is a C9.25HD, TV NP101is, Celestron AVX, Berlebach Uni tripod and large Universal Astronomics alt-az mount.

 

Thanks!

 

Evan Miller

[DeanS]

There is no power for scopes in the girl scout side.  Buy scout side has scope power.

 

Quiet generators are allowed on the girls side.

 

Dean

[Napp]

As Dean posted the Girl Scout Camp has no power, though, quiet generators are allowed.  It's boondock camping there.  The Boy Scout Camp has had major improvements since Irma.  There is power available and there are glamping tents available.  A very nice bathhouse was built.  It services both camps.  The Girl Scout Camp only has portalets.  The food truck sets up on the Girl Scout side.  It's up to you as to what kind of camping and how close to the the bathhouse or food truck you want to be.  I will say that the Boy Scout side is getting more popular as it was more crowded in 2024.  I will be on the Girl Scout side as RV's and travel trailers are not allowed on the Boy Scout side.

[Knasal]

I’m gonna be there this year, my first year to attend. Looking forward to it:)

 

Kevin

[AstroJimJohn]

I received WSP 2025 tickets yesterday along with a letter announcing that the Camp Wesumkee gate opening time has changed from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Monday. The letter says:

 

Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict with the Girl Scouts, we will be unable to open the Winter Star Pary at our usual time of 10:00 AM on Monday morning. Instead, the gates will open at 4:00 PM that same day. This change only applies to Camp Wesumkee. If you are staying on Camp Sawyer, we will open the gates as planned. Opening ceremonies will be resheduled for 10 am Tuesday morning. All other events will take place at their normal posted times and dates. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve this scheduling issue.

 

We understand that this change my disrupt your plans, and we want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to minimize the impact to your stargazing experience. If for any reason you feel that this delay changes your attendance plans, notifiy us and a refund will be issued no questions asked. We encourage you to check out our website and social media for any further updates or adjustments to the schedule.

 

The SCAS Winter Star Party website still carries the gate opening time as 10:00 AM on Monday, January 27th.

[DeanS]

Hmmm, that might change a few plans.   Will need to find a place to park with the RV while waiting.

Edited by DeanS, 15 December 2024 - 12:32 PM.

[AstroJimJohn]

The SCAS WSP 2025 web page has been updated to reflect the 4 pm opening time for Camp Wesumkee.

[JimMo]

Oh how I wish I was going this year. I had rotator cuff surgery in November and still in physical rehab. I still can't lift much weight with it as the two month healing window is coming to a close right about the time the WSP starts. Will still have two more months of rehab getting the strength and mobility back, but I will be there next year if all goes well and I can refrain from injuring myself again.  

[WillR]

I'm driving down and tent camping, so I think that is Camp Sawyer which the letter says opens at the regular time. But what time is that? I can't remember or find it. Does one have to get there early to get space for your tent? I think I'll be emailing the director with some questions.

 

I'm bringing my 10" dob and a brand new Seestar, along with binoculars. Starting to get psyched!

 

I'm making an observing list, since I have only been observing for 4 years and the furthest south I have observed from is North Carolina one night. I made some charts from Stellarium that show the southern sky from the site for each hour all night, starting at 6:45 when it will be dark enough to observe. Here is the link, if anyone want to print them. I made them to fit on 11 x 17 paper, which you can print at Staples. Posting the one for 3:45am here as an example. They just show stars and constellations to get oriented, so I'll use my charts to find things. 4 am is about when the Southern cross culminates.

 

https://drive.google...?usp=drive_link

 

I look forward to making some new friends. Does anyone know if Mark Radice is coming this year? 

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Edited by WillR, 06 January 2025 - 09:41 PM.

[Napp]

Oh how I wish I was going this year. I had rotator cuff surgery in November and still in physical rehab. I still can't lift much weight with it as the two month healing window is coming to a close right about the time the WSP starts. Will still have two more months of rehab getting the strength and mobility back, but I will be there next year if all goes well and I can refrain from injuring myself again.  

You'll be missed this year, Jim.  I hope the rehab goes well.

[Cotts]

I'll be on the Sawyer Side in a Glam Tent.  I shall arrive at the "line-up" about 10am.....I'll hang up a Canadian flag so that you will all know where to avoid..

 

Bringing Seestar S50 and the 165mm f/5.3 Intes MakNewt for first light (for me, anyway).   I just spent the morning tweaking the collimation.

 

And my Ukulele!!!

 

Dave

[reddog1972]

Can't wait for this annual pilgrimage to Scout Key!  I'll be arriving mid-week and staying in a glam tent as well.

 

Cotts - I'd be interested in taking a peek at that MakNewt once I settle in!  I'll be there with a Takahashi Epsilon 130ED and a Stellarvue SVR90T Raptor - fingers crossed the wind is lighter this year than last!

[Cotts]

Can't wait for this annual pilgrimage to Scout Key!  I'll be arriving mid-week and staying in a glam tent as well.

 

Cotts - I'd be interested in taking a peek at that MakNewt once I settle in!  I'll be there with a Takahashi Epsilon 130ED and a Stellarvue SVR90T Raptor - fingers crossed the wind is lighter this year than last!

Photons for free!  I'm in a glam tent sort of in the middle ?  I'll have the flag up for sure!

 

DC

[Napp]

Getting prepped for the trip.  Only got a bit over a week as I'm planning to stop over for a few nights of observing at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve on the way to the WSP.  For those of you outside Florida it's supposed to be one of the best locations in the state for observing.  I haven't been able to get reservations there previously but I've got one of the astronomy pads reserved.  I'll be in Camp Wesumkee near the path to Sawyer.  There'll be a Northeast Florida Astronomical Society banner hanging on my trailer.  Can't wait to get on the road!  There's a fried key lime pie with my name on it waiting at Burdines Waterfront in Marathon.

[WillR]

A question for the veterans: What is the ground like, ie for hammering in tent stakes?

 

And how bad is the wind for imaging? Do you bring wind breaks?

[DeanS]

Bring big landscape nails for stakes. 

 

Yes it is generally very windy, worse of course along the berm/shoreline. 

 

Some people set up sky boxes to protect from the wind.

 

Best to come with expectations of wind so also bring along smaller scopes if you can.  

[reddog1972]

I can't stress how challenging it can be to stake things down and keep them down - ESPECIALLY CANOPIES!  I've seen canopies staked and tied down blow right over and become tumbleweeds - knocking out peoples rigs in the process each of the last two years.  The ground is mainly coral... not dirt nor sand.  

Tents are easier to keep down once you throw your suitcase and extra stuff inside to weight it down. 

Due to the wind, shorter focal length systems for any purposes tend to have more success on the average windy night than longer focal length systems.  On the rare calm clear night - expect bugs a plenty.

[Cotts]

I will bring my 7'x7'x6' high skybox.  It will be well spiked down as will the tripod inside.  I also have 20kg weights in canvas bags to assist the anchoring.  

 

When not in use I will drop the sides and remove the scope .  A pain to do each night but needs must. 

 

Dave

[stevenwav]

I am thinking of focusing on the planets this year - if the laminar flow happens, it will be much much better than the seeing conditions up here in New England - worth a drive. So, perhaps my TMB 130 f/9.25. Sounds like a bit if a mak/newt convention as well, so possibly a contribution there as well. 

[WillR]

What do people put under their dobs, if anything? Is the sand an issue?

 

At home I have a small carpet I use, but with the guaranteed rain there, I am thinking something water proof.

[Astrobill57]

What do people put under their dobs, if anything? Is the sand an issue?

 

At home I have a small carpet I use, but with the guaranteed rain there, I am thinking something water proof.

I'm bringing a permeable tarp.  Water pooling under the scope is not good.

[WillR]

I'm bringing a permeable tarp.  Water pooling under the scope is not good.

Good point. I found a little 2' square play mat that will work- not big enough to collect water.

 

I like the idea of a water permeable mat. Where does one find one?

 

I the meantime, packing the car in light snow, because tomorrow we get 6-10" of snow and then the temperature plunges to zero or below. Fun trying to fit clothes for temperatures from 0°-80° in one suitcase!

[Astrobill57]

Good point. I found a little 2' square play mat that will work- not big enough to collect water.

 

I like the idea of a water permeable mat. Where does one find one?

 

I the meantime, packing the car in light snow, because tomorrow we get 6-10" of snow and then the temperature plunges to zero or below. Fun trying to fit clothes for temperatures from 0°-80° in one suitcase!

I got mine at the local Fleet Farm.  They have everything you need,  especially if you milk cows.

 

We're leaving Friday morning.   I'm not getting out of the car until it's t-shirt weather.  That might take a while.

[WillR]

I got mine at the local Fleet Farm.  They have everything you need,  especially if you milk cows.

 

We're leaving Friday morning.   I'm not getting out of the car until it's t-shirt weather.  That might take a while.

Yeah, I’m leaving Tuesday. Will be about 2 degrees.

[lwbehney]

Anyone taking a TEC f/11 telescope to the WSP?  I have a special request.