121 replies to this topic

[Domerman]

For now, yes. A telescope and/or camera sufficient to view and/or photograph the night sky is required. See below.

For a link to the full list of rules see HERE.

So does this mean that in the near future it’s possible DCNR may NOT require astronomy equipment for the overnight field?

[Larry Mc]

Hi all,
I just can't see what would be gained by the park splitting starparty activities away from the overnight astronomy field. (for me, that's always been the biggest appeal, camping with your equipment while a short walk away from the activities). And I agree that it would actually be dangerous if the starparty activities are forced to setup across Rt44 from where everyone will be camping, with people crossing that road.
But I can also appreciate the viewpoint of those amateurs who are not interested in attending the starparties, that the starparties restrict the number of usable warm-weather dark-sky weekends that people can setup their scopes and camp on the overnight astronomy field.

 

So what is the solution?

 

Having walked over at night to the old airport, (new "Events Area" location), I've always thought that the horizon sight-lines on the runway were better than what we actually have on the overnight astronomy field.
In my opinion, If the park would build out the infrastructure in this new "Event Area" on that side of the road and allow us to camp there, I wouldn't mind the move across the street. (by infrastructure, I mean a flush restroom with running water, and power pedestals running down the field). That would then allow ASH & CPO to continue to hold the CSSP & BFSP (and maybe even a 3rd club could do a starparty) on the runway side in the event space, with all 500 of us camping there, and freeing-up the existing overnight astronomy field for non-starparty folks to also use at the same time. (same goes with the Woodsmen Festival). 

That could be a win-win for all the stake-holders!

[steveastrouk]

Having walked over at night to the old airport, (new "Events Area" location), I've always thought that the horizon sight-lines on the runway were better than what we actually have on the overnight astronomy field.
In my opinion, If the park would build out the infrastructure in this new "Event Area" on that side of the road and allow us to camp there, I wouldn't mind the move across the street. (by infrastructure, I mean a flush restroom with running water, and power pedestals running down the field). That would then allow ASH & CPO to continue to hold the CSSP & BFSP (and maybe even a 3rd club could do a starparty) on the runway side in the event space, with all 500 of us camping there, and freeing-up the existing overnight astronomy field for non-starparty folks to also use at the same time. (same goes with the Woodsmen Festival). 

That could be a win-win for all the stake-holders!

That's a brilliant solution.

[peleuba]

So does this mean that in the near future it’s possible DCNR may NOT require astronomy equipment for the overnight field?

 

You are asking me to predict what the DCNR will do.  I can't do that.  I think anything is possible, now.   

[reddog1972]

I'm confirming that Galaxy Passes are now available for sale. 

[tag1260]

Sooooo....

Has there been any official news on this star party?   Seen nothing but speculation so far.  Some of us need to apply for vacation time from work.

[Tsb1948]

I think the DCNR is trying to figure out the best way to annoy everybody instead of just a few. I could be surprised but I doubt it.

[symbiosis]

Sooooo....

Has there been any official news on this star party?   Seen nothing but speculation so far.  Some of us need to apply for vacation time from work.

This is usual about as official as it gets until tickets go on sale: https://sites.google...ings-Star-Party

[George N]

Sooooo....

Has there been any official news on this star party?   Seen nothing but speculation so far.  Some of us need to apply for vacation time from work.

 

From what I'm hearing from a friend who is a club member - the future of the Cherry Springs star parties - both of them - is 'nebulous' at this time.

 

However - the Astronomy Field will certainly be open for camping/observing as usual ($25/night) even if there is no star party, or 'everything' is moved to the new northside 'events area'.

 

I would suggest planning on being on your own for food..... or needing to drive to the Northside to visit.

[George N]

Hot off the press - as of yesterday, Feb 27th, 2025 - blame me if this is wrong, but.....

 

My friend who is in the club that runs Cherry Springs Star Party tells me - DCNR has agreed to let the star party operate this year - 2025 - just as it has in the past -- full details to be worked out. 

 

So..... you all know what that means..... keep your eyes on the CSSP website for an anouncement for the opening of the 'crazy lottery' to get tiickets to CSSP 2025, including campiing on the Astro Field.

 

Oh, and -- plenty of Galaxy Passes left at $200 - anyone suprised? 

[Skywatchr]

Hot off the press - as of yesterday, Feb 27th, 2025 - blame me if this is wrong, but.....

 

My friend who is in the club that runs Cherry Springs Star Party tells me - DCNR has agreed to let the star party operate this year - 2025 - just as it has in the past -- full details to be worked out. 

 

So..... you all know what that means..... keep your eyes on the CSSP website for an anouncement for the opening of the 'crazy lottery' to get tiickets to CSSP 2025, including campiing on the Astro Field.

 

Oh, and -- plenty of Galaxy Passes left at $200 - anyone suprised? 

If true, I will be "hot on the button" like a turkey buzzard on roadkill for tickets!  

 

Hopefully for BFSP too.

[Jim Davis]

Yes, after considerable negotiations, the state park has allowed us to hold the Cherry Springs Star Party again this year. We are still working out details and negotiating the contract. We have been holding off on much of the preparatory work, and now need to work fast to catch up. We'll put out more information as we finalize the plan.

[steveastrouk]

Hopefully for BFSP too.

Yes.
 

[Skywatchr]

Yes, after considerable negotiations, the state park has allowed us to hold the Cherry Springs Star Party again this year. We are still working out details and negotiating the contract. We have been holding off on much of the preparatory work, and now need to work fast to catch up. We'll put out more information as we finalize the plan.

IMO, the two "official" Star Parties CSSP and BFSP should be given a perpetual "pass" so to speak from all the increased "fees".  Both CPO and ASH, through the Star Parties, garnered so much attention through the years literally saving the Park from imminent closure. The Star Parties and attendees gave so much in the form of donations and sweat equity that we should be given the "VIP" status.  Because of that, more and more people want to use the Park outside the Star Parties.  They should not be so greedy to bite the hands that feed them, especially considering all the "free advertising" we all give them with everyone's reviews, posting of photos, and writings of the events.

Perhaps Jim, use this as a negotiating tool to keep the Star Parties affordable so they do not wither away.  Star Parties are "special" events.  They are not run of the mill "camping" events where campfires and lights invade the night skies for which "they" will try to compare the fee structures to.

[steveastrouk]

IMO, the two "official" Star Parties CSSP and BFSP should be given a perpetual "pass" so to speak from all the increased "fees".  Both CPO and ASH, through the Star Parties, garnered so much attention through the years literally saving the Park from imminent closure. The Star Parties and attendees gave so much in the form of donations and sweat equity that we should be given the "VIP" status.  Because of that, more and more people want to use the Park outside the Star Parties.  They should not be so greedy to bite the hands that feed them, especially considering all the "free advertising" we all give them with everyone's reviews, posting of photos, and writings of the events.

Perhaps Jim, use this as a negotiating tool to keep the Star Parties affordable so they do not wither away.  Star Parties are "special" events.  They are not run of the mill "camping" events where campfires and lights invade the night skies for which "they" will try to compare the fee structures to.

I tend to agree with the commenters who say DCNR hasn't got a clue what a "real" star party is, what with staying overnight and all.

 

Steve

[Skywatchr]

I tend to agree with the commenters who say DCNR hasn't got a clue what a "real" star party is, what with staying overnight and all.

 

Steve

I know for a fact they have no clue.  One night a number of years ago "the State" had a photographer up there to take photos for "tourism promotion".  He rudely set up a bunch of tripods and cameras around my Brass Behemoth so close, you couldn't even use the scope!  I told him about it and he argued with me saying he "needed" those shots and he was sent there by the "guvna". I told him to either back way off, or get lost.  He backed off and promised I would get a copy of the originally published photos if I let him stay.  Well guess what?  I never heard from the clown again, and he published the photos anyways.  So always watch out for two-faced clowns...

[Ac2aj]

The star party has been ruined by greed and incompetence. It was great 15 years ago. All good things must come to an end.

[Domerman]

The star party has been ruined by greed and incompetence. It was great 15 years ago. All good things must come to an end.

How is it ruined?

[impreza276]

Has anyone been to the park recently? I'm curious how the renovations are going.

[George N]

....daydreaming of the Cherry Springs Star Party -- Flickr Album from 2022 - https://www.flickr.c...77720299690550/

[George N]

Has anyone been to the park recently? I'm curious how the renovations are going.

Not me! ....and I've not heard anything beyond what was reported here on CN earlier this year. - That the 'tube' to pay for the night is now on the North side (yes, you have to pay during the winter), both old entrances are closed, with the North short-term observing entrance in the new location at the far West end of the property. Temporary access to the Astronomy Field is via the RV dumping road (which is not plowed?) - swings around to the Southern end of the field near the pit toilet (water off, flush bathroom closed as usual for the winter). However, the entrance is to open at the new far West location soon, with a road of sorts leading East past the field where the 'vendor tent' is set up.

 

I doubt that too much has changed since this was reported - given that the park was buried in snow up until a week or two ago - and will now likely be flooded for a while.

 

It is March - and the snow could well return. I've seen snow at Cherry Springs in May. and below freezing, with frost in June.

[vicuna]

sorry I can make a new thread if this is in the wrong spot. but cherry springs is my most likely spot to use this

 

about how much space do you get? I am looking into tent options. I see one I like but it has ropes sticking out all over the place. would not want to create a tripping hazard and hurt someone.

 

the tent itself is 8x11 (including the outdoors) but it looks like the ropes you stake in go another ~10 feet

 

 

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Edited by vicuna, 19 March 2025 - 08:20 AM.

[dawnpatrol]

I'm not sure of the exact dimensions of each attendee's space, but generally speaking that kind of tent, is not preferable because of the guy lines. It's not like your space is walled off, and people can be milling about every which way. If you;'re going the tent route, a free-standing tent with a fly that has short guy lines is a better choice.  Something like this Coleman 6-person tent has a lot of space, it's dark during the day and it has a pretty compact footprint with fewer tripping hazards. 

[AstroBruce]

That tent, including guy lines, doesn't take up any more space than the typical travel trailer or motorhome at Cherry Springs. Put some white tag markers on the guy lines to avoid tripping.

 

Bruce

[vicuna]

ah good idea on the tag markers.

 

ok cool. a tent like that would fit into my lifestyle really well.

 

i just don't wanna be obnoxious (or hurt anyone) up there when it's crowded - and don't wanna get a tent just for cherry springs.

 

I've been there on normal days but never to a star party...so didn't know how packed it got.