The Star Party is an annual fall event for the whole family in partnership with the Springfield Telescope Makers of the Stellafane Observatory in Springfield, Vermont. The free after-dark event on Saturday, September 7.
Update (3:30pm, 9/7/2024): Clouds and/or rain are forcasted. The event will proceed with some modifications. Family Lawn Games and Drop-In Activities and Telescope Viewing will be canceled. The Ravine Trail Hike and other walks will proceed as scheduled, but may be adapted for the weather. The History of Astronomy Presentation will take place inside the visitor center with the opportunity to view stars virtually. Meet at the visitor center for the start of all activities.
Schedule
Family Lawn Games and Drop-In Activities
6pm - 8pm
Evening Nature Hike of the Ravine Trail Be prepared for this hike by wearing sturdy footwear. Meet at the park's visitor center.
6pm - 7pm
Dusk Walk Meet at the park's visitor center. This is not a hike, but please dress for the weather.
7pm
History of Astronomy Presentation & Virtual Stargazing This activity will take place inside the visitor center.
7:30 - 8:30
Attending a night sky viewing event comes with some etiquette conventions that may be unfamiliar to first-time attendees but which enhance viewing conditions for everyone. Most importantly, bright, white lights are discouraged at night sky viewing events; bright lights ruin your night vision and the night vision of those around you. Attendees are encouraged to acquire and bring a red-light flashlight or a flashlight with a red lens or with a red piece of plastic covering the bulb. The park will have a limited number of red glow sticks for those without a red flashlight. Even with red lenses, use your light sparingly; on a clear night, your eyes will adjust quickly to the dark conditions. It is also important to remember that telescopes are expensive and that many of the telescopes at this event are hand-crafted and difficult to replace. Please follow the instructions of the STM member staffing the scope you are looking through. And finally, ask lots of questions. The amateur astronomers who are bringing their telescopes to this event love the night sky and sharing it with others.
About the Springfield Telescope Makers
The Springfield Telescope Makers is a club founded by amateur telescope maker Russell Porter in 1923. The club is devoted to promoting the practice of crafting high-quality telescopes by amateur astronomers. The club owns and maintains the Stellafane Observatory on Breezy Hill in Springfield, Vermont, at which it offers free mirror-grinding workshops in the winter months and hosts the annual Stellafane Convention of amateur telescope builders and night sky enthusiasts in the summer.
