Cherry Springs Star Party in June, 2008

[The Warthog]

It's not too early to begin saving and planning for your visit to the U.S. next June, and the Cherry Springs Star Party at Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport, Pa. The dates haven't been officially announced yet, but the new moon in June is on the 3rd, so the Star Party will almost certainly be May28 to June 1. It may fall on the following weekend, too, we'll have to wait to know the exact dates, but you will know in lots of time to book a cheap flight and reserve your vacation time from work.

Cherry Springs is one of the darkest spots in the northeastern U.S., boasting almost mag 7 skies. The Milky Way looks like a billowing cloud from here. It is truly amazing. If you don't wish to camp, you can stay at any of various motels and hotels in the area. Cost of accomodation and meals is quite cheap by UK standards.

The Star Party offers lectures by prominent scientist and amateur astronomers, and opportunities to buy equipment at special Star Party prices in the vendor tent, as well as to buy and sell used equipment at the swap tables.

There is also the opportunity to meet with up to 500 American amateur astronomers, which I find a treat. The people are very friendly and cooperative. The onsite food is edible, and some of the offsite food is very good.

Please consider joining us there. Come early and camp at the State Park (it is a permanent observing site, and the darkness rules apply all the time,) and extend your viewing opportunities.

[tom.yates]

Hi WH, I am planning a holiday to the US next year perhaps a good starparty maybe in the frame

[Whippy]

WH, in the highly unlikely event of myself coming (I'll start work on the missus when she wakes up!), where would you recommend people from across the pond fly in to? Pittsburgh? New York?

Tony..

[The Warthog]

WH, in the highly unlikely event of myself coming (I'll start work on the missus when she wakes up!), where would you recommend people from across the pond fly in to? Pittsburgh? New York?

Tony..

Either Pittsburgh or Buffalo would be closest. If you were making it part of a longer holiday, you might want to fly into NY, spend a few days, go to Boston, see New England and upstate New York, mosey on down to CSSP...

[proflight2000]

Same here WH, I am doing an East to west coast tour of the states next august, New york, through the mid west ending up in san francisco, would welcome any dates of things going on throughout the month of August.

[The Warthog]

If I'm not mistaken, Sky and Telescope has a listing of star parties going on in the US and Canada. I am sure their website does.