Join members of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society for the fall Staunton River Star Party.

Astronomers from across the country converge on the park each spring and fall to peruse vendors' offerings, learn from guest speakers and presentations, and take advantage of the area's exceptionally dark night skies. 

Staunton River State Park with Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observation Society  (CHAOS) will host the annual Fall Star Party October 16-22, 2017. Register now if you plan to attend as an Astronomer.

October 21, 2017 will be a day that is free to the public from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Mingle with amateur astronomers to learn about and view planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight, preferably one with a red lens. (Red cellophane will be provided for those who don't have a red lens).

You are invited to view the stars through a telescope at the Fall Star Party on October 21

Don’t miss out on our 2nd Annual Astrophotography Contest 

Staunton River State Park is an IDA certified International Dark Sky Park
 

What exactly is a dark sky?

Ok, that may seem like a silly question until you put it into the perspective of a party at Staunton River State Park, in Scottsburg Virginia. One of the parks most valuable natural resource is the dark sky. When we say dark sky, we mean a sky with such limited light pollution that it allows an opportunity for visitors to view stars, galaxies, planets, and comets. Staunton River State Park has actually met all the criteria to become a certified International Dark Sky Park.

According to Darksky.org being an International Dark Sky Park mean being “…a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. The land may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner(s) consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to specific areas included in the IDA designation.”

What is a dark sky party?

A Dark Sky Party is for both professional and amateur astronomers

Since 2011, Staunton River has partnered with CHAOS to provide two organized opportunities for the public to participate in an official star party. Astronomers, both professional and amateur, not only gather together to appreciate the sights and sounds of the night sky but they also have the opportunity to meet with vendors and listen and learn from guest speakers and presentations.

The party is a week-long event at the park and does require registration. One day of the event, is free to the public though and equipment is available to borrow.

What do I need to know to attend the party?

1. Changes in the weather: Night time temperatures can drop 10 – 20 degrees, which mean you want clothing to keep you warm even when the temps drop.
2. Lighting: Sky parties are obviously an outdoor night event. Having a small flashlight is ok as long as it is a red bulb or the light is covered in red cellophane. Cellophane will be available at the park the evening of the party.
3. Extras: Bringing extra batteries for flashlights, cameras, and other equipment is always a good idea. You wouldn’t want to be left out because of not having replacements. Also, a cooler with extra drinks and snacks probably wouldn’t be wasted either.
4. Equipment: Know the equipment that you will be using. You do not want to miss that “ahhh” moment because you are struggling with technical difficulties that could be avoided.
5. Rules and etiquette: Park staff will orient you with observing field etiquette upon your arrival.  Please leave your pets at home as leashes can become tangled around expensive equipment. Park staff will direct everyone to the parking area and a shuttle bus will ferry everyone to the observing field.

How do I register?

For more information and to register, click here. Registration fees are required and include admission, observation from the field, and camping in the field.

You can choose to register either for the entire event (Monday – Sunday) or just the weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights).

Upgrades are available if you change your mind and want to stay the whole week. Star Party sweatshirts and t-shirts are available for an additional fee. If you choose to camp in the park sites, regular park camping fees will apply. Park camping can be reserved online.

Camping is available for the Star Party at Staunton River State Park

Check-in for the week-long party begins at noon on October 16, and the Star Party continues until noon on October 22. The event is free and open to the public on October 21 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bonus:

Don’t miss out on our 2^nd Annual Astrophotography Contest 

This year’s contest is limited to photos that have been taken at the star party, although they can be from any year. There are two categories:

1. Deep space
2. Solar system 

If you have a good photo from past star parties or take one this year, we encourage you to enter the contest. We would love to showcase your work. More information about the contest will be available at the star party. Astrophotography tips.

Directions and more information on Staunton River State Park here.