For those of you who have not signed up yet, a reminder.
CalStar 2004 starts on October 14 this year. This is about as late season
as it gets for this star party. Longer night, more winter targets!
Park fees have gone up to $20 per day for camping, but we get a 3 day for
the price of 2 deal.
The web-page is at:
http://www201.pair.com/resource/calstar/
This is a really fun event. Very low key, skies are not as dark as Lassen,
but they're nothing to sneeze at either, and the drive is less than 2.5
hours from SJ. We had over a hundred scopes out there the last few
years. You get to see other amateur astronomers from points south that you
would not otherwise get to hang out with (shoot, Lassen is a major haul for
them) - interesting equipment - including several very cool solar setups.
A few years ago we even had, for entertainment value, F-18's from the
nearby air base doing dogfights overhead during the day.
Lots of interesting stuff to do during the day in the area too....
California history at 2 close-by missions, several wineries in the Paso
Robles area, and if you want to do a bit of a trek - Hearst Castle and the
nice town of Cambria are nearby.
This is really the last "big" star party of the year - where lots of
amateur astronomers in California get together. Sign up on the web-page,
but no need to send in any money - pay at the park entrance.
FYI - we're working on the catered BBQ again this year - more information
as it becomes available.
Any questions - write me.
BTW.... help spread the word - tell your friends to tell their astronomy
clubs to let their members know.
Clear skies,
Mark Wagner
Received on Tue Aug 31 22:55:17 2004