What it’s like to attend star parties as a newcomer.
From gear tips to stargazing surprises, expect fresh air, dark skies, and maybe a meteor or two.
I recently had my second opportunity to join a meteor shower watch, as the Orionids are in full swing. We met at our usual star party location between 4 and 4:30 a.m., hoping for a couple of good viewing hours before daylight. Paul and Mary were there again—it was just the three of us at … Read more
This past Sunday we had our regular club meeting — followed, somewhat spontaneously, by a “comet watch” star party. Normally, impromptu events are an automatic no for me, but I wasn’t about to miss the chance to glimpse a newly discovered comet. Unfortunately, Lisa was out sick this time (feel better, bathroom buddy!), so I … Read more
It felt almost scandalous—sneaking off at 3 a.m. for my first-ever meteor watch. Just me, Paul, and Mary at the fairgrounds, bundled in the dark and scanning the sky. They had ultra-sleek zero gravity lounge chairs and fancy green laser pointers. I had… a mat and my bare finger, which is apparently useless for pointing … Read more
I almost skipped this one. I’d been running on fumes all week, chasing too many projects. My plan to sleep in? Foiled by the neighbor’s lawn service. I kind of hoped the clouds would roll in and give me a guilt-free out. But no. The sky was crystal clear. At least I remembered the mosquito … Read more
I finally got to attend my first Star Party this weekend. It was a small crew, perhaps because there was an impromptu party last week (I didn’t see the email in time). But as an introvert I appreciated the more relaxed and personal feel of the small group. I was a little nervous going in … Read more