As of Friday night, the weather looks good for Saturday night’s two star parties. Remember, CMASians have *two* choices for this month’s star party. Join us at Galaxy Quest in Lincolnville for a traditional CMAS star party, featuring the Big Dob and drive-in access; or, join us at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, to hike in to a star party in the back country.
STAR PARTY AT GALAXY QUEST OBSERVATORY
Saturday, March 12, 2016, 7:00pm
Jacob Gerritsen, Host
Donkey Universe Farm, 84 Vancycle Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849
We may be missing the snows that make Galaxy Quest even more hauntingly beautiful in winter, but the ever-present vast, dark skies, and the fields sloping toward a horizon of coastal hills, always make Galaxy Quest a treat. Might even evoke a feeling of the Primal Existence of Man on This Small Earth if the seemingly Paleolithic, shaggy, long-horned cattle are still penned within sight of the observatory. At 18 inches, the big Dob remains the largest telescope in Maine residing on a truly dark site. Hear it beckon, and point your wheels toward Galaxy Quest for a guaranteed memorable star party.
STAR PARTY AT HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER
Saturday, March 12, 2016, 6:00pm
Brian Murphy, Host
131 Egypt Road Jefferson, ME 04348
http://hvnc.org
Yep! A second party scheduled on the same night, on the opposite frontier of the realm! Hidden Valley is an impressive property of the Midcoast Conservancy, 1,000 acres of woodlands located fifteen minutes from Brower Observatory. The necessity of hiking into the observing site will make Hidden Valley a favorite of adventurous, outdoorsy types, but (we are respectfully aware) may not appeal to all CMASians.
Hidden Valley runs an extensive array of educational programs for its members. Many involve skiing or snowshoeing on the miles of groomed trails, as was our intention for accessing the site when this party was planned. If the snows do not return, astronomers interested in helping should plan on walking the one-third of a mile from the parking lot to the observing site. Telescopes need not be carried, but can be sent ahead on one of Hidden Valley’s trail maintenance vehicles. A heated building will be open at the observing site, for warming frosty fingers while deep in the woods. There will also be a campfire, albeit around the back of the building from the telescopes, to protect night vision and keep smoke away from the optics. This party begins an hour earlier than might be expected, to assure some fading sunlight for setting up in winter in an unfamiliar location.
