Below is a list of the dates for CMAS’s star parties through March, 2017. They are presented in sets of two. The first date in each set is the intended date for the star party; the second is the rain date. These are the Saturdays before and after the new moons, timed to avoid interference from moonlight when observing deep sky objects. Also on this list are some important events of interest to CMASians, but hosted by other organizations.
Currently, only CMAS’s first star party lists its location. Another message will follow, with the remaining star parties set to alternate between Brower Observatory in North Whitefield, and the Damariscotta River Association’s Land Trust in Damariscotta. With at least a month’s notice, about a third of those parties will be rescheduled to meet instead at Galaxy Quest in Lincolnville. CMAS and Jacob Gerritsen, Galaxy Quest’s host, are committed to continuing to meet at Galaxy Quest, but are having to adjust to the flexibilities of Jacob’s schedule in his life outside of astronomy. Especially to those who live in the Eastern part of the realm, CMAS wants to be clear that we are working to keep Galaxy Quest a vital part of our club. You are not afterthoughts. The scheduling simply must reflect that, although planning for Galaxy Quest months ahead is no longer possible, we can still arrange to meet there, typically with one month’s notice.
The dates for these star parties are fixed, but the times may be adjusted somewhat as the months progress. Times have been chosen to err on starting while there is still enough daylight to easily find the locations, set up telescopes, and watch the brightest stars and planets appear before the rest. If we find that the times are too early, they may be bumped half an hour or so later. We love your company just as soon as you can arrive, yet we also respect that, to leave time for other activities earlier in the day, members may prefer to arrive just before dark.
Sorry for the delay in presenting this schedule. We’ve had to dodge many complications. The necessary dates often fell on holidays this spring and summer, or hosts have been unavailable.
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Saturday, July 2, 2016, 9:00pm
Rain Date, Sunday, July 3, 2016
Bombahook Observatory — Brian Murphy, Host
8 Sunrise Drive, Hallowell ME 04347
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Currently not scheduled, but a potential date for a second star party in July, if someone would volunteer to host at DRA:
Saturday, July 9, 9:00pm
(No rain date, as this was already the original rain date for the July 2 party.)
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Saturday, July 23, 2016, 10:00am
Brower Workday
(Rain date to be scheduled later, if needed.)
• Casual star party afterward?
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Saturday, July 30, 2016, 8:30pm
Rain Date, Saturday, August 6
CMAS Star Party
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Thursday, August 4 to Sunday, August 7, 2016
Stellafane Convention
http://stellafane.org/convention/2016/index.html
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Friday, August 26 to Saturday, August 27
Maine State Star Party, Cobscook Bay State Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/777957255681373/
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Saturday, August 27, 2016, 8:30pm
Rain Date, Saturday, September 3
CMAS Star Party
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Thursday, September 22 to Sunday, September 25, 2016
Acadia Night Sky Festival
http://www.acadianightskyfestival.com/
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Saturday, September 24, 2016, 8:00pm
Rain Date, Saturday, October 1
CMAS Star Party
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Saturday, October 29, 2016, 7:00pm
Rain Date, Saturday, November 5
CMAS Star Party
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Saturday, November 26, 2016, 6:00pm
Rain Date, Saturday, December 3
CMAS Star Party
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The Saturdays do not allow for a star party in December, unless we hold one early (to be decided). As proof, here are the dates:
Saturday, December 24, 2016, 6:00pm — Christmas Eve, Chanukah
Saturday, December 31 — New Year’s Eve
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Saturday, January 21, 2017, 5:30pm
Rain Date, Saturday, January 28
CMAS Star Party
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Saturday, February 25, 2017, 6:00pm
Rain Date, Saturday, March 4
CMAS Star Party
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Saturday, March 25, 2017, 7:30pm
Rain Date, Saturday, April 1
CMAS Star Party
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