STAR PARTIES AT THE RAILWAY MUSEUM
Saturday, October 26, 2024 — Star Party at the Railway Museum
Saturday, November 2, 2024 — Rain Date or Additional Star Party
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Alna Center Station, Alna Road / Route 218, Alna ME 04535
Google Maps Plus Code: 39MJ+2QC Alna, Maine
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Sheepscot Station, 97 Cross Road, Alna, Maine 04535
Google Maps Plus Code: 396G+C8P Alna, Maine
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5:30pm — Setup (earlier arrival welcome)
6:45pm — Train arrives at observing field
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Weather forecasts continue to predict clear skies tonight, despite some passing clouds this morning. Plan to show objects that look well in clear skies with excellent transparency, but terrible seeing. Colin and I have been plotting a feast of open and globular clusters and the comet, although we’ll also show the guests a boiling Saturn, because everyone must see Saturn! It’s not too late to join the solid contingent of astronomers who have volunteered to help with this star party. Just show up with your telescope, and tip us off ahead with a message if you can.
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DRESS WARMLY
Clear skies often bring cold nights. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s but, with a light breeze, may feel closer to freezing. Winter clothes would be appropriate.
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YOU CAN RIDE THE TRAIN
The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway has clarified that CMASians who help with this star party are welcome to ride the train to it. The train is “sold out” not because every last seat is filled, but because the railway limited the number of seats sold, so that the crowd would be of a manageable size. There is plenty of room on the train for CMAS’s volunteers to join them. You will not need tickets, and there will be no charge. Just tell them you’re with CMAS!
Before reading the catch, you should know that the railway’s offer stands to take every volunteer on a complementary ride at some other time. That said, unless you will be using a telescope that can be carried on the train because it requires no measurable setup or take-down time, your logistics will be:
Before the star party…
Drive to the field at Alna Center Station to set up.
Drive two miles to Sheepscot Station to catch the train.
Then, after the star party…
Ride the train back to Sheepscot Station to fetch your car.
Drive back two miles to Alna Center Station to fetch your telescope.
