Ed Lecuyer of the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway called to clarify that CMASians are welcome to ride the train at the star party planned for this coming Wednesday, November 11. He said that “anyone even remotely connected with CMAS” should *not* buy tickets from the Railway’s Website. Just show at the platform to board the train and tell Ed that you are with CMAS, and he will welcome you aboard free of charge. Ed is the conductor, so look for the man in the conductor’s uniform, a dressy coat and cap just as one might see in old movies featuring trains.
This is Ed’s way of thanking us for the many star parties we have held at the railway, which are always popular with his members. One hitch: As a practical matter, if you will be bringing a telescope, you will need to report directly to the observing field to set up, so that you will be ready when the train arrives. This does not mean you would be forever left out from riding the train. Show at the Railway at some other time, and Ed will welcome you onto that train instead!
You really do not want to miss this. Due to rain on the originally planned dates, we had to postpone to the best date we could that would still be moonless, which happens to be a weekday night. But, guaranteed to be well worth the trip!
Handy links for this star party:
Home Page of the Railway’s Website
Page describing the star party (for your information; do not buy a ticket!)
Directions to the observing field at Alna Center Station, for those bringing telescopes
Directions to Sheepscot Station, for those riding the train
Central Maine Astronomical Society
An amateur astronomy club