US star parties?

[Rigel003]

I'm planning an OS trip next year that will include some time in the US during the 1st week or so of May (around new moon). Does anyone know of annual star parties that occur around that time or have ideas of where I can find out this info?

[Jupiter]

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/tiny would be a starting point I guess.

[gary]

Hi Graeme,

Please note that the Texas Star Party will be 1st June through 8th June 2008.
It was previously held in May at New Moon. However, when we were there
last May, there was internal debate between the organizers, which is always
common with these type of events, and the next one will now be in June, as
mentioned.

I notice the Cloudy Nights event calendar was posted by 'Steph' who we
all got to meet at TSP. Possibly now that the May New Moon period has
been vacated by TSP, that will provide the opportunity for some other
enterprising Club to mosey right into that time slot.

RTMC, which is actually held near Big Bear rather than at Riverside, will be
May 23rd through to May 28th. It is an Expo rather than a star party and
is always held Memorial Day weekend, Moon be damned. However, it is
a great place to see the vendors displaying their gear and to buy, buy, buy.

Another expo, in fact an indoors one, is NEAF, which will be held April 26th-27th
2008 in Suffern, NY, about 30 minutes drive out of the Big Apple. Other
vendors tell me it is a fabulous event and we plan on getting there soon.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[Rigel003]

Thanks Jupiter & Gary. The Texas Star Party would have been a great opportunity but it's now a month too late for my trip. If nothing eventuates, maybe I can arrange a private viewing evening through contacting local clubs. I'd hate to be up there and miss the opportunity to observe some northern objects.

[gary]

Hi Graeme,

Thank you and you certainly would not want to miss the chance to
get some observing in. I gather you will be arriving via either LAX
or SFO? What parts of the States did you plan on visiting or had other
commitment to be in whilst there? I may be able to put you in contact
with some fellow observers.

For example one option might be to consider renting some time at Gary
Myers Desert Coyote Observatory down in Sierra Vista in Arizona. It's
close to the Mexican border. See http://www.stellarcat.biz/Pages/darksky.html
He has a fully equipped RV on site which can sleep up to 5 and an array
of telescopes for hire.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai