Have you ever attended a star party? I'd like to share some photos from my recent visit to the Winter Star Party in the Florida Keys. If you have never been to one of these, I strongly advise you to do so. You will have a lot of fun. You can observe as much as you like (weather permitting), share your experiences and tales, show off your telescope creation, learn the newest methods and trends, bargain for the best deals at the swap meet and most importantly, have a good time at star parties. Children in particular might like camping and gain a lot of exposure to the hobby.

So, what’s a day like at a star party?

Obviously the main reason for going to a star party is to enjoy wonderful views of the night sky. However, they’re not exclusively nocturnal affairs. Mornings are generally spent socializing, discussing the previous night’s observing before an afternoon of events and activities. These can include talks by guest speakers or workshops to help attendees get the most from their equipment, learn how to take and process photographs, and maybe even sketch or paint the night sky.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a star party is looking through various telescopes. A telescope may be off limits at times because its owner is working on a special observing project or doing some serious astrophotography, but most people will be delighted to let you look through their equipment if you ask and will gladly accept requests if there is something you particularly want to see.

If you go to a star party, you’ll remember why you fell in love with astronomy in the first place and appreciate again just how beautiful the night sky is.

What are you waiting for?

SO WHAT IS A STAR PARTY? (Winter Star Party Florida Keys, Florida, USA)