Stellafane 2008 Convention Main Page

Help Pay for the Flanders Pavilion with a Small Monthly Payment

We still have a large mortgage on the pavilion, that great new building that replaced the tent, keeps you and your feet dry in the rain, and is dark inside when we need it so you can see daytime presentations.

Want to help? We have an innovative new program you should check out - click here.

2008 Stellafane Convention Main Page

The 73rd Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers on Breezy Hill in Springfield, Vermont, the 2008 Stellafane Convention, will be held Thursday through Saturday July 31- August 2, 2007.

Registration

This year we are making a major shift to online registration, based on the overwhelming success of online registration in the past few years. Our mail-in registrations have dropped off significantly, and we are no longer sending out registration packets by mail, as all the information you need is right here on the web. You can still register by mail, but we strongly encourage you to register online. See the registration page for all the details.

Program

This page contains an Overall Schedule of Events, including a printable version, and detailed information about the events and activities at the 2008 Convention:

Special Events to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the Invention of the Telescope

To help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first patent application for the invention of the telescope, we are scheduling the following special events:

Telescope Hunt The Telescope Hunt will be similar to a scavenger hunt, in that partici-pants will look for posters, scattered about the convention area, each showing a different type of telescope which must be identified.

Poster Session Tell us what you think is the most important astronomical discovery using a telescope and win a prize. Vote for your favorite answer in the Pavilion.

Click the links for more details, times and locations.

ATM Mirror Grinding Demo	Saturday Technical Talks	Children's Activities
ATM Short Talks	Beginner Talks	Horseshoe Pitching Contest
OSLO Workshop	Solar System Walk	Jeanne Krzywicki Library
Friday Evening Informal Talks	Saturday Evening Program	Museum of Telescope Making
Swap Tables	Raffle

Also see a summary of the many Talks given at convention, including and explanation of each type of talk, and categorized by level (kids, beginner, intermediate and advanced). Note that there are many talks for beginners, all clearly marked in this list.

Suggestions

Do you have a suggestion to improve any aspect of convention? We would like to hear about it! Please send them via email here.

We are very interested in feedback, comments or suggestions on the new beginners program. We would like to improve it for next year.

Telescope Competition

Often considered the heart of the Stellafane Convention, the Optical & Mechanical Competition gives Amateur Telescope Makers a chance to show and share with others what they have done, and our expert judges pick the best in several categories to for recognition with awards. If you would like to enter your homemade telescope, this page has the details and a form to register you scope in the competition.

General Information

Our general information page has exactly that - general information about the convention. Read about our Lighting Policy or the use of Family Service Radios, for example. Lots of important little items that might make your convention experience that much better: what to bring - where the food services are located.

Directions & Maps

Need to know how to get to Stellafane? Here are written directions and a map for after you get of the Interstate.

Lodging & Campgrounds

If you are not camping at Stellafane, you will need some place to stay. Here is a listing of Motels, Hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds in the area.

Do you have convention questions we haven't answered? Comments or suggestions about the Bulletin or Registration Supplement? Please direct these to our Convention Mailbox.

Do you have a comment, question or suggestion about the web pages or online registration process? Please direct these to the Stellafane Webmaster.