You will receive a printed Convention Bulletin with the schedule in it when you check in at the gate.
Download the 2021 Convention Bulletin (PDF File).
Noon- 4:00pm Large RV Permit Holders must arrive
Operating Hours Entry Gate Please don't arrive before Noon!
3:00pm-10:00pm Early Entry Permit Holders can arrive
Operating Hours Entry Gate Please don't arrive before 3:00!
8:30pm-Midnight Observing Olympics
Observing Observing Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars
9:00pm-Midnight Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
9:00pm-Midnight McGregor Observatory
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
8:00am Registration Gate Opens
Operating Hours Entry Gate Gate Opens
9:00am- 6:00pm Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Open, Solar Observing Weather Permitting
9:00am- 5:00pm Cook Spectrohelioscope
Observing Simoni Observatory Solar Observing Weather Permitting
10:00am- 6:00pm Shuttle Bus Operates
Operating Hours Bus Stops Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
10:00am- 4:00pm McGregor Observatory
Observing Open, Solar Observing Weather Permitting
10:00am- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Organized by Mike Hayes ATM Demo Hours
10:00am-10:30am Telescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Glenn Jackson Intro & Rough Grinding
10:30am-11:00am Telescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Rick Hunter Fine Grinding
11:00am-11:30am Telescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by TBD Making Dental Stone Tools
11:30am-Noon Telescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps
Noon- 1:00pm Artificial Star Field
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Steven Bellavia
1:00pm- 1:45pm Telescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dick Parker Polishing & Figuring
1:00pm- 2:00pm Astronomy Activities for Children
Children behind McGregor Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 5-12; Limited to first 12
1:00pm- 2:00pm Eight Decades (or more) of Telescope Making in Washington, DC
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Guy Brandenburg
2:00pm- 3:00pm How DSLR Astro-Imaging Has Changed in the Last 10 Years
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Al Takeda Talk
2:00pm- 3:00pm Solar Observing Hour
Observing Observing Fields Please set up your Solar Scope and Share
2:00pm- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo: Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales With Dave Kelly & Doug Arion Testing (Bring your own mirror)
2:00pm- 6:00pm Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Open
3:00pm- 4:00pm A Dipper Full of Stars
Beginners Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Richard Sanderson
3:30pm- 4:30pm How DSLR Astro-Imaging Has Changed in the Last 10 Years
Intermediate Topic by the Breuning Domed Observatory Presented by Al Takeda Demo
4:00pm- 5:00pm Introduction to Binoculars
Beginners Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Phil Harrington
5:00pm- 6:30pm Free Time
Everyone Relax or Enjoy Dinner No on-site talks or demos scheduled
5:00pm- 8:00pm Telescope Competition: Registration
Telescope Competition Clubhouse Optical and Mechanical Registration
6:30pm- 7:30pm Friday Evening Videos
Everyone Flanders Pavilion Astronomy documentaries for the whole family
7:30pm Friday Evening Informal Talks
Major Convention Event Flanders Pavilion Bruce Beford, MC Short presentations by Convention Attendees
8:00pm-Midnight McGregor Observatory
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
8:00pm-Midnight Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
8:30pm-Midnight Observing Olympics
Observing Observing Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars
9:00pm-Midnight Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
10:00pm Registration Gate Closes
Operating Hours Entry Gate Gate Closes
10:00pm Telescope Competition: Optical Begins
Telescope Competition Fields around Clubhouse Optical Competition Begins
7:00am Registration Gate Opens
Operating Hours Entry Gate Gate Opens
7:00am-Noon Swap Tables
Major Convention Event Swap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area
8:00am- 6:00pm McGregor Observatory
Observing Open, Solar Observing Weather Permitting
8:00am- 6:00pm Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Open, Solar Observing Weather Permitting
8:00am- 9:30am Telescope Competition: Registration
Telescope Competition Clubhouse Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration
8:00am- 5:00pm Cook Spectrohelioscope
Observing Simoni Observatory Solar observing Weather Permitting
9:00am- 5:00pm Shuttle Bus Operates
Operating Hours Bus Stops Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
10:00am- 5:00pm Telescope Making Demo
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Organized by Mike Hayes ATM Demo Hours
10:00am-11:00am Introduction to Stellafane
Beginners Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia
10:00am- 1:00pm Telescope Competition: Mechanical
Telescope Competition Fields around Clubhouse Mechanical Competition
10:00am-10:30am Telescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Mike Hayes Intro & Rough Grinding
10:30am-11:00am Telescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Mike Hayes Fine Grinding
11:00am-11:30am Telescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by TBD Making Dental Stone Tools
11:00am-Noon The Hubble Space Telescope
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Jim Jeletic
11:30am-Noon Telescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps
11:30am-12:30pm Telescope Field Walk
Beginners Topic Meet at Front of Clubhouse Led by David McGaw
Noon- 1:00pm Photomultipliers, their Operation, Circuit Design & Applications
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Paul Schuler
1:00pm- 2:00pm Astronomy Activities for Children
Children behind McGregor Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 5-12; Limited to first 12
1:00pm- 2:00pm International Initiatives on Light Pollution
Intermediate Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Mario Motta
1:00pm- 1:45pm Telescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dick Parker Polishing & Figuring
2:00pm- 6:00pm Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Open
2:00pm- 3:00pm Solar Observing Hour
Observing Observing Fields Please set up your Solar Scope and Share
2:00pm- 4:00pm Telescope Making Demo: Dobsonian Basics
Telescope Making Tent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Ken Slater Dobsonian Basics
2:00pm- 3:00pm Leo, the Next Generation in Portable 3D Printed Direct Drive Mounts
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Aaron Sliski
3:00pm- 4:00pm Cover Calibrator
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Alan Sliski
4:00pm- 5:30pm Sir William Herschel: The Greatest Telescope Builder of His Time, the Greatest Visual Observer of All Time
Advanced Topic Flanders Pavilion Presented by Larry Mitchell
5:30pm- 7:00pm Free Time
Everyone Relax or Enjoy Dinner No on-site talks or demos scheduled
7:00pm Saturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk
Major Convention Event Amphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain) Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards
8:30pm-Midnight Observing Olympics
Observing Observing Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars
9:00pm-Midnight Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
9:00pm-Midnight Porter Turret Telescope
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
9:00pm-Midnight McGregor Observatory
Observing Observing Weather Permitting
10:00pm Telescope Competition: Optical Begins
Telescope Competition Fields around Clubhouse Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday)
8:00am-Noon Convention Cleanup
Everyone Please clean up around your campsite Please put trash in the dumpsters
10:30am-11:30am Observing Olympics
Observing Hillside below McGregor Coordinated by Eileen Myers Award Pins Only
Fri 7:30 pm - | Flanders Pavilion | Bruce Beford, MC | Short presentations by Convention Attendees |
If you wish to contribute a short talk during this session, please register online. Talks are limited to 10 minutes and 20 slides. The time limit will be strictly enforced! A digital projector will be available for your use - please bring your presentation on a USB stick.
Sat 7:00 am - 12:00 pm | Swap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area |
The Swap Tables (located at the northeast edge of the main camping/parking area) are provided to give amateurs an opportunity to trade, buy or sell their surplus astronomical and telescope related items. The Swap Table area will be open from 7:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
POLICY OF THE SPRINGFIELD TELESCOPE MAKERS REGARDING COMMERCIALISM
AND THE SWAP TABLES AT THE CONVENTION
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has clarified its policy regarding commercialism and Swap Table sales at the Stellafane Convention. For the sake of historical continuity, to preserve the uniqueness of the Stellafane Convention and to encourage Conventioneers to build their own instruments, the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. do not allow commercial sales, of any kind, at the Stellafane Convention. All swap table sales must comply, in concept, with the above objective but are also specifically subject to the following criteria:
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. may choose to grant a limited exception to the above policies to astronomy related organizations for their fundraising. Any request for an exemption must be made, in writing, at least one month prior to the Convention. If granted, the President of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. will notify the requesting organization in writing.
Any member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has the authority to determine whether a party is in compliance with the established regulations. Any person who is found to be in violation of the stated policies will be required to comply. Failing compliance, the offending party will be asked to leave the Convention and may be escorted from the premises by Convention security.
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. encourages those with questions regarding this policy to contact the Club via the Stellafane web page (http://Stellafane.org). During the Convention, any questions regarding this policy, the appropriateness of items being displayed, or any information being disseminated, should be directed to a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc.
Sat 7:00 pm - | Amphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain) | Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards |
The evening program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Saturday in the hillside amphitheater. (In case of inclement weather, the program will be held inside the Flanders Pavilion). Mario Motta, of the Springfield Telescope Makers, will be master of ceremonies.
Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Clubhouse | Optical and Mechanical Registration | |
Fri 10:00 pm - | Fields around Clubhouse | Optical Competition Begins | |
Sat 8:00 am - 9:30 am | Clubhouse | Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration | |
Sat 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | Fields around Clubhouse | Mechanical Competition | |
Sat 10:00 pm - | Fields around Clubhouse | Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday) |
Details are on the Telescope Competition Page
Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Organized by Mike Hayes | ATM Demo Hours |
Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Glenn Jackson | Intro & Rough Grinding |
Fri 10:30 am - 11:00 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Rick Hunter | Fine Grinding |
Fri 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by TBD | Making Dental Stone Tools |
Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Phil Rounseville | Making Pitch Laps |
Fri 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Dick Parker | Polishing & Figuring |
Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | With Dave Kelly & Doug Arion | Testing (Bring your own mirror) |
Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Organized by Mike Hayes | ATM Demo Hours |
Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Mike Hayes | Intro & Rough Grinding |
Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Mike Hayes | Fine Grinding |
Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by TBD | Making Dental Stone Tools |
Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Phil Rounseville | Making Pitch Laps |
Sat 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Dick Parker | Polishing & Figuring |
Sat 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Tent by T-Shirt Sales | Presented by Ken Slater | Dobsonian Basics |
This is a HANDS-ON mirror making demonstration - Gain first-hand experience working on mirrors at every stage of grinding, polishing and testing. Experienced ATMs will help explain each step of the process and answer any questions you may have.
Bring your own mirror for testing between 2:00 and 4:00 PM on Friday - 12½-inch Max Diameter.
The 24" mirror we have been working on for several years will be available for grinding - please sign the log book when you work on it.
The ATM demo schedule is being finalized and details will be added shortly.
Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Richard Sanderson |
Using images of constellations, planets and celestial objects, Richard will treat you to a tour of the summer nighttime sky, showing you many of the prominent summer constellations. You will also learn how and why the sky appears to move throughout the night, and from season to season, and understand the significance of the North Star. Richard will also discuss the possibility of life on other worlds and explain how stargazers are able to peer into the remote past.
Fri 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Phil Harrington |
Sat 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Meet at Front of Clubhouse | Led by David McGaw |
During the “Telescope Field Walk” an experienced Amateur Telescope Maker will guide small groups through the fields around the Pink Clubhouse, where the telescopes that will be participating in the mechanical competition will be set up. They will describe the various types of optical designs and mounting configurations that will be on display, point out the subtle details that go into award winning telescopes and be available to answer your questions.
Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia |
Are you familiar with these terms: “The Pink”, “Tent Talks” or “The Turret”? If not, if this is your first time attending the Stellafane Convention, or if you are returning and want to learn more about who the Springfield Telescope Makers are, as well as what is going on during the Convention, then this presentation is for you. Topics include, but are not limited to: A short history of Stellafane, a description of our site, including the buildings and landmarks, descriptions of the scheduled talks and activities, services available at Stellafane, local services off site, etc., in addition to answering any questions you may have about the Convention.
Fri 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Steven Bellavia |
Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Guy Brandenburg |
Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Al Takeda | Talk |
Fri 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | by the Breuning Domed Observatory | Presented by Al Takeda | Demo |
Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Jim Jeletic |
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Mario Motta |
Sat 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Paul Schuler |
Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Aaron Sliski |
Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Alan Sliski |
Sat 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Presented by Larry Mitchell |
Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | behind McGregor | Presented by Kris Larsen | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 12 |
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | behind McGregor | Presented by Kris Larsen | Ages 5-12; Limited to first 12 |
There will be two 1-hour astronomy workshops for children; each session has a different activity. These astronomy workshops have been held at the Stellafane Convention since 1995. Led by Dr. Kristine Larsen, Professor of Astronomy at Central Connecticut State University and a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, each of the two 1-hour workshops includes several activities geared for children ages 5 - 12.Younger children are welcome but will need help from a parent.
Because COVID-19 vaccines will not be available to children under 12 by the time of convention, the children’s activities will be held outside, in the shaded area behind the McGregor Observatory, weather permitting (no rain). Due to space limitations, each workshop is limited to 12 children on a first-come basis. Late-comers may be turned away.
Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Observing Fields | Please set up your Solar Scope and Share | |
Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Observing Fields | Please set up your Solar Scope and Share |
Thu 8:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing Fields | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Telescopes & Binoculars |
Fri 8:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing Fields | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Telescopes & Binoculars |
Sat 8:30 pm - 12:00 am | Observing Fields | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Telescopes & Binoculars |
Sun 10:30 am - 11:30 am | Hillside below McGregor | Coordinated by Eileen Myers | Award Pins Only |
Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Simoni Observatory | Solar Observing | Weather Permitting |
Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Simoni Observatory | Solar observing | Weather Permitting |
Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting |
Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pm | Open, Solar Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting |
Fri 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Open | ||
Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting | |
Sat 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Open | ||
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 am | Observing | Weather Permitting |
Fri 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Relax or Enjoy Dinner | No on-site talks or demos scheduled | |
Sat 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Relax or Enjoy Dinner | No on-site talks or demos scheduled |
We have your days and nights pretty heavily scheduled; these hours are kept free for a bit of relaxation or a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Fri 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Flanders Pavilion | Astronomy documentaries for the whole family |
Short astronomy documentaries for the whole family.
Sun 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | Please clean up around your campsite | Please put trash in the dumpsters |
Please clean up around your campsite and parking area. All trash should be deposited in one of the large dumpsters by the Food Tent or Exit Lane. Please make sure there are no obstacles to grass mowing in the fields - any rocks, stakes, or other hazards should be returned to the woods or taken to the dumpsters. If you would like to take down rebar and string, we would appreciate that. Pile rebar and string on the side of the road, where it will be easy for us to find and pick up. Thank you very much for making Convention cleanup easier on all of us.
Thu 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Entry Gate | Please don't arrive before Noon! |
Thu 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Entry Gate | Please don't arrive before 3:00! |
Fri 8:00 am - | Entry Gate | Gate Opens | |
Fri 10:00 pm - | Entry Gate | Gate Closes | |
Sat 7:00 am - | Entry Gate | Gate Opens |
Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pm | Bus Stops | Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse | |
Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Bus Stops | Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse |
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