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2021 Stellafane Convention Schedule

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).

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Noon- 4:00pmLarge RV Permit Holders must arrive
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Please don't arrive before Noon!

 3:00pm-10:00pmEarly Entry Permit Holders can arrive
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Please don't arrive before 3:00!

 8:30pm-MidnightObserving Olympics
ObservingObserving Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars

 9:00pm-MidnightPorter Turret Telescope
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

 9:00pm-MidnightMcGregor Observatory
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

Friday, August 6, 2021

 8:00amRegistration Gate Opens
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Gate Opens

 9:00am- 6:00pmPorter Turret Telescope
ObservingOpen, Solar Observing  Weather Permitting

 9:00am- 5:00pmCook Spectrohelioscope
ObservingSimoni Observatory Solar Observing Weather Permitting

10:00am- 6:00pmShuttle Bus Operates
Operating HoursBus Stops  Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse

10:00am- 4:00pmMcGregor Observatory
ObservingOpen, Solar Observing  Weather Permitting

10:00am- 4:00pmTelescope Making Demo
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Organized by Mike Hayes ATM Demo Hours

10:00am-10:30amTelescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Glenn Jackson Intro & Rough Grinding

10:30am-11:00amTelescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Rick Hunter Fine Grinding

11:00am-11:30amTelescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by TBD Making Dental Stone Tools

11:30am-NoonTelescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps

Noon- 1:00pmArtificial Star Field
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Steven Bellavia 

 1:00pm- 1:45pmTelescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dick Parker Polishing & Figuring

 1:00pm- 2:00pmAstronomy Activities for Children
Childrenbehind McGregor Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 5-12; Limited to first 12

 1:00pm- 2:00pmEight Decades (or more) of Telescope Making in Washington, DC
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Guy Brandenburg 

 2:00pm- 3:00pmHow DSLR Astro-Imaging Has Changed in the Last 10 Years
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Al Takeda Talk

 2:00pm- 3:00pmSolar Observing Hour
ObservingObserving Fields  Please set up your Solar Scope and Share

 2:00pm- 4:00pmTelescope Making Demo: Testing (Bring your own mirror)
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales With Dave Kelly & Doug Arion Testing (Bring your own mirror)

 2:00pm- 6:00pmBreuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
ObservingOpen  

 3:00pm- 4:00pmA Dipper Full of Stars
Beginners TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Richard Sanderson 

 3:30pm- 4:30pmHow DSLR Astro-Imaging Has Changed in the Last 10 Years
Intermediate Topicby the Breuning Domed Observatory Presented by Al Takeda Demo

 4:00pm- 5:00pmIntroduction to Binoculars
Beginners TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Phil Harrington 

 5:00pm- 6:30pmFree Time
EveryoneRelax or Enjoy Dinner  No on-site talks or demos scheduled

 5:00pm- 8:00pmTelescope Competition: Registration
Telescope CompetitionClubhouse  Optical and Mechanical Registration

 6:30pm- 7:30pmFriday Evening Videos
EveryoneFlanders Pavilion  Astronomy documentaries for the whole family

 7:30pmFriday Evening Informal Talks
Major Convention EventFlanders Pavilion Bruce Beford, MC Short presentations by Convention Attendees

 8:00pm-MidnightMcGregor Observatory
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

 8:00pm-MidnightPorter Turret Telescope
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

 8:30pm-MidnightObserving Olympics
ObservingObserving Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars

 9:00pm-MidnightBreuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

10:00pmRegistration Gate Closes
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Gate Closes

10:00pmTelescope Competition: Optical Begins
Telescope CompetitionFields around Clubhouse  Optical Competition Begins

Saturday, August 7, 2021

 7:00amRegistration Gate Opens
Operating HoursEntry Gate  Gate Opens

 7:00am-NoonSwap Tables
Major Convention EventSwap Table Area - North of Main Camping Area  

 8:00am- 6:00pmMcGregor Observatory
ObservingOpen, Solar Observing  Weather Permitting

 8:00am- 6:00pmPorter Turret Telescope
ObservingOpen, Solar Observing  Weather Permitting

 8:00am- 9:30amTelescope Competition: Registration
Telescope CompetitionClubhouse  Mechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration

 8:00am- 5:00pmCook Spectrohelioscope
ObservingSimoni Observatory Solar observing Weather Permitting

 9:00am- 5:00pmShuttle Bus Operates
Operating HoursBus Stops  Bus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse

10:00am- 5:00pmTelescope Making Demo
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Organized by Mike Hayes ATM Demo Hours

10:00am-11:00amIntroduction to Stellafane
Beginners TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Kim & Dennis Cassia 

10:00am- 1:00pmTelescope Competition: Mechanical
Telescope CompetitionFields around Clubhouse  Mechanical Competition

10:00am-10:30amTelescope Making Demo: Intro & Rough Grinding
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Mike Hayes Intro & Rough Grinding

10:30am-11:00amTelescope Making Demo: Fine Grinding
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Mike Hayes Fine Grinding

11:00am-11:30amTelescope Making Demo: Making Dental Stone Tools
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by TBD Making Dental Stone Tools

11:00am-NoonThe Hubble Space Telescope
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Jim Jeletic 

11:30am-NoonTelescope Making Demo: Making Pitch Laps
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Phil Rounseville Making Pitch Laps

11:30am-12:30pmTelescope Field Walk
Beginners TopicMeet at Front of Clubhouse Led by David McGaw 

Noon- 1:00pmPhotomultipliers, their Operation, Circuit Design & Applications
Advanced TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Paul Schuler 

 1:00pm- 2:00pmAstronomy Activities for Children
Childrenbehind McGregor Presented by Kris Larsen Ages 5-12; Limited to first 12

 1:00pm- 2:00pmInternational Initiatives on Light Pollution
Intermediate TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Mario Motta 

 1:00pm- 1:45pmTelescope Making Demo: Polishing & Figuring
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Dick Parker Polishing & Figuring

 2:00pm- 6:00pmBreuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
ObservingOpen  

 2:00pm- 3:00pmSolar Observing Hour
ObservingObserving Fields  Please set up your Solar Scope and Share

 2:00pm- 4:00pmTelescope Making Demo: Dobsonian Basics
Telescope MakingTent by T-Shirt Sales Presented by Ken Slater Dobsonian Basics

 2:00pm- 3:00pmLeo, the Next Generation in Portable 3D Printed Direct Drive Mounts
Advanced TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Aaron Sliski 

 3:00pm- 4:00pmCover Calibrator
Advanced TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Alan Sliski 

 4:00pm- 5:30pmSir William Herschel: The Greatest Telescope Builder of His Time, the Greatest Visual Observer of All Time
Advanced TopicFlanders Pavilion Presented by Larry Mitchell 

 5:30pm- 7:00pmFree Time
EveryoneRelax or Enjoy Dinner  No on-site talks or demos scheduled

 7:00pmSaturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk
Major Convention EventAmphitheater (Flanders Pavilion if rain)  Includes Keynote, Shadowgram, Raffle & Awards

 8:30pm-MidnightObserving Olympics
ObservingObserving Fields Coordinated by Eileen Myers Telescopes & Binoculars

 9:00pm-MidnightBreuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

 9:00pm-MidnightPorter Turret Telescope
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

 9:00pm-MidnightMcGregor Observatory
ObservingObserving  Weather Permitting

10:00pmTelescope Competition: Optical Begins
Telescope CompetitionFields around Clubhouse  Optical Competition (Only if not held Friday)

Sunday, August 8, 2021

 8:00am-NoonConvention Cleanup
EveryonePlease clean up around your campsite  Please put trash in the dumpsters

10:30am-11:30amObserving Olympics
ObservingHillside below McGregor Coordinated by Eileen Myers Award Pins Only

— Major Convention Events —

 Friday Evening Informal Talks

Fri 7:30 pm - Flanders PavilionBruce Beford, MCShort 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.

 Swap Tables

Sat 7:00 am - 12:00 pmSwap 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:

  1. Only surplus astronomical, telescope and telescope making related items may be sold.
  2. Each person will be allowed 16 square feet of table or ground space.
  3. Items which have the appearance of being specifically purchased or manufactured for sale at the Swap Tables may not be sold.
  4. All sales must take place within the designated Swap Table area only between 7 a.m. and noon, the Saturday of the Stellafane Convention.

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.

 Saturday Evening Program & Keynote Talk

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.

  • Greetings, announcements, Raffle Drawings
  • Stellafane Shadowgram by Dr. Kristine Larsen: Astronomy in the 'After-Times'
  • Presentation of Telescope Competition Awards
  • Stellafane Keynote by Dr. Stella Kafka: What is the Deal with Betelgeuse?

— Telescope Competition —

 Telescope Competition

Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pmClubhouseOptical and Mechanical Registration
Fri 10:00 pm - Fields around ClubhouseOptical Competition Begins
Sat 8:00 am - 9:30 amClubhouseMechanical (and Optical if needed) Registration
Sat 10:00 am - 1:00 pmFields around ClubhouseMechanical Competition
Sat 10:00 pm - Fields around ClubhouseOptical Competition (Only if not held Friday)

Details are on the Telescope Competition Page

— Telescope Making —

 Telescope Making Demo

Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesOrganized by Mike HayesATM Demo Hours
Fri 10:00 am - 10:30 amTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Glenn JacksonIntro & Rough Grinding
Fri 10:30 am - 11:00 amTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Rick HunterFine Grinding
Fri 11:00 am - 11:30 amTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by TBDMaking Dental Stone Tools
Fri 11:30 am - 12:00 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Phil RounsevilleMaking Pitch Laps
Fri 1:00 pm - 1:45 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Dick ParkerPolishing & Figuring
Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesWith Dave Kelly & Doug ArionTesting (Bring your own mirror)
Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesOrganized by Mike HayesATM Demo Hours
Sat 10:00 am - 10:30 amTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Mike HayesIntro & Rough Grinding
Sat 10:30 am - 11:00 amTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Mike HayesFine Grinding
Sat 11:00 am - 11:30 amTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by TBDMaking Dental Stone Tools
Sat 11:30 am - 12:00 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Phil RounsevilleMaking Pitch Laps
Sat 1:00 pm - 1:45 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Dick ParkerPolishing & Figuring
Sat 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmTent by T-Shirt SalesPresented by Ken SlaterDobsonian 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.

— Beginners Talks —

 A Dipper Full of Stars

Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented 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.

 Introduction to Binoculars

Fri 4:00 pm - 5:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Phil Harrington
Binoculars are NOT just for beginners, as this talk will stress. After various binocular-related terms are defined, Phil will offer consumer tips to help the audience weed out astronomically worthy binoculars from a vast ocean of models currently available.

 Telescope Field Walk

Sat 11:30 am - 12:30 pmMeet at Front of ClubhouseLed 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.

 Introduction to Stellafane

Sat 10:00 am - 11:00 amFlanders PavilionPresented 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.

— Intermediate Talks —

 Artificial Star Field

Fri 12:00 pm - 1:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Steven Bellavia
It is common to use an artificial star when collimating a telescope indoors. However, this single-star method only allows for an on-center collimation and does not take into account off-axis asymmetries caused by tilt. Steven has made a device that he calls an Artificial Star Field. The artificial star field is a set of 9 precision, laser-drilled pinholes, with a bright diffuse back-lighting. With the telescope positioned the correct distance from the field, and properly aligned, the entire field of an eyepiece or camera can be used to inspect and correct for tilted optics or tilted cameras sensors.

 Eight Decades (or more) of Telescope Making in Washington, DC

Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Guy Brandenburg
The National Capital Astronomers of Washington, DC have been sponsoring amateur telescope making workshops in the DC area since before World War Two. This talk will highlight some of the successes and failures of the various projects engaged in by local ATMers.

 How DSLR Astro-Imaging Has Changed in the Last 10 Years

Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Al TakedaTalk
Fri 3:30 pm - 4:30 pmby the Breuning Domed ObservatoryPresented by Al TakedaDemo
Change is constant. As you observe the night sky you will find that nothing stays the same. Planets move, comets appear, solar and lunar eclipse circumstances change, and meteor trails can be short or spectacular. It is the same with DSLR astrophotography. In his presentation, Al Takeda will discuss how DSLR imaging has changed since he gave his first Stellafane DSLR astro-imaging lecture 10 years ago. He will discuss changes in camera hardware, software and imaging techniques. Al will also talk about how amateurs with DSLR’s can help the professional astronomy community. Al will run a 1-hour astrophotography demonstration by the Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory) starting at 3:30pm.

 The Hubble Space Telescope

Sat 11:00 am - 12:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Jim Jeletic
Jim is Deputy Project Manager of the NASA Hubble Space Telescope. This talk will give an overview of the Hubble Space Telescope. It will include a discussion of its design and its plans for the future. Also discussed will be the use of astronaut servicing missions that have doubled the life of the spacecraft to date.

 International Initiatives on Light Pollution

Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Mario Motta
Dr. Mario Motta was asked to represent the AMA (American Medical Association) at an international conference jointly run by COPUOS (UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer space) and the IAU (International Astronomical Union). This committee was charged with producing an international understanding on various issues such as light pollution, satellite proliferation, radio spectrum disruption, etc. Mario was assigned to the light pollution subcommittee specifically to address human health concerns with light pollution. After 6 months of effort a 279-page document was produced. It was ratified on a weeklong international zoom meeting in October 2020 rather than in person as was initially planned. A follow up meeting is planned this October 2021 in the Canary Islands which Mario will attend. This document is to be presented to the full UN for acceptance, and hopefully will lead to international agreements on these issues.

— Advanced Talks —

 Photomultipliers, their Operation, Circuit Design & Applications

Sat 12:00 pm - 1:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Paul Schuler
Photomultipliers are a breed of “single pixel” optical detectors which as a part of their design provide internal amplification as well as detection. As such they are very close to being a noiseless optical detector of enormous sensitivity and range from the near infrared to the near ultraviolet. They lend themselves very well to applications in optical astronomy where extremely low light level detection is required such as Photoelectric Photometry (e.g. Variable Star Photometry) and Emission Nebulae Spectroscopy to name a few.

 Leo, the Next Generation in Portable 3D Printed Direct Drive Mounts

Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Aaron Sliski
The Leo series of mounts is a fresh new way to look at a direct drive mount. The Leo mount solves nearly all the problems of a traditional mount, infinite azimuth rotation, no dangling wires, no communication problems because of USB limitations, and lightweight. The Leo mount is a 3D printed L shaped mount with very high damping and modular design. This will be an in depth talk about the technology that surrounds this new mount and how Aaron got there.

 Cover Calibrator

Sat 3:00 pm - 4:00 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Alan Sliski
A group of dedicated amateur astronomers is working to develop and distribute a series of Arduino based astronomical gadgets for use with automated observatories. The two projects presently underway are a weather safety monitor to provide information on rain and cloud cover, and a flat field illuminator that has an optional motorized cover function and the ability to control up to 4 colors of LEDs for flat fielding. These will be distributed as open source projects through the Astro Makers part of the Instrumentation section of AAVSO. These devices use the Alpaca communication protocol of ASCOM Remote.

 Sir William Herschel: The Greatest Telescope Builder of His Time, the Greatest Visual Observer of All Time

Sat 4:00 pm - 5:30 pmFlanders PavilionPresented by Larry Mitchell
Larry’s lecture will be about the life and times of Sir William Herschel, the greatest visual observer of all time and the best telescope builder of his time. He truly was the Father of modern day astronomy and was the discoverer of many things, some of which are astonishing. His "Construction of the Heavens" provided the basis for astronomical scientific thought for the next hundred years. The story of how we acquired the knowledge we have is every bit as interesting as the knowledge we have, or think we have. A lot has been written about Wm. Herschel, but Larry has an unaltered original copy of all of his published papers, so he will provide information which is found nowhere else. His sister, Caroline and his son, John, were equally driven, so the members of his entire immediate family were amazing people. Larry also will cover a few of the objects on the observing list, all of which were discovered by Herschel.

— Children's Events —

 Astronomy Activities for Children

Fri 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmbehind McGregorPresented by Kris LarsenAges 5-12; Limited to first 12
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:00 pmbehind McGregorPresented by Kris LarsenAges 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.

  • Friday 1 PM: Planets! Make models of several planets to take home
  • Saturday 1 PM: Light and telescopes: Explore properties of light and how telescopes work. Take home UV bead bracelets and diffraction grating glasses

— Observing —

 Solar Observing Hour

Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmObserving FieldsPlease set up your Solar Scope and Share
Sat 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmObserving FieldsPlease set up your Solar Scope and Share
All attendees with solar filters or projection set-ups are encouraged to share the Sun with other attendees. The McGregor, Simoni and Porter Turret observatories will be set up for solar observing as well.

 Observing Olympics

Thu 8:30 pm - 12:00 amObserving FieldsCoordinated by Eileen MyersTelescopes & Binoculars
Fri 8:30 pm - 12:00 amObserving FieldsCoordinated by Eileen MyersTelescopes & Binoculars
Sat 8:30 pm - 12:00 amObserving FieldsCoordinated by Eileen MyersTelescopes & Binoculars
Sun 10:30 am - 11:30 amHillside below McGregorCoordinated by Eileen MyersAward Pins Only
Observing Olympics: Dusk to Midnight or later depending on observing conditions.
See the Observing Olympics Page for details and observing lists.

 Cook Spectrohelioscope

Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pmSimoni ObservatorySolar ObservingWeather Permitting
Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pmSimoni ObservatorySolar observingWeather Permitting
The circa 1930 Cook Spectrohelioscope will be observing solar prominences and sunspots in hydrogen-alpha light.The Simoni Observatory is northwest of the Stellafane Clubhouse on Breezy Hill.

 Porter Turret Telescope

Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pmOpen, Solar ObservingWeather Permitting
Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pmOpen, Solar ObservingWeather Permitting
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
The 1930 Porter Turret Telescope is located just north of the clubhouse on Breezy Hill.

 McGregor Observatory

Thu 9:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pmOpen, Solar ObservingWeather Permitting
Fri 8:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
Sat 8:00 am - 6:00 pmOpen, Solar ObservingWeather Permitting
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
The McGregor Observatory, home of the 13-inch Schupmann Refractor, is located on a hilltop in the northwest corner of Stellafane East.

 Breuning Observatory (Domed Observatory)

Fri 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmOpen
Fri 9:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
Sat 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmOpen
Sat 9:00 pm - 12:00 amObservingWeather Permitting
The domed Breuning Observatory is located just south of and downhill from the McGregor Observatory.

— Events for Everyone —

 Free Time

Fri 5:00 pm - 6:30 pmRelax or Enjoy DinnerNo on-site talks or demos scheduled
Sat 5:30 pm - 7:00 pmRelax or Enjoy DinnerNo 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.

 Friday Evening Videos

Fri 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmFlanders PavilionAstronomy documentaries for the whole family

Short astronomy documentaries for the whole family.

 Convention Cleanup

Sun 8:00 am - 12:00 pmPlease clean up around your campsitePlease 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.

— Operating Hours —

 Large RV Permit Holders must arrive

Thu 12:00 pm - 4:00 pmEntry GatePlease don't arrive before Noon!
Large RVs have to be pre-registered, and must arrive between Noon and 4PM on Thursday. Do not arrive early. We have large trucks making food deliveries and installing sanitation facilities before then.

 Early Entry Permit Holders can arrive

Thu 3:00 pm - 10:00 pmEntry GatePlease don't arrive before 3:00!
Please do not arrive before 3:00 PM and do not park on Jordan Road. The large RV's come in before you, starting at noon. You will not be admitted before 3:00 PM, and our gate staff is busy getting the RV's safely in place.

 Registration Gate

Fri 8:00 am - Entry GateGate Opens
Fri 10:00 pm - Entry GateGate Closes
Sat 7:00 am - Entry GateGate Opens
The hours of operation of the Registration Gate.

 Shuttle Bus Operates

Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pmBus StopsBus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pmBus StopsBus Stops: Pine Island, Food Tent, Pink Clubhouse
The Shuttle Bus makes two stops in Stellafane East, one by the Food Tent and one by the main Camping Area (See Stellafane East Site Map (pdf)). It makes one stop on Breezy Hill near the Clubhouse.

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