Its that time of year again for Kent Blackwell's famous semi-annual East Coast Star Party!

It will runs from Thursday through Sunday morning. Whether it's clear or not most people that have previously attended consider it one of their favorite star parties. We are planning on participating in the Messier Marathon this spring. To help support that and to bring back more traditions we will offer hotdogs throughout the night to keep you going. We are also going to revive the beloved ECSP tradition of a spaghetti dinner on Friday night that long time attendees Roy & Dee Diffrient generously provided for so many years.

The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers and the Chippokes State Park rangers encourage the members of the public to attend on Friday evening for the public star party. From 6-10pm, BBAA members will use their telescopes to share the night time sky with park visitors. Please feel free to ask questions and look through all of telescopes during this public outreach event.

WHAT:
2025 Sping East Coast Star Party at Chippokes State Park

WHEN:
From Thursday March 27th at 2:00 PM to the morning of Sunday, March 30th

WHERE:
Camping/observing field is within sight of the Chippokes Jones-Stewart Mansion
Chippokes State Park. 
695 Chippokes Park Rd3
Surry, VA, 23883

FEES:
Star Party Registration – One time fee of $60.

• Admission to the star party
• Observing privileges on the field
• Camping privileges on the field
• Saturday afternoon cookout
• Bottomless coffee
• Access to Kent Blackwell's wit and charm

Register online https://backbayastro.org/ecsp/registration.php
Park RV sites must be reserved well in advance at https://www.reservevaparks.com/Web/Default.aspx 

Pre-registration is required by March 19th to ensure that we can have the t-shirts ready in time for star party participants. Exceptions after that date will be considered on a case-by-case basis including "day of" registrations during the event.

The rates below are for people choosing to camp at the campground. The ECSP registration cost covers your camping cost if you camp on the observing field.

Camping Rates:
Pay camping fees at Chippokes State Park

• Primitive Camping (includes tents and trailers not requiring Electric, Water or Sewage) - $20/night, per campsite.
• R/V Units with Electric & Water but no Sewage - $30/night, per campsite.
• R/V Units requiring Electric, Water & Sewage - $40/night, per campsite

Camping Amenities:

• Portable restrooms conveniently located near observing area.
• Showers and country store located on the campground site.
• You may camp near your telescope. No power is available in the observing field.

Notes:

• The sky is 20.76 mag with good views of the horizon. Observing area two large open fields south of the registration area. Just follow the “telescopes” signs.
• Please avoid arriving after dark.
• The star party ends Sunday morning Nov 3rd.

PLEASE OBEY ALL PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

Directions:
Due to a limitation on the NSN the "Directions" feature for this location only takes you to the entrance to the park. Please use our custom Google Map to navigate to the precise location you are trying to reach. Just find the location called BBAA - ECSP and click on it: http://backbayastro.org/map.php

For a map of the observing field click here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=11UeJbvagTv0ljhT7EpJBav1cD9HrBRA&usp=sharing

If you need additional information please feel free to contact:
ECSP Committee Members: ecsp@backbayastro.org