James River State Park, an IDA dark sky site, is hosting a star party the first weekend in November, the New Moon weekend of November 5 and 6. They are encouraging astronomers to come, and are just asking that we be available for an hour or so after sunset to accommodate any park visitors that may be interested.
The park has been super supportive of astronomy and we want to have a good showing of astronomers at the event if we can. James River State Park is near Gladstone, VA and is an IDA dark sky park with frequent astronomy programs. There is no charge to attend as a volunteer astronomer and camp on the observing field. The park asks that astronomers make themselves available for a couple of hours each night just after sunset to do outreach for park visitors. There are plumbed toilets near the observing area and a shelter with limited AC power. There is no food service at the park. Amherst is probably the nearest town of any size nearby, but there are some local convenience/gasoline stores around. Marty Liebschner, Assistant Park Manager who is leading the effort, would like someone from each club that has members who are planning to attend to send him a list of the people attending rather than have individuals contact him directly – he is not staffed to take individual reservations.
If you are interested in attending please let club president Shawn Loescher know and he will forward a list of club members to Marty so he knows how many of us to expect.
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The park has been super supportive of astronomy and we want to have a good showing of astronomers at the event if we can. James River State Park is near Gladstone, VA and is an IDA dark sky park with frequent astronomy programs. There is no charge to attend as a volunteer astronomer and camp on the observing field. The park asks that astronomers make themselves available for a couple of hours each night just after sunset to do outreach for park visitors. There are plumbed toilets near the observing area and a shelter with limited AC power. There is no food service at the park. Amherst is probably the nearest town of any size nearby, but there are some local convenience/gasoline stores around. Marty Liebschner, Assistant Park Manager who is leading the effort, would like someone from each club that has members who are planning to attend to send him a list of the people attending rather than have individuals contact him directly – he is not staffed to take individual reservations.
If you are interested in attending please let club president Shawn Loescher know and he will forward a list of club members to Marty so he knows how many of us to expect.
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Date: Friday, November 5 - Sunday, November 7, 2021
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 a.m. Eastern
