Winter Star Party
nPAE has made several trips to the USA for astronomy in the past, but never to a US Star Party and it was going to be one of the greats for our first one!
The highly rated Winter Star Party in Florida! Organised by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society, known for its high quality guests and the most Southern viewing point of continental USA, 2024 was the 40th anniversary event.
Our journey to Camp Sawyer in the Florida Keys started early with the coach from Nottingham to Heathrow airport for a direct American Airlines flight to Miami. Ironically early February is one of the quietest times of year in Miami and plane was almost empty. That provided plenty of opportunity to chat to other passengers and the crew about the reason for our trip and as always it was pleasant to discover most people have at least a passing interest in astronomy.
After an overnight stay in the Miami Sheraton we took the Grey Hound coach down to the keys and the driver was even generous enough to drop us off right out the gate!
Camp Sawyer is an exceptional location. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Straits of Florida on the on other this beach front Bortle 3-4 camp is equipped with glamping tents, pitches and RV hook ups. There are hot showers; a lecture space; a 20 hour food service and vendor’s tent.
The 40th anniversary guests featured Scott Roberts and Kent from Explore Scientific, Mike Lockwood from Lockwood Custom Optics, Mark from the YouTube Channel Refreshing Views, Trevor Jones from the YouTube Channel AstroBackyard and Marcus Ludes from APM Telescopes.
https://www.explorescientific.com/
http://www.loptics.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/RefreshingViews
https://www.youtube.com/astrobackyard
https://www.apm-telescopes.net/en/
The great thing about the Winter Star Party is there is plenty of time to talk to everyone and hear their own astronomy journeys.
The equipment that people bring to the Winter Star Party to observe is very impressive. Everyone was happy to share a look and talk about their favourite objects and equipment choices. The custom scopes on display were superb! Mike Lockwood had a 10” Night Vision scope that was amazing.
There is a daily schedule of events starting with a morning swap meet. With a daily presentation / lecture and observing throughout the day and night. It’s pretty much astronomy Disney Land!
nPAE had our own table in the vendor tent and our full line up of products for people to try out during the event. The Flip Turret being very much the star of our line up!
You can find full details of the next Winter Star Party and how to register here:
https://www.scas.org/winter-star-party/
