Speakers

Wednesday - August 11th

• 9:15pm - Dave Powell - Perseid Meteor talk

  Oregon Star Party director Dave Powell and OMSI's Planetarium director Jim Todd will give an introduction to meteor showers, with emphasis on the Perseid Meteor shower. Questions gladly answered! Jim is also an Oregon Star Party committee member, and coordinates OMSI's annual star parties.

Thursday - August 12th

• 2:40pm - 3:30pm - Jo Johnson - Tutorial: How to Measure Visual Double Stars

  The OSP 2010 Science Workshop will feature quantitative measurements of visual double stars with both equatorial and Dobsonian telescopes equipped with Celestron Micro Guide astrometric eyepieces, followed by analysis of the observations and preparation of a paper for publication in the Journal of Double Star Observations. Russ Genet and Jo Johnson will introduce small telescope science and visual double star observations in a general interest 90 minute session on Thursday at 2 PM. This will be followed by a half hour "how to" working session for workshop participants led by Jo. Observations will be made that night, the data will be analyzed on Friday, and a paper prepared for publication. A general interest, one hour wrap- up/summary PowerPoint presentation will be given on Saturday at 1 PM describing how this pioneering workshop went and what the scientific results. To our knowledge, this will be the first ever science workshop at a major star party with observational results published in a scientific journal. If you might be interested in joining this workshop and becoming a co-author of the published paper, please contact Jo at jolyonjohnson@gmail.com.

• 3:20pm - 4:00pm - Tom Frey - Measuring and Recording Observations of Double Stars

  New to Oregon Star Party this year! Similar to a workshop conducted at Pine Mountain Observatory, participants will conduct observations of double stars, variable stars, make photographic or photometric observations under the guidance of Russ Genet, Richard Berry, Howard Banich, and others. Data collected will be discussed at Saturday afternoon's workshop wrap-up, with the goal of publishing data and observations. Thomas G. Frey is Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA. He has been an active member of the Central Coast Astronomical Society for over 25 years. He was a team leader at the Pine Mountain Observatory Summer Science Research Workshop, Bend, OR, 2009.

• 4:00pm - Bob Bower - In Search of the Forty Foot

  During his career, William Herschel constructed more than 400 telescopes. The most notable one was a reflecting telescope with a 40' focal length; hence its name, "The Forty Foot". Bob has searched for the original site of The Forty Foot, and along the way has learned about Herschel's life and work. Semi-retired from a career which includes military and aerospace work, Bob has been an amateur astronomer since age 8, building his first telescope in 1963. Bob is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and past President of the Ayrshire(Scotland) Astronomical Society.

• 7:00pm - Tom Clark - Star Parties in the U.S.A.

  Tom and Jeannie Clark have attended over 50 star parties around the country while summering in their RV. Tom is the retired owner of Tectron Telescopes, retired publisher of Amateur Astronomy Magazine, and has written nearly 200 articles on astronomy and telescope making. They live in the Chiefland Astronomy Village in Florida, and spend most nights hard at play in their observatory with their 42" telescope. For more information, visit http://www.tomclarkbooks.com/tomclarkbooks.com/About_the_Author.html

• 8:30pm - Michael Rasmussen - Limiting Magnitude

  Michael is a longtime member of Rose City Astronomers and an Oregon Star Party committee member. He will demonstrate the magnitude of the stars as the sky darkens and the dim stars become more visible.

• 9:00pm - Dave Powell - A stroll Through the Night Skies, Part1 - 802 Circle

  Dave is Oregon Star Party's new director. He conducts night sky programs annually at Oregon Star Party, adding humor, mythology, and history to his programs. A retired police officer, Dave has received the Astronomical League's Master level award for public outreach.

Friday - August 13th

• 1:00pm - Russ Genet - ATM Alt-Az Forum

  The combination of low-cost alt-az telescope control systems and affordable aerospace materials has reached a point where a revolutionary new class of lightweight, highly capable alt- az telescopes is emerging. Similar to SCTs, they will not only be used visually, but for CCD- based scientific research and astrophotography. Similar to Dobsonians, they will have larger apertures than SCTs yet will be lightweight. Unlike visual-only Dobsonians but similar to their closely related giant mountaintop alt-as relatives, this emerging class of precisely controlled telescopes will handle a variety of instruments mounted on a field derotator with generous back focus.

• 2:00pm - Russ Genet - ATM Alt-AZ Telescope Presentation

• 3:00pm - Russ Genet - ATM Alt-Az Panel Discussion

  Amateur telescope makers have broken the 1-meter telescope barrier, and are now rapidly heading toward 1.5 and even 2.0 meter portable telescopes. OSP2010 will feature large alt-az telescope forum consisting of PowerPoint presentations, a panel discussion, and a special Mel Bartels guided large scope walkabout. The key to large aperture portable telescopes is, of course, affordable lightweight mirrors, and advances are being made in meniscus, foam glass, spun epoxy and other mirror technologies. Advances in other key areas include direct drive motors and controllers (no gears, belts, or friction rollers) and large telescope portability. While some portable large alt-az telescopes will be used for stunning visual observations-deep sky objects in color-others will be non-imaging "photon funnels" used either signally or in arrays for light bucket photometric or spectroscopic observations.

• 3:30pm - Mel Bartels - Telescope Walkabout

  Mel writes: In elementary school, for an assignment titled "If You Could Make Two Wishes and Have Them Come True, What Would They Be?", I wrote "My first wish would be to have a flying saucer that had telescope in it. My second wish would be to be a great music player." Well, I am an amateur astronomer, I played trumpet professionally for many years, and have a pilot's license, so, pretty darn good! Currently, Mel is a software development manager for a software company in Eugene, Oregon.

• 6:00pm - David Haworth - Astronomical Spectroscopy

  Lean how to take astronomical spectra with equipment that range from simple grating filters to a 38 degrees astronomical spectrograph. Spectra of various objects are shown and the analysis of Quasar 3C 273 redshift is covered. It is amazing that amateur astronomers with small optics in light polluted skies can duplicate Dr. Maarten Schmidt's historical Quasar 3C 273 redshift observation and analysis that was done in 1963 with the Mount Palomar Observatory.

• 7:00pm - Shane Larson - Galaxy Formation

  Galaxies are ubiquitous entities in modern astronomy and astrophysics, yet as recently as 100 years ago their true nature was unknown and vigorously debated. Today, galaxies are widely studied and used as indicators to understand the growth of structure in the Universe, the evolution of stars and matter, and the growth and fate of massive black holes. In this talk, we'll revisit the debates and observations that led to our current understanding of galaxies and galactic structure, discuss things that we still do not understand about galaxies, discover how modern astronomical research about galaxies is expanding our understanding of the Cosmos, and finally take note of some exceptional galaxies which are easily observed from Indian Trail Spring. Shane is an astrophysicist specializing in gravitational physics, particularly the detection of low frequency gravitational waves from exotic astrophysical sources like black holes in the centers of active galactic nuclei. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

• 9:30pm - Dave Powell - A Stroll Through the Skies, part 2 - 802 Circle

  Using a green laser pointer, Dave will show you around the night sky as he identifies constellations and stars while telling stories from mythology and history. While Dave includes general information each night, no two presentations are ever the same. Thursday and Friday night programs are suitable for all audiences.

Saturday - August 14th

• 1:00pm - Jo Johnson - Science Workshop Wrap-Up & Summary

• 7:00pm - Greg Mendell - LIGO

  LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, seeks to detect gravitational waves -- ripples in the fabric of space time. First predicted by Einstein in his theory of general relativity, gravitational waves are produced by exotic events involving black holes, neutron stars and objects perhaps not yet discovered. Greg Mendell has a B.S. in astrophysics from Michigan State University (1981) and a Ph.D. in physics from Montana State University (1991). Currently, he works as a Scientist at LIGO Hanford Observatory, where he works on gravitational-wave detection. For more information, visit http://www.ligo- wa.caltech.edu/ligo_overview.html

• 9:00pm - Dave Powell - A Stroll Through the Skies, Part 3 - 802 circle

  Saturday night's presentation includes "Made Up Mythology" plus stories of the wild antics of the Greek gods. As with Thursday and Friday night programs, general information will also be included. For Saturday night's presentation, be prepared for a strong use of euphemisms; Dave rates this program somewhere between PG and PG-13.

Observing Programs

We want to encourage observing at the Oregon Star Party, so we have developed 3 different observing programs each year, each with its award certificate and pin. Anyone registered for the star party is eligible to participate.

Those participants who successfully complete a program will receive a Certificate showing their accomplishment. If you wish, you may purchase a beautiful "OSP Observer" lapel pin once you have completed a list. Each of the programs has its own pin in a different color. The lapel pins are available only for those who complete a program and will not be sold to the public. There are three different colored pins, one for each of the programs and a different pin shape each year.

Your name will also be displayed on the Oregon Star Party webpage as an Observing award winner.

• Observing Program Rules

  All observations must be made at Indian Trail Springs during the week of the Oregon Star Party. You may carry over your observations to the next year if you did not complete them in one year, but they must be made at ITS during OSP.

  You must create a record of your observation and it must include:

  • Date of Observation
  • Time of observation
  • Sky condition (Seeing)
  • Type of instrument used
  • Magnification used while observing the object
  • A brief description of the object
  • Proof of OSP registration

  A drawing of the object is fine. You may keep this record in diary form or any form that includes the information required. The record of your observations will be checked and if all is in order, your Certificate will be awarded and you will be allowed to purchase the pin if you so desire. Your records will be returned.

  You can have the records of your observations checked at the Information Tent, daily, Starting Thursday, between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. All observations must be completed by Saturday Night. We will be available on Sunday from 10:00am till Noon to check your records and award certificates.

  Still Have Questions? Contact the Award Committee for more information.

Observing Lists

2010 Lists

• Level 1 - Now with finder charts!

  The best way to enjoy the unique beauty of the dark skies at Oregon Star Party is to view bright Messier objects, popular double stars and planets. The objects listed are easily visible in telescopes and binoculars of all sizes - perfect for those who are just getting started. To receive the OSP Observer pin and award certificate, you must observe and record at least 25 of the 35 listed objects while you are at OSP. As an added reference, each object's page number in the popular Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is listed in the right-hand column.

  For the first time, the list includes 5 southern deep sky objects provided by RCA's Sister Club, Grupo de Astronomos Mendocinos Aficionados, located in Mendoza, Argentina. They will be observing the same objects from Argentina during OSP. Each object will be a rewarding challenge as they are low and faint above the southern horizon.

  All of the listed objects are visible between sunset and 4 a.m.. When finished, bring the list to the Information Tent to receive your OSP Pin.

  2010 Level 1 printable list

• Level 2 - Now with finder charts!

  This list includes objects from the Astronomical League Herschel 400, Globular Cluster list, Planetary Nebula list, and the Double Star list. To receive the OSP observer pin and award certificate, you must observe at least 20 of 28 the objects while at OSP. As an added reference, each object's page number in the popular Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is listed in the right-hand column.

  Each double star pair must be sketched with north on top. Hint: stars drift east to west and north is located CCW from west in a Dobsonian telescope. Be sure to get updated orbital information on the comet just before OSP to get an accurate position. Planetary nebula NGC 6807 is stellar. You will need a DSS photo of the area to help locate the object. Confirm by blinking with an OIII or sky glow filter.

  2010 Level 2 printable list

• Level 3

  Every year I create the advanced Observer's list with some general theme. Being of Armenian descent, I have been aware that there are quite a few Armenian astronomers of note. This year, I thought it was time to highlight a few objects from their catalogs. How great to find that they all seemed to be on the challenging side - maybe it runs in the blood! To receive the OSP Observer pit and award certificate, you must observe all items listed below. If you observe the bonus item, the pin is free!

  Level 3 Items

  • Terzan 5
  • Parsamyan 21
  • Markarian 50
  • Gyulbudhagian's Nebula
  • 3 companion galaxies of NGC 6166
  • Thousands of "anonymous" galaxies visible in larger amateur scopes have no catalog number. Observer one, document its location including a sketch, and the nearest named object.
  • Small uncataloged piece of the Veil Nebula marked TBA in the observing packet.
  • Bonus Object: Ambartsumian's Knot (Free pin if you observe this in addition to everything else!).

  2010 Level 3 printable list

2009 Lists

• Level 1

  You are required to observe and record at least 25 of the 30 listed objects.

  2009 Level 1 printable list

• Level 2

  This year we offer several objects from the Herschel 400 and O'Meara's Hidden Treasures. We have also thrown in a few double stars for your enjoyment. You must observe at least 20 of the 33 objects to qualify for the award.

  2009 Level 2 printable list

• Level 3

  Torture your eyeballs all night long with a list of 13 objects that would drive anyone insane.

  2009 Level 3 printable list

2008 Lists

• Level 1

  You are required to observe and record at least 25 of the 30 listed objects.

  2008 Level 1 printable list

• Level 2

  This year we focus in on the Caldwell objects for the intermediate list. You must observe 20 of the 27 objects and the planets count as one object. Please sketch the objects.

  2008 Level 2 printable list

• Level 3

  Torture your eyeballs all night long with a list of 13 objects that would drive anyone insane.

  2008 Level 3 printable list

First Timers

Welcome to the OSP First Timers page. My first experience at OSP was in 2003. It was hot and dusty (still is) with beautifully dark skies. After a week of meeting new friends and working on an observing list, I almost didn't want to leave this beautiful place. So that you may fully enjoy your time at OSP, here are a few OSP pages you may want to read while planning your week under the stars.

- On the @OSP page, read and become familiar with information about camping, water, food, fire and what to bring and what to leave home. Download and become familiar with maps of the OSP site.

- On the HOME page, become familiar with the DRIVING DIRECTIONS, and carefully follow the driving instructions from Prineville. Some people have reported that using a GPS has taken them on an incorrect route, across the country on a forest road. The route is well signed with OSP signs at every turn after Prineville. The mileage instructions from Prineville are accurate.

- Try to plan you trip so you arrive before dark, which is at about 8pm. Keep in mind that finding your way on a Forest Service road after dark can be difficult. The OSP gate at the entrance is closed at 8pm to prevent car lights from shining on the observing areas. If you do arrive after 8pm, you will need to camp outside the OSP gate until morning.

- If you have a new telescope, ask others camping around you for help or sign up for the adult or youth mentoring programs listed on the ACTIVITIES page. Mentoring activities are lead by OSP committee members experienced in mentoring new observers. Take advantage of their knowledge, and sign up for a session!

- Astronomers stay up all night and sleep during the day, so please be considerate of other astronomers and observe the quiet hours until 10:30am.

- Oregon Star Party is located in the heart of the Ochoco National Forest, a beautiful part of Eastern Oregon. In addition to learning a lot about astronomy and telescopes, there are many other activities available in the area including hiking, geocaching, and swimming in local lakes.

So, that's it. Introduce yourself to Director Dave Powell and other members of the OSP committee. We all wear tie-dyed OSP committee t-shirts and so are easy to find. Don't hesitate to stop and ask us questions!

Let us know your thoughts during and after OSP.

Clear skies!
Ken Cone
OSP Webmaster

Driving Directions

Remember: sunset at this time of year is around 8:00 PM. Please try to arrive before dark. But if you are unable to do so, be cautious of deer or other animals on the roads, particularly around dusk or dawn. Anticipate an hour drive from Prineville to the site. Roads are paved except for the last four miles, which are gravel and in good shape.

• Those arriving after 8pm should plan on spending their first night parked at the entry Late Night Arrival Area.
• The road into the main area will be blocked and you will be asked to camp in the late night arrival area at the entry near the registration tent. The road will reopen at 10am in the morning.
• We have had some trouble in the past with local hunters removing our signs, so if you follow the mileages listed, you will find OSP without any problem.

Please check the Oregon Department of Transportation web page tripcheck for up-to-date road information. The link for Incident Maps will take you to a 9 section grid. The Indian Trail Spring site is in Central Oregon. The site is east of Prineville along Highway 26.

Contact us, if you need additional directions. A good idea is to pick up either a Pittmon’s map for Crook County, or a National Forest Service map of the Ochoco's for detailed information about the area.

For a printable map with driving directions, click here

From western Oregon, western Washington & California:

1. Travel east out of Prineville on State Highway #26.
2. Zero your trip meter at the US Forest Service Headquarters at the east end of town. Stay on Hwy 26 for approximately 14 miles (A), then turn right onto the Ochoco Ranger Station Road. It is not marked, but there should be an OSP sign placed shortly after you turn.
3. Zero your trip meter again and travel 8.4 miles, until you come to a Y in the road just past the Big Summit Ranger Station (B).
4. Zero trip meter again, stay right on NFS 42 and go 19 miles to NFS 4240 (C).
5. Turn right onto NFS 4240 and proceed for 2.7 miles, turn right onto NFS 800 (D).
6. Go 1.5 miles west on NFS 800 and you will arrive at the OSP site.

From eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, & other states:

Coming from places east of Indian Trail Spring, there are several options. From the north and east several good paved roads lead eventually to the town of Mitchell along Hwy 26. It is recommended that those coming in from this direction continue west on Hwy 26 to the turnoff for the Ochoco Ranger Station Road.

There are several gravel Forest Service roads that can be taken if one has an Ochoco National Forest map and feels comfortable with navigating back roads. But it is always a good idea to contact the Forest Service right before OSP to make sure these roads are open. From the southeast, the main roads will take you through Bend and then to Prineville. Hwy 27 is a shortcut available off of Hwy 20 to Prineville, it is graveled from Hwy 20 until the Prineville Reservoir where it becomes paved.

Generator Policy

US Forest Service policies are subject to change at any time

As it has been in the past, we usually will not know for sure if the USFS and the State of Oregon will allow the use of generators.

If allowed, the generators must be within 100 feet of the graveled roads (800 & 802) and operated between noon and 7PM. We request that you limit the usage of your generator as much as possible out of respect for your fellow astronomers.

The decision is based on several factors: the dryness of the forest area around Indian Trail Spring, the 14 day forecast prior to OSP, whether they have closed forest to the public and if level IV restrictions are in place.

Please check back to this area for the lastest information concerning the use of generators at OSP.

Current US Forest Service Generator Usage Info