Cherry Springs Star Party 2024 schedule and speaker lineup

Monday, May 13, 2024

The Cherry Springs Star Party is an astronomy event at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, Pennsylvania. It's an annual gathering where amateur astronomers camp, observe the night sky, attend lectures and workshops, and participate in a raffle. The park's dark skies offer ideal stargazing conditions.

The 2024 Cherry Springs Star Party is scheduled for June 6th to June 9th, hosted at Cherry Springs State Park, one of the darkest International Dark Sky Parks in the eastern United States. This annual gathering attracts amateur astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts who engage in night sky observation and photography, enjoy lectures on astronomical subjects, explore vendor displays, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Cherry Springs Star Party 2024 registration details

Registration Opens: March 18th, 2024, at 4 PM, exclusively through Eventbrite.
Pre-registration Required: No on-site registration available during the event.
Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are non-refundable.
Transfer Policy: Registrations can be transferred to individuals on the waiting list via Eventbrite until June 7th, 2023. After this date, no changes will be accepted.

Rules and guidelines

Lighting Restrictions: Only dim red lights are permitted after sunset; all white and non-red lights, including those inside tents and RVs, are prohibited.
Vehicle Restrictions: No driving on the field after dusk; gates will be locked until dawn.
Fire and Laser Policy: Campfires and all types of lasers, except for telescope alignment tools, are banned.
Electrical Use: Electric pedestals are reserved for astronomical equipment and low-power appliances.
Cooking on Site: Cooking is allowed if it does not produce excessive smoke or open flames that could harm telescope optics.
Speed Limit: Observe the posted speed to minimize dust.

Cherry Springs Star Party schedule

Thursday

12:00 Noon - Registration desk opens.
8 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 2 am Out of the Box Stellar Food service begins for Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. Sunday food service is 8 am to Noon, when food service ends.
8:40 pm - Sunset (all times are EDT).
10:44 pm - Astronomical Twilight ends.

Friday

3:32 am Astronomical Twighlight begins
4:07 am 3% Moonrise.
5:36am Sunrise.
11:00 am - Quiet time ends for sleeping astronomers. Please be considerate to those nearby.
8:40 pm Sunset.
10:44 pm Astronomical Twighlight Ends

Saturday

3:32 am Astronomical twighlight begins.
4:37 am Almost New Moon rises.
05:37 am Sunrise
11:00 am - Quiet time ends for sleeping astronomers. Please be considerate to those nearby.
11:00 am to 12:00 Noon - Swap Meet - bring your old gear (and a table or blanket) to the area in front of the vendor tents outside the fence.
Raffle prizes will be set-up in the pavilion on Saturday afternoon. Prize viewing and ticket deposit into the prize bins will be available afterwards. See prize list posted at registration and pavilion.
4:30 pm - Close of the raffle - NO ADDITIONAL RAFFLE TICKETS CAN BE PLACED IN THE PRIZE BINS
5:15 pm - Raffle of Donated Prizes at the Pavilion. Kids’ Door Prizes drawing will be held first
7:30 - 9:00 - Cloudy Night Astronomy “Jam Session”. If it is clouded out tonight - stop by the pavilion for an informal meet and greet of astronomy peers and discussion topics.
8:41 pm Sunset
10:45 pm - Astronomical Twilight ends.

Sunday

3:32 am Astronomical Twilight begins.
5:37 am Sunrise.
12:00 Noon - Food Service ends. The Star Party is officially over. Those extending their stay will be subject to park camping fees.

Cherry Springs Star Party location and setup

The Cherry Springs Star Party is hosted at Cherry Springs State Park, situated between Coudersport and Galeton in Potter County, PA. This park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the darkest spots in the eastern United States. The event takes place on the Astronomer's Overnight Field, located on the west side of State Route 44, which divides the park.

What to bring

Accommodation: Your registration includes camping on the field. You can use a tent, RV, or camper, though there are no RV hookups.
Clothing: Bring warm clothing and sleeping bags as temperatures can drop after sunset.
Food: Feel free to bring your own food and beverages. A food vendor is available on-site. Use only small propane grills and secure all food due to local wildlife.
Astronomy Gear: Anything from binoculars to telescopes is recommended. Use red flashlights and covers for electronic devices to comply with light restrictions.

Arrival and setup

Upon arrival, check in at the white tent at the field's entrance. There are no assigned spots, so select any available space suitable for your setup. Larger RVs are asked to park towards the west side of the field.

Navigating the observing field

Facilities: Restrooms and Port-A-Johns are located around the field. The nearest showers are about 6 miles away at Lyman Run State Park, for a fee.
Activities: Events like lectures and the raffle are held at the Picnic Pavilion. Vendors and the Saturday Swap Meet are near the north side of the field.
Etiquette: Follow the Star Party etiquette, especially the no white light rule after dusk.

Gotta 'Scope? Got Questions? Ask the Astronomers

Open Q&A with ASH members on telescopes and observing strategies.

Cherry Springs Star Party raffle and prize list

The Cherry Springs Star Party hosts a raffle on Saturday afternoon at the Picnic Pavilion. Participants receive one free ticket upon registration, and additional tickets can be purchased for $1 each or 12 for $10. Attendees deposit tickets into bins for their desired prizes from noon until 4:30 p.m. Terms and conditions apply, including no refunds, age restrictions, and mandatory presence at the drawing.

Oberwerk Optics: 11x56LW binoculars
Software Bisque: TheSky™ Imaging Bundle
TeleVue Optics: 13mm Nagler type 6
Sky & Telescope: Pocket Sky Atlas, jumbo edition
ADM Accessories: Dual AVX mount or credit toward other ADM accessories
Chroma Technology Corp.: Gift certificate up to $1,175
Sky-Watcher: Prize TBD