Rainwater Observatory is hosting the annual Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference from May 8th to 11th, 2024. The event, renowned for drawing amateur and professional astronomers nationwide, will be held near French Camp, Mississippi, under some of the darkest skies in the southeastern U.S., just off the picturesque Natchez Trace Parkway.
Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference Set for May 2024
This year’s conference promises a vibrant lineup featuring astronomy presentations, sightseeing, telescope observing, and imaging. Esteemed speakers include galaxy researcher Dr. William Keel from the University of Alabama, astrophotographer and retired "Hurricane Hunter" Jon Talbot, and NASA-recognized teacher, lecturer, and astrophotographer Dave Teske, who is also the Lunar Recorder for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.).
Adding to the excitement, a space art and astrophotography exhibit will be displayed at the Welcome Center’s Main Street Gallery in downtown French Camp.
The Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference promises an exciting lineup of activities and presentations for astronomy enthusiasts. Here's the detailed schedule for the event.
Space Art and Astrophotography Exhibit:
- On display at the Welcome Center's Main Street Art Gallery in French Camp, Mississippi
- Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday
Wednesday, May 8
- Daytime Activities: Setup, solar observing, fellowship, sightseeing
- Nighttime Activities: Observing from sunset until late
Thursday, May 9
- Daytime Activities: Solar observing, fellowship, sightseeing. Lunch: 12 p.m. at Council House Restaurant. Lecture: 2 p.m. - Dave Teske, "A Lunar Swirl Near Apollo 16". Dinner: 5 p.m. at Council House Restaurant
- Nighttime Activities: Observing from sunset until late
Friday, May 10
- Daytime Activities: Solar observing, fellowship, sightseeing. Lunch: 12 p.m. at Council House Restaurant. Lecture: 1 p.m. - Jon Talbot, "Adventures in Imaging the Unknown". Lecture: 3 p.m. - Dr. William Keel, "Cosmic Webb – Origin Stories, Collectors’ Edition". Dinner: 5 p.m. at Council House Restaurant. Lecture: 7:30 p.m. - "Sky Lore in the Planetarium" with Dave Teske
- Nighttime Activities: Observing from sunset until late
Saturday, May 11
- Daytime Activities: Solar observing, fellowship, sightseeing. Lunch: 12 p.m. at Council House Restaurant. Lecture: 3 p.m. - Dr. William Keel, "Stardust Revisited". Dinner: 5 p.m. at Council House Restaurant
- Nighttime Activities: Observing from sunset until late
Abstracts of Dr. William C. Keel's lectures, scheduled for the conference
- Cosmic Webb - Origin Stories, Collectors' Edition: Analysis of two years of data from the James Webb Space Telescope, and insights into galaxy evolution and the influence of supermassive black holes.
- Stardust Revisited: The significance of cosmic dust in star formation, planetary system development, and interstellar ecology and new findings from JWST, ALMA, and asteroid samples reveal the importance of cosmic dust.
Mid-South Stargaze Guidelines
- Prohibited Substances: No drugs, alcohol, or smoking are allowed on the Rainwater Observatory campus, including the Bed & Breakfast and Camp of the Rising Son.
- Registration: Complimentary for children 12 and under, but lodging fees still apply. Regular fees apply to youth and adults aged 13 and up. Submit the registration form and payment at least a week before the event. Non-refundable for cancellations made less than a week in advance.
- Respect for Equipment: Don't use telescopes unless invited by the owner. Cover flashlights with red tape or tissue paper. Use electronic devices away from telescopes and camera equipment.
- Observing Etiquette: Avoid leaving with your car after dark except during designated time windows. From 9:30 to 10:00 pm, cars may exit the observatory hill. Park farther from the hill if leaving outside this window.
- Safety Precautions: Be cautious of posts, cables, and obstacles that are hard to see at night. Don't let children play on the observatory hill or near buildings.
- Vehicle Safety: Drive carefully on the observatory hill and enter from the top to drive down to your area.
- Registration Check-In: Stop at the Office for registration upon arrival.