The Peach State Star Gaze (PSSG) is one of the longest-running annual star parties in the southeastern United States. Set to return for its 31st year, the 2025 event will be held from October 19 through October 26 at the familiar grounds of Deerlick Astronomy Village in Georgia. Organized by the Atlanta Astronomy Club, this event offers amateur astronomers a week-long opportunity to observe, meet other sky enthusiasts, and enjoy dark skies with plenty of creature comforts.
The PSSG spans seven days, allowing attendees to settle in and observe without rushing. This extended format means observers can make the most of weather patterns, staying flexible and maximizing their chances of clear nights. Whether you’re planning to image the deep sky or just observe visually with binoculars or a Dobsonian, the event’s layout makes it easy to set up and stay put.
RV hookups and access to electricity are available, which is especially useful for imagers running laptops, mounts, and dew heaters all night. Bathrooms, hot showers, and even Wi-Fi are available, making the site much more comfortable than many other remote star parties. It’s designed to support those who stay the full week or just pop in for a few days.
The event takes place at Deerlick Astronomy Village, a private dark-sky site known for its low light pollution. Located in rural Georgia, Deerlick offers Bortle Class 2-3 skies depending on the weather and moon phase. It’s a well-known location for astrophotographers throughout the region and serves as an ideal venue for long exposure imaging or visual observing.
The village has large open fields for setting up scopes, and it’s accessible to vehicles for easy unloading and loading. There’s also a community aspect, campfires, shared meals, and time spent hanging out during the day are as much a part of the PSSG experience as the observing itself.
While the specific speaker lineup for 2025 hasn't been published yet, previous years have included presentations from both amateur and professional astronomers. Topics usually cover astrophotography tips, planetary science updates, equipment walkthroughs, and visual observing techniques. There’s usually a keynote speaker on the weekend and additional talks scattered throughout the week, especially Friday and Saturday.
Aside from talks, the event usually features door prizes, a swap table, and informal workshops. People often host their own gear demos or impromptu gear comparisons in the field after dark. If you’re trying to decide between telescopes, mounts, or cameras, it’s a good place to see things in action and talk to users directly.
The PSSG is a regional event, so expect folks mostly from Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. However, the reputation of the event draws people from farther out as well. Many return year after year, so there's a mix of first-timers and veterans who’ve been coming for decades.
The event is welcoming to all experience levels. Whether you’ve been doing astrophotography for years or just bought your first telescope, it’s a laid-back environment. You’ll find people willing to offer tips, let you look through their scopes, or walk you through using your own gear. It’s especially beginner-friendly, and you won’t be out of place if you bring something simple like an 8-inch Dob or even a pair of binoculars.
Since it’s a full week event with camping-style lodging, you’ll want to be mostly self-sufficient. That includes tents or an RV if you're staying on-site, sleeping bags, food, and observing gear. While there’s power and Wi-Fi, it’s still a remote location, there’s no nearby grocery store or restaurant. Bringing backup batteries and extra dew control is a good idea since late October in Georgia can be humid at night.
Don’t forget warm clothes. Even though it’s Georgia, temperatures can dip into the 40s and 50s (Fahrenheit) at night. Clear skies often mean cold nights.
You’ll also want red lighting, since the observing field is a white-light-free zone once dark. There are some specific field rules around headlights, phones, and camping etiquette, and these are usually posted in the registration packet or on the website beforehand.
Registration hasn’t opened yet, but it will be announced on the Peach State Star Gaze website. In past years, attendees could register online and choose the number of nights they were staying, RV site requirements, and whether they wanted an electrical hookup. Once registration opens, it’s best to reserve early if you need power or an RV slot, those can fill quickly.
Pricing generally varies depending on how many nights you attend and whether you need electricity. There are usually early bird discounts and family packages too. Payment is done online, and confirmation is sent by email.
There’s typically an on-site check-in table when you arrive. You’ll receive a name badge, your registration packet, field map, and any PSSG swag you may have purchased like T-shirts or patches.
The event is run entirely by volunteers, and help is always welcome. There are opportunities to help with parking, speaker setup, field maintenance, and more. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can usually sign up during registration or email the organizing committee.
Basic rules include:
These rules help everyone enjoy the event without distraction and keep the dark sky preserved for deep sky observation. The Peach State Star Gaze continues to be one of the more well-rounded regional star parties in the country. With its mix of amenities and truly dark skies, it provides a great balance of comfort and observing quality. Whether you’re coming for the weekend or staying all seven nights, it’s a solid event to put on your calendar if you’re anywhere near the southeastern US.
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