Oregon Star Party

The Oregon Star Party (OSP), founded in 1987, is one of the top^{[citation needed]} annual events in the United States for observational astronomy. The OSP takes place in the Ochoco National Forest, near the geographical center of the state of Oregon. It is far enough from population centers to provide some of the darkest skies in North America.^[1] The area's altitude also contributes to steady seeing^{[citation needed]}, frequently providing nearly ideal observational conditions.

Usually held in August, the OSP attracts as many as 700-800 attendees. The highest attendance was in 2003, with 900 attendees.^[2] OSP features a wide range of amenities—such as a latte stand, chuckwagon stand, satellite Internet access, and showers. Many vendors sell various astronomy-related goods.^[3]

Participation does not require a telescope. Most astronomers let visitors have a view. Daytime events include guest speakers, such as famous telescope makers, people from NASA, and optic manufactures. The event provides activities for children and an "observing" challenge^[4]. An OSP walk around for the community provides a guided tour around the telescope field, and talks about different telescope designs.

OSP attracts visual observers, photographic astronomy amateurs, and telescope builders from the region and around the world.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ "Oregon Star Party Light Pollution Map". ClearDarkSky Light Pollution Map. http://www.cleardarksky.com/lp/OrgnSpORlp.html?Mn=eyepiece. Retrieved 6 September 2011. 
2. ^ 1
3. ^ 2
4. ^ 3

1. *2003. Largest OSP Ever. (By Bruce Johnson)

2. *OSP Vendors

3. *OSP Challenge!

4. *OSP Door Prize!

5. *Article in The Oregonian, July 4, 2009

6. *Oregon Star Party Light Pollution Map

External links

• Oregon Star Party