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San Antonio Astronomical Association

Star Parties

Astronomers from far and wide gather in remote locations, under clear, dark skies to look at heavenly bodies. This is called a star party. Some astronomers gather in the sand, under clear, bright skies to look at heavenly bodies. This is called a beach party.

If you go to a star party, there are several items you will want to bring with you. Etiquette at star parties is important, after all you are not alone at these star parties. Etiquette at beach parties is somewhat less restrictive.

There are several preeminent star parties in the United States. Every April or May during the new moon astronomers from around the world gather in West Texas at the Prude Ranch for the Texas Star Party.

Also twice each year, the Austin Astronomical Society sponsors the Central Texas Star Party (CTSP). The CTSP is held at their Eagle Eye Observatory, which is located at their dark-sky Canyon of the Eagles site within the 940-acre Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park about an hour and a half from Austin, about 15 miles north-northwest of Burnet.

A star party which began in 2003 is the Eldorado Star Party. This star party is just for amateur astronomers who want dark skies and a protected environment. It will be held at the 7,100 acre X-Bar Ranch near Sonora Texas. The Eldorado Star Party is co-sponsored by the Texas Star Party , and area clubs including San Antonio Astronomical Association and Austin Astronomical Society.

Near the new moon, at the end of September or beginning of October astronomers flock to the Okie-Tex Star Party at Camp Billy Joe, near Kenton, Oklahoma.

In February, during the new moon, deep in the heart of the Conch Republic, near Key West, Florida, USA, winter weary astronomers gather for the Winter Star Party.

Are the stars at night really big and bright in Texas? Ever seen the 'man in the moon'? The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Natural Areas and the Bexar Audubon Society invite you to satisfy your curiosity about these and other night sky questions at the Winter Skies Star Party usually held in January at Eisenhower Park. This program, facilitated by the San Antonio Astronomical Association, is designed to give people with little knowledge of astronomy an opportunity to view features of the winter sky through telescopes operated by their knowledgeable owners. The Association was formed in 1974 and has grown to a membership of 200 members. The group includes astrophotography, telescope construction and community education in its varied programming.

Deep in South Texas, the Kingsville Astronomical Society hosts the Deep South Texas Stargaze. The DSTS is usually held in late January at the Escondido Ranch, 25 miles northwest of Freer.