Posts Made By: Bill Porte

Has this Winter weather got you down? Dreaming of clear skies again? Take a few moments today to register for The Golden State Star Party that will take place under the pristine, clear, DARK California skies near Aden on July 2 through July 6, 2008. The Early Registration Period is in full swing right now. The cost is only $45 for registration and amenities including ample space for camping and equipment set-up and full shower and sanitary facilities. Equipment can be set up once, and left up for the entire event. There will also be on-site food services, and there are many daytime activities in the area as well. For further registration and additional information, visit the Official GSSP website at http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org or contact [email protected] .

Of course this just a "hop, skip, and a jump" for astronomers in California, Nevada, and Oregon. But for those of you in other parts of the country, why not consider a classic "road trip" to sunny California this summer to sample some of our darkest skies? Sign up today for one of California’s best star parties. We hope to see you at GSSP 2008 this July. Clear Skies!

As many of you have already heard, the Golden State Star Party will be held at our exciting new dark site near Adin, California from July 2 through July 6, 2008. Early Registration for GSSP 2008 not only saves you money, but also helps us plan better for the event and the specific needs of our attendees. Until April 15, the registration fee for this non-profit, first-class star party is only $45 for four days of incredible dark sky observing and fun, as well as camping, plenty of space to set up your equipment and leave it up for the entire event, plus a host of on-site amenities. On April 16, the Registration Fees increase to $55 until June 25, and $65 at the gate. The unrivalled new observing field near Adin, California, is as good as it gets! GSSP now offers the darkest skies available to large groups in California, with virtually no light domes. The site features a huge area with minimal dust and no rocks, ideal for camping and equipment set-up. There are ample amenities and conveniences including showers, sanitary facilities, and on-site food service. There are also many worthwhile attractions to see nearby for those who wish to venture off on a day trip or two. RV’s and imagers with their special needs can be easily accommodated this year.

GSSP is organized 100% by astronomers for astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of many star parties or this is your very first one, you will have a great time! We welcome all astronomers of all types and experience levels, including people who are new to the hobby or don’t own their own telescope. We have many experienced observers at GSSP who would be thrilled to share views, knowledge, and their sheer joy of the night sky. Come join us this year to experience the pure enjoyment of Astronomy. Register soon to take advantage of the special lower Early Registration Fee. For registration and more information, please visit our official GSSP website at http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org or contact [email protected] .

Bill Porte
GSSP Organizing Committee

Just a reminder that the Early Registration Period for this year's Golden State Star Party July 2-6 under dark and friendly skies near Adin,California, ends on April 15. Then the Registration Fee increases from $45 to $55. If you are planning to attend this outstanding Summer astronomy event, now's the time to sign up. Visit the official GSSP 2008 website at http://goldenstatestarparty.org to register and learn more about this not-to-be-missed star party. Come join us for four days and nights of fun and some of the best dark sky views you'll ever have through your scope!

ANNOUNCING THE 2009 GOLDEN STATE STAR PARTY

We are pleased to announce that the Golden State Star Party in 2009 will again be held under the very dark, clear, and hospitable skies of Frosty Acres Ranch near Adin, California. GSSP 2009 will happen a little earlier this year, starting on Saturday, June 20, and ending Wednesday, June 24.

The Early Registration Period begins on January 2, 2009 and ends March 30, 2009. The adult registration fee for all four days is $50. The fee will increase to $60 on April 1, 2009, and to $75 after June 12, 2009. As in previous years, children under 18 years of age will be free.

Sponsored by The Astronomy Connection (TAC), this event has established itself over the years as the premier star party in California. GSSP will continue to feature the darkest skies available to large groups in California and a huge observing field ideal for camping and equipment set-up. In addition to observing activities, attendees can also enjoy nearby wildlife refuges, geothermal sites, Burney Falls, state parks, swimming in nearby Bieber, and other activities. We also plan to have an encore of last year’s popular Ranch Day event hosted by the Albaugh’s and other local families.

For registration and more information, visit our official GSSP Website at http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org. Register early and take advantage of the lower registration fee. We hope to see all of you at the Golden State Star Party in June!


Bill Porte
GSSP Organizing Committee

The Golden State Star Party will happen in only a few short months on June 20-24, 2009. A whole bunch of good folks have already registered, and we expect many more. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time to make your move while the Early Registration Period is still in effect. The cost for all four days and nights under the amazing skies of Adin, California, is only $50 per adult. Kids are free. But on April 1, the registration fee will go up to $60 per adult. This year’s GSSP will of course have some the best dark sky observing available, and it will also be packed with a host of other fun activities and features including a Door Prize Raffle, our popular Ranch Day event, an expanded speaker program, kite-flying, home-grown barbeques, and many other things to do and enjoy. Full details can be found on our website at http://goldenstatestarparty.org . If you’re planning to be a part of this great star party, take advantage of the Early Registration savings, and register before April1. We hope to see you there!

Bill Porte
GSSP Organizing Committee

There are only about six more weeks until the Golden State Star Party gets underway on Frosty Acres Ranch in Adin , CA , June 20-24. Now’s the time to register for one of the finest star parties in the country. The GSSP 2009 organizers are in the final phases of planning for this year’s event, and registering as soon as possible will help us provide the best possible party and services for all who attend. If you plan to attend but have just been procrastinating, take some time today to register. If you haven’t decided yet, that’s fine. There’s still time, but remember that GSSP happens only weeks from now. Register soon for GSSP’s incredible dark skies, good friends old and new, an excellent speaker program, great door prizes, and activities galore for all ages and interests. The registration fee is only $60 for all 4 nights until June 12. After that, the registration fee increases to $75. One-day adult passes will be available at the gate for $35. As always, kids under 18 are free. Log in to our website at http://goldenstatestarparty.org for more information, the latest GSSP news and updates, and to register for the event. See you there!



Bill Porte

GSSP Organizing Committee

The Golden State Star Party Is Coming Soon!!

Get ready for another year of great observing under the friendly dark skies of Frosty Acres Ranch in Adin, California. The Golden State Star Party will be held from July 10-14, 2010. Sponsored by the astronomers of The Astronomy Connection (TAC) groups of California, this event has evolved over many years into a truly stellar star party.

Last June, despite thunderstorms, nearly 350 amateur astronomers of all levels of interest and experience attended GSSP, and the skies and the observing again proved to be exceptional.

The group was also treated to a very memorable and fun Ranch Day held by the local families. During the day, people journeyed to nearby Lava Beds National Park, cooled off in the mists of Burney Falls, or ventured to Modoc County’s many wildlife preserves. Others enjoyed hiking along the area’s rivers or flew kites back at the observing site. Speakers provided attendees with insights about astrophotography, telescope designs, and general observing tips. On two evenings, delicious barbeques of grass-fed beef and homemade sides and deserts were offered. On one of the mornings, a free pancake breakfast was served by the GSSP Organizing Committee members.

The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasantly informal. Tent campers, RV’ers, families with children, and even pets were all welcomed and accommodated by the hosts, the site, and the facilities.

The organizers of GSSP expect an even bigger and better event this July. In addition to some of the darkest skies in California, this year’s star party will feature speakers renowned in the field of astronomy, an observers’ roundtable discussion, optional barbeque dinners on Saturday and Sunday nights, and an encore of the popular local community events including “Big Valley Days”. A good time will be had by all!

The Early Registration Period ends March 30, 2010. The adult early registration fee for all four days is $60. The fee will increase to $70 on April 1, 2009, and to $75 for those registering on-site. As in previous years, children under 18 years of age will be free. For more information and updates on this dark sky star party, go to the Golden State Star Party’s official website at http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org .


Bill Porte
GSSP Organizing Committee

Now's the time to sign up for GSSP 2011 which will be held June 29 to July 3 at our dark sky site in Adin, California! The Early Registration Period extends until March 30. Until then, the adult registration fee is only $60 for all four days of this great dark sky event. After that, the fee increases to $70. Kids under 18 are still free. Signing up early is all the more important because, this year, attendance has been capped at 400 people. GSSP is California's premier star party featuring exceptional observing under the clear skies of the Frosty Acres Ranch, as well as a host of other fun attractions and activities. You don't want to miss this one! So take a few minutes to visit our Web site at http://goldenstatestarparty.org to learn more about GSSP 2011 and REGISTER NOW!

GSSP Organizing Committee

GSSP 2013 is only about two months away! 350-400 astronomers and their friends and families will once again congregate for this truly great Star Party under the dark, crisp skies over Frosty Acres Ranch in Adin, CA. The dates are Saturday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 10, 2013. As always, GSSP will feature superb dark skies for observing, excellent camping and RV sites and facilities, a speaker program, a swap meet, wonderful barbecues featuring locally-grown foods, the popular annual pancake breakfast, prizes, friendly supportive folks in the nearby communities, and a wide variety of regional attractions for day trips and exploration in this beautiful part of California. July will be here before you know it, so visit our website at www.goldenstatestarparty.org/ for all the latest information and to register to reserve your place under the stars. The registration fee is only $70 for adult attendees and guests. Children under 18 are free. We'll see you there!



The GSSP Organizing Committee

REMINDER: GSSP 2008--SIGN UP SOON!

The Golden State Star Party is less than two months away! The prospect of a truly unique and exceptional summer star party under the pristine skies of Aden, California has attracted the attention of fellow astronomers from all over our area and beyond. Over 250 folks have already made the decision to join in this summer’s premier celebration of the heavens, and we are rapidly approaching the 2008 attendance cap of 300 astronomers. Online registration is open until June 25, but now’s the time to make your move and sign up before it’s too late. Visit the GSSP 2008 Website at http://goldenstatestarparty.org to register—or simply to find out more about this major astronomy event. There is info on this site about the equipment people are bringing, camping tips, attendees, driving directions, attractions and things to do in the area, observing lists, vendors, and much more. For those of you who have already signed up, be sure to check out the site regularly for GSSP updates and information. And if you would like to play a part personally in making this star party the success it promises to be, be sure to check out the Volunteers Section and sign up to help out as a GSSP volunteer. The Golden State Star Party runs from July 2 to July 6. Don’t miss it!

Bill Porte
GSSP Organizing Committee