Southern Star - April 25th - 27th, 2008
Get your registration
form and complete information by CLICKING
HERE!
An Introduction
To Southern Star
The Southern Star astronomy convention
originated in 1986 and is hosted annually by the
Charlotte Amateur Astronomers Club, Charlotte, North
Carolina. The
event is held between late April and mid-May (depending
on lunar phase and facility availability) at Wildacres
near Little Switzerland, North Carolina. This is
located just off the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway – which
winds its way through the lower end of the Appalachian
Mountains. Wildacres is a private retreat with
modern facilities including motel-like private rooms
with bath, a glass-enclosed dining room combining
great family-style meals with beautiful views overlooking
the mountain ridges, and a small auditorium. All
of these facilities are tucked away under the trees
at the top of a mountain ridge, but with enough open
areas for viewing the night skies.
Southern Star starts in the late
afternoon on a Friday and concludes mid-morning on
the following Sunday (2 nights). During the
convention there are lectures by professionals on
such topics as astronomical research, observatories,
amateur observing techniques, space exploration,
etc. There are also activities
usually including “swap tables” (to unload
your surplus equipment and find new “treasures”),
astro-imaging display, night-time star-parties
(weather permitting), day-time solar viewing (one
or two folks usually have a hydrogen-alpha filter
equipped telescope!), an ice-cream social Saturday
night, and – of course – door prizes! There
is even time to sit back in a rocking chair on the
hewn stone patio and admire the mountains or take
a nature hike through the woods.
The facility accommodates approximately 115 attendees
staying at Wildacres. The Southern Star registration
fee includes all lectures, room accommodations, and
all meals (dinner Friday, three meals Saturday, and
breakfast on Sunday). All attendees must register
prior to the event – there is no registration “at
the door.” Additional information is on the
registration form.
Southern Star is a wonderful astronomical
convention event and a great time for everyone. Come
join us in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains!
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