Tomorrow (Friday, August 26), I’ll be driving up to Fall Creek, Wisconsin, to speak at the 23rd annual Northwoods Starfest. This year, the star party occurs August 26–28, at Hobbs Observatory.
That facility is part of the Beaver Creek Reserve.
Hobbs Observatory contains a 24-inch reflector and a 14-inch SCT. Amateur astronomers will set up all around the facility for a weekend of fun and observing during the 23rd annual Northwoods Starfest. // Photo Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society
The observatory has two domes, one with a 24-inch f/5 reflector and the other with a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. There is also a large meeting area where talks and presentations take place. I guess that’s where I’ll be at 8 p.m. Friday. My
PowerPoint presentation will be “The ABCs of Observing.”
I describe the talk like this: “We all want to become the best amateur astronomer we can be. Some hobbyists pursue this quest by upgrading their telescope or accessories. Others enter the realm of astroimaging. But one surefire method of becoming better is by gleaning gems of knowledge from other observers. This talk presents at least one such tip for every letter in the alphabet. I hope beginners will find much wisdom here, and even advanced amateurs may hear tidbits they’ll want to try during their next night under the stars.”
A large field in front of the observatory will be where attendees set up their telescopes. This will be my first trip to the area, but I hear the skies are quite dark. That’s good. All writing and no observing make Michael a dull boy.
Follow my tweets live from the Northwoods Starfest on www.twitter.com/AstronomyMag.