Greetings fellow Amateur Astronomers.
AOAS is proud to announce the first annual Mulberry Mountain Star Party, sponsored by the Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomy Society, on June 6th & 7th, 2008.
Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events is a 650 acre facility located 16 miles north of Interstate 40 on Arkansas Hwy 23, otherwise known as the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. The facility boasts of “The Darkest Skies in Arkansas” at coordinates N 35° 42' 36" W 93° 47' 44"
Mulberry Mountain offers cabins, pull-through RV sites and improved tent campsites with water, electricity & showers with virtually unlimited primitive campsites also available. Contact Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events for information and reservations at:
This 1st year of the Mulberry Mountain Star Party coincides with the Mulberry Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled to begin at dawn on Saturday, June 7th, 2008. Watch as Hot Air Balloons rise into the air in the early morning and again that afternoon, wind and weather permitting. We understand that tethered balloon rides may also be offered for a fee.
AOAS plans to set up a Public Observation Area near the Lodge Office on Friday and Saturday evenings. Several of our members telescopes will be available. Non members may set up their equipment in the Public Observation Area if the wish. All scopes are welcome. Amateurs who do not wish to participate in public viewing or who require a “lights free” area will be located away from established light sources. **NOTE** We hope to offer this event annually, and we hope it may grow into such an event as to someday have enforceable lighting regulations.
Vendors will be welcome to attend, and a “Swap Meet” will take place Saturday afternoon where anyone will be able to buy, sell, or trade any astronomical items.
There will be NO registration fees for this year’s Star Party, but non-profit donations to AOAS would be very much appreciated.
Thank You,