This article was contributed by David Baumgartner as part of a local series on astronomy. Lea este artÃculo en español aquÃ.
Going to a Star Party can be a very enlightening experience, but not necessarily for everyone. I found out at an early age that I wasn’t alone. It turns out there were many well-educated people in the world, such as me, that were infatuated with the stars above and wondered where they came from and how did they get there.
I had a great start with my education, for at the time I had already reached the eighth grade at the age of 26. My family was amassed of my brilliance, for I was the first in our family to reach such an educational level.
The other evening I was reading my newest addition of the Astronomy Magazine and read an article by Molly Wakeling, columnist for the Magazine on Star Parties. As I read through her story it became plan to see how much we each had in common. First off with her love of the subject, not unlike my fondness and experience giving star parties in front of as many as three to seven in attendance. Something I’ve always exceled at. Probably the closest similarity was our education; Molly with a Ph. D in nuclear engineering, not unlike myself receiving an AA degree at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. What was unusual was I received the honor at the age of 72. You can imagine how proud my family was of this honor, at least by the ones who were still alive.
Molly painted a great picture of all the events that go on at many of the star parties offered around the country, if not the world. She mentioned the joy in sharing the telescope with others, whether they are experienced or rookies, and it’s easier to stay up all night when you’re with an enthusiastic crowd she says. She goes on to say many of the parities involve camping to some degree. Many people bring their vans, campers, trailers, and RVs. Some bring tents and make a week of it.  At the heart of every star party is staying up late observing with friends new and old, hunting down targets that are tough to get from home and lingering on your favorite objects. Nearly every star partygoer I’ve ever met has been happy to share their telescope’s view, if not their snacks.  What is a real treat is when someone brings a big Dob scope and I get the chance to see what a large scope can do for one of my favorites, M51. The only trouble is you can’t sit there for hours looking through someone’s scope at your favorite or taking the time for a long-time exposure when there are thirty unctuous participants waiting to see their favorite object in the night sky.
Molly goes on to mention that star parties aren’t only alive at night, however. Daytime activities can include presentations and workshops from amateur astronomers, scientists from NASA. (I‘ve noticed that I have never ended up on the list to speak at one of these parties. I guess an AA doesn’t qualify me to do so. I would imagine my family would think otherwise).
I’m hoping Molly reads my article and based on its content and my extended education she will turn in my name and ability over to the Astronomy Magazine editor. Just a thought.
Keep an eye out for a star party in your area, or maybe start one of your own. I might know of someone who would be willing to speak at your event. If it matters; he only has as an AA degree in, well, in general knowledge.
Enjoy your nights, and clear skies.
Finding the planets
**Uranus in the West skies at night
**Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune: All in the Morning Sky
**Mars and Jupiter, both around midnight
What’s up this month
Apr 01 Moon passes 5° north of Uranus ..
Apr 02 Moon passes 6° north of Jupiter
Apr 02 Mas passes 4° south of Pollux
Apr 04 First Quarter Moon
Apr 05 Moon passes 2°north of Mars
Apr 12 Full Moon
Apr 12 Moon passes 0.3° south of Spica
Apr 13 Moon is at apogee (252,450 miles from Earth)
Apr 16 Mercury 0.7° south of Neptune
Apr 16 Moon passes 0.4° south o Antares
Apr 20 Last Quarter Moon
Apr 21 Moon passes 0.7° south of Pluto
Apr 22 Lyrid meteor slower peaks
Apr 24 Moon passes 2° south of Venus
Apr 24 Moon passes 2° north of Saturn
Apr 25 Moon passes 1.9° north of Neptune
Apr 25 Moon passes 4° north of Mercury
Apr 27 Mon is at perigee (221,903 miles from Earth)
Apr 27 New Moon
Apr 28 Moon passes 5° north of Uranus
Apr 28 Venus passes 4° north of Saturn
Apr 30 Moon passes 5° of Jupiter