This falls in the category of ‘should have mentioned this weeks ago’, but better late than never.
Although amateur astronomy is by its nature a solitary pursuit, pretty much you and your telescope versus the universe, hobbyists still enjoy getting together to exchange knowledge and share their passion with fellow stargazers, and anyone else who will listen.
One such event is the Saskatchewan Summer Star Party (SSSP), this year running August 3rd thru’ 7th, dates chosen to coincide with a dark, moonless sky. This gathering of a few hundred sleep-deprived individuals is held at the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the southwest corner of the province. Hosted annually in August by the Regina and Saskatoon Centres of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, it draws amateur astronomers mainly from the western provinces, but includes guests from across the country and the US.
At 1460 meters above sea level, the Cypress Hills are the highest elevation between the Rockies and Labrador; higher, in fact, than downtown Banff. Historically, their height makes The Hills one of the best spots in Canada for clear skies in July and August, and apparently too high for all but the most intrepid mosquitoes, that in itself a big drawing card. The park became Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserve in 2004 (and may still be); stray and excessive light is strictly controlled, making the night sky exceptionally dark. My first visit there, I actually felt a little disoriented; you can see so many more stars that the familiar star patterns and constellations become hard to pick out.
For the duration of the star party, one of the campgrounds becomes a sea of telescopes. Hundreds of astronomers spend the hours of darkness with their eyes on the night skies, and daylight hours attending seminars and lectures. This year, guest lecturers include eclipse expert Jay Anderson, nature and science writer Candace Savage and conservationist Kenton Lysak speaking to local environmental issues.
While the full SSSP requires advance registration from astronomers, the public events are totally open and absolutely free. Educational programs vary from year to year, and are geared to the entire family. They include events such as art shows, daytime solar observing, laser guided star walks and public viewing nights where you get a chance to view the heavens through a wide variety of telescopes.
If you are a closet astronomer looking for a totally unique park experience, consider timing your vacation to coincide with the annual Saskatchewan Summer Star Party. Or, if you just have a Friday or Saturday night free, take in the public viewing events and prepare to experience our Land of Living Skies as you’ve never seen them before.
For more information, check the official star party site at http://sssp.saskatoon.rasc.ca
