TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Astronomy Club Seeks Serious Stargazers For Event

ADVERTISEMENT

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: December 4, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Some people seek out the darkness.

In doing so, they find the light. Millions of stars, planets, nebulas and far-away galaxies twinkling in the night sky.

For three years, the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club sought out the darkness in the far reaches of eastern Hillsborough County.

But even there, the light that comes with civilization is invading as those who seek out the country life bring with them the blinding electric light that drowns out what stargazers seek: a clear view.

So this year, dozens of amateur astronomers will head to the Withlacoochee River County Park near Dade City for their annual Orange Blossom Special International Star Party. There, they say, they can find true darkness in the absence of human population.

They have reserved a massive field far from urban lights to set up telescopes and spend four days in late February enjoying a stargazing extravaganza. This will be the 15th year for the event that draws astronomers from across the region and several other states.

"The Withlacoochee is still a great place for this," said event co-chairwoman Ellen Farr.

"With the economy down, people will probably be slow to sign up," she said, noting that all participants must sign up in advance.

Reservations are $50 a person or $80 a couple and must be made by Jan. 17. Anyone making reservations between Jan. 18 and Feb. 7 will be charged a late fee.

The event runs from Feb. 25 to March 1 and includes lectures, solar observing, mirror lab demonstrations, a telescope tour and a group hike through the park.

Participants also will enjoy a hayride, an Orbiting Music Jam Session, some group meals, door prizes and a telescope giveaway.

Camping at the park is primitive, though some facilities will be provided, Farr said.

For information about the event, a registration form and map to the park, go to www.stpeteastronomyclub.org.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT