Expert: Tom Whiting - 8/26/2007

Question
sir,
      we are students of iit india and we are planning to include astronomy as a part of our annual technical fest. but since we are conducting this for the first time, we are not sure as how to organize an astronomy based event. it should preferably include some events which test the knowledge of the participants other than of course popular lectures. could you please guide us by giving us advice and ideas on an astronomy fest?

Answer
Hi Vinit,
All of the regional and national star parties (or star fests)
I've been to are mainly based on night time observing as their primary goal, and always during the dark of the moon (new moon weekend).  Astronomers bring their own equipment and set up tents and telescopes on the observing field.
(No moon means very dark night skies...what astronomers really like for observing)!!

During the daylight hours, usually starting at noon, there are usually vendors at tables under large tents that sell various wares (eyepieces, filters, camera's, scopes, etc) and there are outdoor lectures all afternoon; talks about various topics such as night sky observing, taking photo's of objects, new equipment available in the hobby, etc. etc. during the afternoon hours, until about 5 pm.  Then it's dinner time until
7 pm then observing starts shortly after sunset, all night long.

Generally these star parties charge a nominal fee for entrance,
usually $10 or $20 USD for the entire weekend.  This helps
pay for the door prizes as we call them....drawings of either
names or tickets on Saturday evening at 5 pm where people win the prizes, like astronomy books and CD's and eyepieces,  as their names (or ticket numbers) are called out.

I've never seen a starparty where the observers are "tested"
probably because no one wants to be embarrassed by a
lack of knowledge.  The only event where I've seen this,
is a nightly contest to see who can spot the most,  say,
Messier objects or NGC objects, and these contests are
always "on the honor" system of the persons involved.
Generally the top award is a plaque or framed certificate for
"first place".  This is the only "test of knowledge" I've ever seen at a starparty.  So that's the typical USA star party,
which usually runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday noon.
They typically end at Sunday noon because people have to
drive home to get ready for work on Monday morning.
Hope all this helps you at least a little bit,
at least now you know how we do it over here,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie PA  USA