Star Party Rules

We're all here to have fun. However, with a group of several hundred people camped together in close proximity we have to establish some rules and guidelines.

In previous years things have gone very smoothly, but several problems have arisen that require special mention:

1. ABSOLUTELY NO PETS ALLOWED! This restriction is a PA State Park regulation. In the past attendees have attempted to bring pets in secretly and even in plain sight. Anyone arriving with dogs or pets of any kind will be asked to leave by Park Rangers. You have been warned!

2. NO GREEN LASER POINTERS (GLPs). GLPs pose a serious danger to eyesight, as well as astrophotography. Please refrain from using these devices while at the Star Party. Anyone caught using a GLP will be asked to leave.

3. NO CAR HEADLIGHTS AFTER DARK. We've had roadblocks in place to prevent outsiders from driving into the park area after dark, but some isolated problems have still occurred. We'll be taking extra measures to help ensure this does not happen this year.

   If you must start your car and leave with headlights on due to an emergency, please attempt to contact the star party staff before hand. If this is not possible, please LOUDLY announce your emergency to others in the area so they can help to clear a path for a safe exit. If an emergency does arise, do not drive without headlights - this is extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury and another emergency!

   Anyone not camping the entire night on the observing field should not be parked there. You must park your car across the street on the side where the airport is located.

Star Party Etiquette

If you are new to star parties and are attending your first event please take some time to learn a little about star party etiquette by visiting the Web sites below. These are guidelines; all that we ask is that you make an honest effort to comply so that everyone may get the most enjoyment from this event.

Star Party Etiquette: http://obs.nineplanets.org/psc/etiquette.html

SPACE.com's Star-Party Survival Guide: http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/astronomy/stargazing_dos_donts_000607-1.html

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do you only accept pre-registrations?   By only accepting pre-registrations, it helps us to limit the number of people attending the event and we are better able to make sure the right amount of chairs, food, potties, etc. are ordered for the event.
2. Why are you limiting the number of people allowed to attend?  The success of the BFSP was starting to undo the event. The park can only comfortably hold so many people. We are doing our best to guess what that number is.
3. Do cell phones work at CSSP? Yes, a new tower installed in 2004 allows for limit coverage on the field. In addition, there is a payphone across the street at the airport.
4. Who should someone call if there is an emergency and I need to be contacted while attending the starparty?  The park office at 814-435-5010.
5. How much do extra doorprize tickets cost? $2/each or $20/dozen
6. I'm a vendor, will tables be provided? No, you have to provide your own table, however, a tent will be set up and availibility is first come first served.
7. I can't attend the starparty this year because of ___________, can I get a refund? Due to a number of constraints, we can not offer refunds. The star party is a rain or shine event, so it will not be rescheduled
8. The weather looks bad for the star party, can I get a refund? See the answer to question number 7.
9. I didn't register in time because of _____________, can you make an exception for me and allow me to register late? Sorry, to be fair to all, we have to strictly enforce the registration limits
10. How will the door prize drawing work? Each prize that is offered will have a can in which you can place a ticket. Every registered adult receives 1 ticket, additional tickets may be purchased during the doorprize display time. The doorprizes will be displayed from 2-5PM on Saturday. You have to be present to win a prize.