Craters of the Moon Star Party June 11-12, 1999

The Craters of the Moon Star Party 1999 launched the summer observing season in superb style.  Great skies and good weather prevailed both nights.  Over 200 participants and 40 telescopes traveled to the Craters of the Moon National Monument near Arco, Idaho, for this summer's gathering.  Friday night, Chris Anderson from the Faulkner Planetarium in Twin Falls, ID, addressed "What's Up In the Sky?" preparing the crowd for what turned out to be a spectacular night of steady skies and breathtaking Milky Way views.  Saturday afternoon, George Podraza of the Magic Valley Astronomical Society spoke on Hubble and the Cosmos, illustrating how Hubble has changed our views of the Universe.  The evening lecture was Ralph Bennett and Steve Bryan from INEEL discussed the new Idaho Space Port, blending fascinating science with the political and business challenges of launching payloads into space.  Thanks guys for a great job!

Saturday's crowd kept the scope users busy finding objects listed in the Star Party treasure hunt.   Many found all the objects on the list, which included several galaxies, nebulae, globular and open clusters.  Those who finished the treasure hunt were rewarded with a Milky Way bar and great memories of the views.  Saturday was clear and warm, providing a second spectacular night of viewing.  

We hope you will join us again this year for the Fall Craters of the Moon Star Party September 10-11, 1999.

 
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Chris Anderson from the Faulkner Planetarium sets up the 18" JMI.

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Jay and John getting ready for the stars!

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Jay Hartwell sets up his Meade 10".  Relax Jay!

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Getting aquainted...

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Setup time!

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Venus appearing on the horizon.

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