On Sep 18, 7:45 am, wrote:
I'm an easterner and have attended Stellafane which I would rate
Bortle class 3 to 4. The WSP which I would say 3 to 4. Cherry Springs
which I would call 2 to 3. I have not been to Spruce Knob but would
guess based on light pollution data it is probably class 2. Are there
any Class 1 sites in the east?

Alvan

The Oregon Star Party (elevation 5000 feet) is definitely Bortle
class 1 skies. Prineville ( population 8000) 40 miles to the west, is
difficult indeed to even see a light dome.. It is held in the Ochocho
National Forest in a very large clearing with 700+ attendance.
Although the "official" star party is Thursday-Friday-Saturday, many
people camp early and make it a 7-8 day affair. For instance, I came
on Monday and there were already 75 there.

see

http://www.oregonstarparty.org/

for more information.

Jim Jackson







Looking out west, my view of the light pollution data suggests that
the TSP, Oregon star party and Nebraska star party are the best bets
for Bortle class 1 skies. Can anyone who's attended confirm?

Another consideration for me is the length of the star party. The
Oregon star party seems too short to bother going all the way out
there. Mt Kobou (sp?) in Canada is a longer star party but my look at
the light pollution data suggests it may only be Class 2.

Any star parties I'm missing that are at least 5 days or so to make it
worth my while? I'd really like to try Texas but hate the idea of it
being in June this year.

Alvan Clark