Come to the PARI Star Party (PSP)being hosted October 28 - 30, 2011.  Operating as a radio observatory and science education center, PARI also happens to be one of the finest dark sky sites in North Carolina.  PARI’s well equipped campus can accommodate overnight visitors in sleeping areas, as well as by camping on our well-tended grounds.  PARI skies are a treat for both visual observers, and serious astro-imagers. Activities will include day time workshops.

Registrations are expected to fill up fast! Register and pay online or download the .PDF version of the form.  Registration will be confirmed on receipt of your payment.  Mail to PARI Star Party, 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC 28772.

Star Party Online Registration

.PDF printable version

Fees (all fees are per person):

Registration and meals: $50 per person (required fee to confirm your registration for Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
On campus housing: $100 per person for Friday, and Saturday overnight.
Camping: $50 per person for Friday and Saturday overnight.

Make checks payable to "PARI." Mail to PARI Star Party, 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC 28772.  Registration will be confirmed when your payment is received by PARI Accounting Office.  Click here to pay by credit card.

Activities 

This year’s PSP will feature a Halloween Theme! Planned events/activities so far:

1.  Paul Lewis from UT speaking: “Space Shuttle Program Post Mortem”

2.  Warren Keller from ip4ap.com, and Astrophoto Insight Magazine, talks about nine “S’s” of Astrophotoimaging.

3.  Joe Heafner a contributing editor to Sky & Telescope, and instructor at Catawba Valley Community Collage presents “The Meanings of Stellar Magnitudes”

4.  Richard Wright from Software Bisque: “Introduction to Astrophotography”

5.  Off Campus Field Trip to a community Haunted House

6.  Constellation Shoot out on the PARI Helipad (weather permitting)

7.  Great Door Prizes!!!  Thanks to all of our Door Prize donors.

8.  Spooky Story Hour: Share your scariest observing experience, or the scariest thing you’ve ever seen through a telescope!

  Click to view the full Schedule of Events.

Be advised, that cell phone signals are largely non-existent at this functioning radio observatory. Wireless Internet access is also not available, however ethernet connections will be available in multimedia room and the control room of the Cline Administration Building (CAB). Visitors can bring long-distance phone cards for use with designated land lines.

Due to PARI's campus design, men and women are housed in separate buildings. Shower facilities are segregated accordingly.  Please recognize that we cannot accommodate males and females in the same housing areas due to segregated showers. We are sorry for any inconvenience, this policy applies to everyone.

October weather can vary. Generally, night time temperatures are around freezing, daytime highs are usually above 40. Please plan to dress accordingly. Late night observers should wear layers and be prepared for cold conditions.

Snacks and coffee will be provided between meals in the campus cafeteria or other common area.

PARI's campus is very dark at night. Please make sure you bring your own flashlight, and spare batteries.

Amenities:
Hot showers
Meals provided
Electrical Power at telescope (limited availability) 
Daytime charging stations
PARI Research Library Access

Housing Accommodations:
On campus housing:
PARI's on campus housing is used by astronomers and students all year long. While staying on campus, you will be assigned quarters. Expect to have a roommate. If you have a preference, please list that person's name on the registration form. Please recognize that we cannot accommodate males and females in the same housing areas due to segregated showers. We are sorry for any inconvenience, this policy applies to everyone.

On campus housing ($100.00) provides:
A single bed
Pillow, sheets, and blanket
Towels
Alarm clock, desk, dresser

Camping
Rules:
No open fires, camp stoves are permitted. Meals are included with registration (special needs accommodated) in the campus cafeteria.

Camping accomodations ($50) provide use of shower facilities, but visitors must provide thier own toiletries and towels.

Off Campus Accommodations:
For those who do not wish to stay at PARI there are several hotels and lodges within 30 minutes of campus.  Recommended accommodations: Hampton Inn (Brevard), Holiday Inn Express (Brevard), Spirit of the Mountains (Pisgah Forest)

Local attractions are located in nearby Brevard, Asheville, Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina and on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

PARI Star Party Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)