Preparing for Annual Star Parties – Creature Comfort

Spring is here again, summer begins in one month, and that means that star party season is not far off. We all love those multi-evening star parties it seems.

We travel to a couple of multi day events, notably to the Saskatchewan Summer Star Party (SSSP) where we are guests, and also to our own Southern Alberta Star Party (SASP.CA) where we are the hosts. Both star parties are unique in their own way but one is a loose association of active amateurs mixed in with many travelers and people who like to attend just out of their interest in astronomy, and the other is an astrophotographers dream with its attendees and equipment.

Our SASP is a resort-based star party where everything is self contained and on premises, from the theater where we do our preparation, the kitchen and dining areas, as well as the cabins for guests to stay in and the camping area. Everything is within a 100-meter radius.

Planning for star parties can be complex as we age. We need to consider our own personal comforts as we attend a multi day event in the sun, and so it is important to get proper sleep, proper hydration, proper sun and insect protection, and proper nutrition. The combination of late nights, low fiber diets, and too much sun can really leave you exhausted. Stop and consider how important all those things are to your comfort. Putting your own health and safety first helps you to have a much better time at the events.

My suggested diet is high fiber, plenty of fruits and vegetables, limited meat and carb intake, with little sugar and junk food. Also back up your hydration with plenty of cold water, or sugarless flavored teas. Planning a few days worth of menus is helpful when you know what is not healthy to eat. Don’t make yourself uncomfortable.

Personal comfort is vital at star parties. That means making it convenient to stay clean, warm, cool, etc. Don’t underestimate your well being in the overall picture. When you feel good and healthy and alive, you can engage and have a much better time, so I can’t emphasize enough just how important being at home is. I even go so far as to bring a rug for the floor in my cabin because I like to step on it in the morning when I get out of bed.

Equipment wise, people should figure out what they are really going to need and use. Here it is wise to pack only the essentials, and for this to happen it is important to have a well-developed list made weeks in advance so you can add to it as you think of things, and then to check that list as you are loading. I have a master list of items that I use for every star party and the document lives on my computer ready to go when needed.

When packing for star parties, remember that there is a difference between day and night. You will need considerable warmer clothing at night and often hats and gloves as well. Being over prepared is better than being under prepared. Don’t forget mosquito spray. Also, baby wipes can be awesome to have for cleaning up. I’ve had some of the coldest showers on planet earth at some of these star parties. Not fun at all.

As far as your schedule, be sure to allow yourself lots of time to unwind. You don’t have to attend every lecture and event. You don’t have to stay up the entire night. It is perfectly acceptable to cover your gear early if you are tired. It is even acceptable to leave the event before it is over.

I always like to have a couple of nights in my own bed ahead of having to go back to work because at my age, it takes a while to rest after a few nights in the wild. So, I will probably go to SSSP on the Wednesday, spend Wednesday Night, Thursday Night and Friday night at the event, and then leave Saturday at lunch time to return home. It would have to be exceptional weather for me to spend another evening and get back late Sunday, only to unpack, catch up on yard work and get rested to return Monday to work. I really do need that extra day and 2 nights sleep in my own bed again.

Having a good time at a star party begins with making it fun for you to be there. Having a good time with friends is what we are after, and sharing nights with friends, making memories and great photos, all of it. Make the best of it.