Star Party DownUnder
Date Set for Star Party DownUnder 2009:
Star Party DownUnder 2009 will be held between Thursday 22 and Sunday 25 January 2009; very close to the New Moon which is on 26 January 2009, coinciding with the Australia Day public holiday in Australia. Please keep this date in mind for this event, which will be our fourth annual party. More details will be posted as they become available.
Note to Star Party DownUnder 2008 Attendees:
My sincere apologies for the delay in finalising the complimentary CD-ROM of the 2008 event - I have finally had time to make a start and anticipate it should be in the post to you all within three weeks (around 2nd or 3rd week of July) - Peter Whellum, Co-convenor, 26 June 2008.
Successful Star Party DownUnder 2008:
Held in conjunction with the Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSA), our third annual Star Party DownUnder was succesfully held between 10 and 13 January 2008. Over 55 participants attended, some travelling from as far distant as Western Australia.
Further information will be posted here as it comes to hand.
Need more information?
If you need further information about Arkaroola's Star Party DownUnder, please email any of the following:
Joe Grida (Astro. Soc. of South Australia - Convenor): joe.grida@internode.on.net
Peter Whellum (Arkaroola Marketing - and Co-convenor): marketing@arkaroola.com.au
Arkaroola Administration: admin@arkaroola.com.au
Astronomical Society of South Australia: http://www.assa.org.au
Two of three Star Chairs at Arkaroola's Reginald Sprigg roll-off-roof Observatory
What is a Star Party?
A star party is a gathering of people, from experienced to beginners, from professionals to rank amateurs, or for anyone at all with any interest in astronomy. If you have ever looked up at our wonderful night skies and asked 'why', then a star party is a great venue to learn some of the answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Question: Do I need to have any previous astronomical experience to attend?
Answer: Definitely not.
Question: Do I need to bring my own telescope or other equipment?
Answer: No, but if you have a pair of binnoculars, bring them along, you'll be surprised what you can see with such simple equipment. Arkaroola has three professionally equipped Astronomical Observatories and several ASSA members will be bringing their own equipment - so there will be plenty of gear to go around for everyone. You can also download one of our astronomy brochures for further information. BYO telescopes are most welcome though - we have spare piers and wedges available for your use.Question: How good are the night skies at Arkaroola?
Answer: Among the best in the world! Scientific Reports have stated that observing sites close to Arkaroola have some of the clearest night skies in the Southern Hemisphere - and one report states that our area even rivals that of the famous Chilean (South American) Astronomy Sites! For the technically minded, astronomical seeing conditions have been recorded as being as good as a mean of 0.45 arc-seconds, with seeing better than 0.35 acr-seconds on 36% of nights. Arkaroola's night skies really do have to be seen to be believed!
Question: But isn't January the hottest time of the year in the outback?
Answer: Yes, it can be hot in the Flinders Ranges during January, but let's face it, it can be hot almost anywhere in Australia during summer. Please have a look at our Climate Page for more information about climate comparisons between Arkaroola, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney - we think you'll be pleasantly surprised.Here are some other facts about Arkaroola:
- All three styles of comfortable motel accommodations are fully air-conditioned
- Air-conditioned Native Pine Restaurant and Pick and Shovel Lounge Bar
- In-ground swimming pool with adjacent large shady pergola area are available to guests 24-hours a day
- Our summer nights are mild - you may need warm clothing for nightly observing
Question: Isn't it a long way to travel just to look at some stars?
Answer: Yes, it is, but once you've experienced our own brand of clear night skies you'll find yourself returning year after year. The nearest town of any size is Leigh Creek, 130 km to the west, so light pollution from city lights is non-existent; our own lighting is minimal and strictly controlled to maintain a 'Dark Skies Policy' and will be dimmed or switched off for the event, and atmospheric pollution is minimal. But remember, a star party is not simply about observing the night skies - our guest speakers include some of Australia's top scientists and astronomers, and our program is sure to hold your full interest.Question: I see that the event is being held during the Australian Christmas School Holidays - is a star party really suitable for kids to attend?
Answer: Most definitely YES! You will be introducing your children to the wonders of our magnificent Southern Hemisphere night skies, the envy of our Northern Hemisphere neighbours! Not only will they learn about astronomy but also about Arkaroola, a multi award-winning wilderness sanctuary with ancient rugged landscapes, Advanced Ecotourism accredited tours, unique and endangered wildlife, and much more - a truly a unique outback experience, for young and old alike.Question: I've been told you need a 4WD vehicle to drive to Arkaroola because of the road conditions - is this true?
Answer: No. Like many so-called remote areas, Arkaroola is completely accessible by normal 2WD vehicle, provided you take care and ensure it's mechanically sound. If you travel via Leigh Creek and Copley, you'll only have 130 km of well maintained dirt road that's in good condition. As a matter of interest, nearly 50% of our guests travel here by 2WD vehicles. But, if you're after some real 4WD excitement, Arkaroola can also cater for this with our world-famous guided Ridgetop Tour, and the self-drive, extreme 4WD Echo Camp Backtrack. Many of the 130 km of internal tracks within our 610 square kilometre (235 square mile) sanctuary are suitable for 2WDs. Our standard tri-fold brochure contains a 'mud-map' of South Australia, showing the major highways and roads to Arkaroola.Question: Will there be alternative means of travel available for those attending the star party?
Answer: Yes, if you don't want to bring your own vehicle, or if you are visiting from overseas, we plan to have packages that include air-conditioned coach travel and chartered aircraft - Arkaroola Airservices (a subsidiary of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary) will be using our own Cessna 207, a 6-passenger high-wing aircraft for those who would like to fly. The details of these packages will be placed on this web page as soon as they become available.Question: What does the AU$140.00 Registration Fee cover?
Answer: The registration fee, which hasn't changed from our last event, covers the following:
- Welcome BBQ on Thursday evening (21 January)
- Attendance at Key-note and guest speaker functions
- Attendance at all workshops and forums - both programmed and non-programmed
- Geology Tour and Sunset Cocktails at Coulthard's Lookout (including transportation to and from this event by our specialised 4WD tour vehicles)
- Use of Arkaroola's observatories and astronomical telescopes and equipment (under supervision for those with little or no previous experience)
- Transportation to and from the Resort to the observatories during observing sessions
- Commemorative CD-ROM - a stand-alone multi-media program containing a photographic souvenir/momento of the event, it's functions and activities, plus interesting astronomy related information - posted out to attendees within about 2 weeks of the event
If you'd like further information, please email marketing@arkaroola.com.au
Arkaroola's Dodwell Observatory
