Spruce Woods Star Party

September 3-6 2021

The 2021 Spruce Woods Star Party IS GO but may be restricted or cancelled outright due to COVID-19 Public Health regulations. We have our fingers crossed we can see you in September!

The Spruce Woods Star Party is a members-only event. Become a member to join us for our most fun-filled event of the year, as well as taking advantage of our other membership perks!

Entry to the Park is from Highway #5 from either the North (off Hwy #1 at Carberry) or the South (off Hwy #2 at Glenboro). The observing site is at latitude 49.6687913N longitude 99.249839W. Once in the park (park pass not required) proceed North to the Star Party field.

Registration will open closer to the date once we get a better idea of whether things are gettng better or worse on the COVID front.

Because the equipment on display can’t help but to garner attention, the SWSP Committee conducts a “scope tour” where members have a chance to talk about their particular scope, mount or other piece of equipment for all the see. This year, we will also have a “solar scope tour” where you will get the chance to observe the sun through different scopes.

Probably the most popular feature of the star party is Gerry’s Bino Tour. It’s a must see event and everyone comes away having learned a bit more (actually a lot more) about the cosmos and how valuable a pair of binoculars are to the amateur astronomer.

An observing circle will be open every night for those that wish to observe as a group!

Friday Sep 3

3:00 PM: Star party opens
• Upon arrival to the star party grounds, follow signage and instructions on where to set up.
• Big campers to be set up at the North end of the observing field.
• If you have a generator let the star party coordinator guide you to where you can set up.
8:00 PM: Announcements
9:00 PM till dawn: Observing/astrophotography

Saturday Sep 4

10:00 AM - 8 PM: Registration meet and greet
1:00 PM - 1:10 PM: Welcome remarks and announcements
1:10 PM: Telescope and equipment tour - Join us for a guided tour of astronomical set ups around the observing field.
3:30 PM: Swap table opens - Bring your astronomical items for swap, trade, or sell! Be on time... don't miss out on a deal!
9:00 PM till dawn: Observing/astrophotography
9:00 PM; Gerry Smerchanski's bino tour - Arrive a few minutes early to get comfy... bring your lounger, a blanket, binoculars if you have as Gerry takes us for a guided tour of the night sky!

Sunday Sep 5

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM outdoor talks and outdoor workshops - subjects to be announced.
8:30 PM outdoor workshop under the stars, meet at the observing circle.
9:00 PM till dawn: Observing/astrophotography

Monday September 6

9:00 - 10:00 AM Continental breakfast at hospitality tent.
10:30 AM: Closing remarks followed by group photo - be there!
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM: Tear down and clean up

This is where most members gather to share their passion for astronomy. It is an open field in the Winter Use Area with trees far enough away to give an open dark sky. There is no service but non-modern toilets are available.

Located about 0.5 km from the observing field.  Electrical and basic sites available.

Visit the camping reservation system or call 204‑948‑3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1‑888‑482‑2267 toll-free to reserve a site.

Yurts are currently all reserved.  Check the camping reservation system for availability should someone cancel their reservation.

If camping isn’t your style, there are many lodgings nearby for you to rest when you’re done your night under the stars. The following PDF contains some of the places you may be interested in.

Due to COVID restrictions the annual RASC banquet is cancelled for this year.

Watch this space for images from the Spruce Woods Star Party!

Cover image courtesy of Firstname Lastname shortu.rl/I71gHi54