The 2017 Summer Southern Star Party – StarPeople’s 13th event – was held at Leeuwenboschfontein in the Klein Karoo, February 22-27 (see the first announcement).

The 50+ party goers enjoyed two talks by Jim Adams (NASA Deputy Chief Technologist (ret.)), a talk by Lorenzo Raynard (Manager: Science Communication at SKA SA), a Messier Marathon (hosted by Deon and Ronelle Begemann), a two-day Beginner’s Programme, the World Famous SSP Astro Pub Quiz, and lots of time to observe and socialize.
SQM-L measurements taken during the SSP recorded dark skies: 2017 Feb 25 at 02:29: 21.78 +/- 0.01 and 2017 Feb 25 at 22:42: 21.53 +/- 0.02.
On Sunday afternoon, the rare treat of a partial solar eclipse was enjoyed by those who stayed until the Monday. More photos on psychohistorian.org.