SSP number 18 is now history and, based on the feedback we received, it was a successful event. In the run-up to the SSP there was the usual anguish as the SSP approached and our registrations seemed to be way below expectations. However, as the SSP grew closer and the registrations picked, up our concerns turned to the weather. We watched in dismay and muttered about Plan-B when rain showers appeared on the charts and then sighed with relief as they either disappeared or moved away from the crucial after sunset hours on Friday and Saturday.
Eventually Monday the 17th arrived and it was time to load up in preparation for our Tuesday morning departure to Leeuwenboschfontein. Leeuwenboschfontein had been paid, we had a reasonable number of registrations, there were fantastic speakers lined up for a full Saturday program and we had some innovations planned for Saturday afternoon.
The 18th SSP was going to take place, no matter what the weather did. You will find the full programme here if you are curious.
First things first and, to present the Southern Star Party, that means you pack. You pack lots and lots of stuff. What sort of stuff? Al sorts of stuff as per the photo.
So after the packing and the journey to Leeuwenboschfontein you have to get all the stuff unloaded and into the Social Barn. It all looks a little deserted when you only have one or two early-bird telescopes out on that big green lawn.
Once one has all the stuff in the Social Barn you start unpacking and arranging it.
The general idea is to distribute all the stuff you’ve brought along so as to convert the empty space in the previous picture to what you see in the following series of pictures.
The Talks
For all the regulars who, for whatever reason, couldn’t make it this time, please take note that you were missed, so try and arrange your life properly and attend the next SSP. For all of those who have never been to a Southern Star Party event, we would love to have you there, so don’t disappoint us again and miss out on the next SSP too.
The Lucky Draw
Rob Bark won the prize at the lucky draw which means he now has a voucher for R1200-00 to spend on accommodation at Leeuwenboschfontein before the end of October. Enjoy, Rob!
Starlink
On Thursday evening Rudolf spotted a string of Starlink satellites that the rest of us initially missed. They came up in a line from the southwest appearing above the Beefwood trees in front of the small chalets and fading into the Earth’s shadow above Dalzicht, well before they reached Orion. I think there were 15 all told, but by the next day reports as low as 6 and as high as 30 were circulating. You probably guessed that none of us actually counted how many were in the string and nor did anyone note the exact time the first or the last one appeared. That probably says something about us as observers but we do have the excuse that we were too busy being excited, jumping up and down, pointing and exclaiming, “Wow”, “Look at that”, “Incredible”, “Bloody Musk” and more along those lines.
Fossils, Light, and Time
Astrophotography
StarPeople have always had the idea that the lawn in front of De Kraal was the ideal place for the astrophotography people but nobody has really been interested in giving it a go. It is close enough to not let then feel excluded but far enough away that their light-spill has minimal effect on the visual observers. This year Leslie Rose attended the SSP after a long break and he set up on the lawn at our request. His conclusion is that De Kraal is perfect for astrophotography and is even thinking of making De Kraal an astrophotography house.
Chat Tables
This year we implemented Lynnette’s idea of chat tables and it worked quite well. The general idea was to have the speakers available on Saturday afternoon to chat and answer questions in an informal setting and, to have people available to answer questions about cellphone apps for astronomy, cleaning optics, photographing astronomical objects and what to do about those pesky bright red lights. Paul Grapendaal, with his brother Maurice as wingman, handled the photography, but our person for the cellphone apps pulled out at the last minute and our optics cleaner developed a domestic crisis. In general, there was a nice relaxed vibe at the tables and we will certainly do this again.
Personalities of Note
T-Shirt Painting
The Braai
So that’s it for the 18th SSP! Please bring your friends, families, and neighbours along to the next one to make it even bigger and better.