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Frequently Asked Questions
A Star Party is an event where a group of people gather to star gaze. Naked eye and telescope-aided observing are included. It is a peaceful time to view the beauty of the heavens. Stars, Galaxies, Open and Closed Star Clusters, and Nebula are all visible. In addition, the participants in a Star Party view Constellations and Asterisms associated with the season. Typically, fact sharing, stories, and mythology abound via a heightened sense of comaraderie.
There are uncountable named Stars. Many Stars are "double stars" or "pairs". Some pairs are of mixed color. Galaxies outside our own Milky Way Galaxy are visible. Open and Closed (or "Globular") Clusters are prevalent. Constellations and Asterisms associated with the season and the mythology from the Ancients are revealed.
The 4 stars in the Wine Country Star Party logo represent "Spectacular Beauty, Memorable Friends".
Sonoma and Napa County evenings can be quite cool, even after a warm day. We suggest you wear layers - much like a day at the beach. Prepare for cool conditions. Bring a hat and gloves. Consider wearing boots instead of sneakers as feet tend to get cold.
We have 2 Orion Newtonian Telescopes. One telescope has a 10 inch mirror on a German Equatorial Mount that is fully computer controlled. The other telescope has a 12 inch mirror on an equatorial platform. We also provide binoculars for your use and we use laser pointers to help direct you to Constellations and Asterisms.
No! We don't call anyone names like that and you will find the experience enjoyable no matter what your personality style. A partial list of people who enjoy star gazing includes: lovers, families, professionals, vacationers, students, dreamers, and people on dates.
Clouds and bright moonlight can make star gazing difficult. Your event must be planned carefully if the weather is threatening or the moon rises during the evening.
Yes. We pick locations with public restrooms or bring our own facilities.
We like to start as early as possible. This way we often arrive at the observing site at dusk to set up. We are happy to stay on site as long as our guests are willing. Some Star Parties end by 9:00pm while others go past midnight.
At Wine Country Star Party, we are pleased to offer our tours to individuals as well as groups.
Possibly. We often book multiple groups on a single night. This means that you could be viewing with others.
Yes, Wine Country Star Party can accommodate your event. The cost of the reservation depends upon the number of guests in your party.
Possibly. Sonoma and Napa County evenings can be quite cool, even after a warm day. We suggest you wear layers - much like a day at the beach. Prepare for cool conditions. Bring a hat and gloves. Consider wearing boots instead of sneakers as feet tend to get cold.
Any Wine County Star Party event cancelled due to weather is fully refundable. If you cancel by noon the day before the day of your reservation, your payment will be fully refunded. A reservation cancelled after noon the day before your reservation is not refundable. See our Terms and Conditions.
As Astronomers, we are also good Meteorologists. We follow detailed weather reports every day. It is unlikely that we would venture out with guests on a marginal night. Any Star Party cancelled due to the weather is fully refundable. See our Terms and Conditions.
Yes. Stargazing can be a wonderful introduction to science for children. The experience can also be good for parent-child bonding. Young children should attend with an adult.
Yes. It takes 30 to 40 minutes for one's eyes to adjust to darkness. During the first minutes of darkness, the pupils in our eyes dilate. Additional time is required to fully "dark adapt" one's eyes for the best experience with the telescopes.
Yes, but only if you can cover the lens with red cellophane (we will provide the cellophane and a rubber band) or install a red lens first. Bright white light ruins the "dark adaption" that naturally occurs when in darkness. Therefore, we discourage the use of white lights and electronics with bright displays such as iPads or cell phones.
Our observing locations are well suited for wheel chairs. Occasionally we pick a site with a gravel surface, and we make every effort to assist persons in a wheel chair to move up close to the telescopes. To view some objects, our telescopes require us to use a small step ladder. However, we can find objects low to the horizon which often work well for a seated person.
Yes. This is an often asked question. Many Astronomers see fine with or without their glasses. We take time when you view to allow for you to see with or without your glasses.
It is most important not to display any device at a Star Party that emits bright white light. This includes iPads and cell phones. It takes up to 30 or 40 minutes for one's eyes to complete adjust or "dark adapt". A flash of white light can ruin your viewing sensitivity and cause you to have to readjust your vision. We provide red flashlights that preserve dark adapted vision. When arriving by car at an observing site, please keep vehicle headlights to a minimum. Even backup lights from cars in reverse can be objectionable to some. Generally, we are quiet as this fits the mood of the night. We always encourage good safety practices and encourage our guests to watch their step in the darkness and move about carefully around the telescope equipment and other guests.
We typically book 5 to 15 people for each Star Party. Smaller or larger groups can be accomodated.
Yes. We provide a special observing chair for you right at the telescope and we bring folding chairs for the rest of our guests.
Yes. As the evening progresses, we are willing to have you assist in position the telescopes if you wish. This can be quite fun. However, it is not necessary if you just want to sit back and enjoy the view.
We are Astronomers. We also know a lot about the Constellations in the Astrological sky and point these out during the evening.
Yes, we have donated Star Parties to: |
What is a Star Party?
