WHAT IS A “ PARTY”? WHERE ARE THE STAR PARTIES HELD? Amateur A star party is an invitation to anyone wishing to enjoy and learn more about the wonders of the night . Mingo Creek Park Observatory: The Observatory is Association of Pittsburgh At a star party, AAAP members setup their personal located 10 miles east of Washington PA in Nottingham and operate the large fixed observatory Township in Mingo Creek County Park. The park is telescopes and offer visitors the opportunity to view located off Route 88 or Route 136 the northeast section of celestial objects. Visitors can bring their own scopes to Washington County. Inside the park from the Henry take advantage of viewing conditions at the site. Other use Covered Bridge the observing location is up Mansion Hill the occasion to simply view the and with their Ext. Road on the top of the hill past Shelter 10. See the own eyes. back of this flyer for the map to the observatory site. Mingo Creek Park Observatory

Star parties begin just before sunset. Celestial events The Mingo Creek Park Observatory has two such as meteors, or an Aurora Borealis often make permanently mounted telescopes, a refractor and a our public star parties memorable events. reflector , in separate rooms, and a very small auditorium. The building also houses the Richard Y. At AAAP star parties our members are happy to answer Haddad , with a 20 ft. digital planetarium dome questions about , advise on telescope selection, where the night sky and movies can be displayed indoors. or help guests set up and align their telescope. It can operate regardless of the weather or time of day, or for special educational events. Please make star party AAAP 2014 Star Party Schedules GETTING READY FOR A STAR PARTY group reservations by phone or through the website for groups such as scouts, school groups, outdoor Although overcast sky or rain can close the telescopes, it organizations, etc. planning to attend Mingo Creek Park Mingo Creek Park Observatory does not close Mingo’s planetarium. With the Moon and Observatory Public Star Parties. Phone 724-348-6150 Mingo Creek County Park, Washington County, PA stars visible in between clouds the telescopes will still Latitude 40.211degrees, Longitude -80.020 degrees Apr 4,5 operate. At Mingo the star party can be a “go” even if it Declination -9 degrees rains because the planetarium is indoors. May 2,3 Wagman Observatory: The Wagman Observatory is Jun 6,7 The observatory in Mingo Creek Park has a handicap located in Deer Lakes Regional Park near Russellton, PA Jul 18,19 outdoor restroom. There is no running water at the facility. in the northeast corner of Allegheny County. Food and beverages are not served at our star parties and The observatory entrance is at the top of the hill in Aug 1,2,29,30 alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Washington County the middle of the park. Wagman observatory is a small Sep 13,27 Parks. Tobacco smoke fouls optics and is prohibited both building with a conventional gable roof design. in the observatory and on the grounds. Light from vehicle Phone 724-224-2510 Latitude 40.627 degrees, Oct 11 Moonrise Star Party head and tail lights and even smart phones destroy night Longitude -79.813 degrees Oct 25 vision. Please limit use of these and other sources of light. Nov 29 Bundle Up Starfest Tips for driving: If you are unfamiliar with either location WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD YOU BRING? we recommend that you drive during daylight to help spot landmarks. Always observe speed limits in the parks. Wagman Observatory You don’t need to bring a telescope or other observer Additional maps and directions are also Deer Lakes Park, Allegheny County, PA equipment to a star party. However, some items may available on the club’s web site (see below). make the night more comfortable and enjoyable. It often Mar 8 Winterfest gets cool on a clear night, even in summer, so bring a coat, MORE INFORMATION Apr 4,5 light jacket or sweater. Blankets, head cover and extra May 2,3 layers of clothing (including socks) are recommended for For more information on AAAP activities and membership, continued comfort during star parties in the spring and fall. visit our homepage at www.3ap.org. Jun 6,7, To avoid neck strain from constant sky gazing, it helps to Mailing address: AAAP, P.O. Box 314, Glenshaw, PA Jul 11,12 bring some type of portable folding chair. It is advisable to 15116 bring water to drink. None is available on site. AAAP email to: [email protected] Aug 1,2,29,30 Club Events List: https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/event- Sep 13.27 IS THERE A FEE? list.cfm?Club_ID=675 AAAP star parties are free to the public. However, the Public Monthly Meetings, September – May, at Carnegie Oct 11 Moonrise Star Party, donations large or small AAAP receives at its star party Science Center. See Website Calendar and AAAP Nov 1 reception desks help to cover facility-operating costs and newsletter, The Guide Star, for dates and speaker topics. support AAAP’s community education mission.