Rose City Astronomers: Kah-Nee-Ta Dark Sky Star Party

Rose City Astronomers

RCA Maupin Star Parties

May 30^th- Jun 1^st, 2008
Jun 27^th - 29^th , 2008
Sep 26^th - 28^th, 2008

The Maupin Observing Site is located on a private airstrip about 10 miles east of Maupin, Oregon.

Come and observe your favorite objects under Central Oregon's clear dark skies, spend a wonderful weekend with other astronomers swapping observing stories and exchanging information, or even just spend a relaxing weekend with your family.

Directions

Weather

Viewing

Lodging

Meals

Reservations

There is no formal registration for the event itself, just show up and enjoy the weekend. You don't even need a telescope to participate; other members are enthusiastic to share their views. This is a good opportunity for beginners to get acquainted and seasoned observers to get some serious observing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Doug Huston at geometer@comcast.net or call him at 503-629-8809.

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Driving Directions:

We'll be camping on a private airstrip about 100 miles (as the crow flies) from Portland and you have two routes to choose from:

1) Take Hwy 26 east over Mount Hood and stay to the left past the Hwy 35 cutoff about 5 miles from Government Camp. About 16 miles beyond hwy 35 turn left onto Hwy 216, towards Pine Grove and Maupin. About 6 miles east of Pine Grove at the intersection of Reservation Road and Hwy 216 is Walters Corner store (a small gas station and store, they own the property we're staying on). Here you'll turn left onto Old Wapinitia Road and continue 2 miles. You will see the airstrip on the right hand side of the road, just past the Kelly Cutoff Road.

2) Take I-84 east from Portland to The Dalles and take the Hwy 197 exit south. Go through Dufur and past Tygh Valley. About 6 miles past Tygh Valley take a right onto Hwy 216. Go about 4˝ miles and take the right onto the Kelly Cutoff Road. At the end of the road turn right and the airstrip is on your right.

Plan on a 2-3 hour drive from Portland via Highway 26, and 3-4 hours via Highway 84, plus any stops you may make.

The Maupin Viewing Site is located at:

45° 8' 36"' north - 121° 14' 48" west
Google Map HERE

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Weather:

Weather is almost always better on the east side than the west side of the Cascades.

A nearby clear sky clock for the next 48 hours predicts:

Bring warm clothing, it will be cold at night no matter how nice the day is.

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Viewing:

The viewing area is on to a private airstrip about 10 miles of Maupin. You can leave your equipment set up for the weekend.

Don't forget to use parking lights in the viewing area, red flashlights, red covers for computer screens, etc. There is no electricity or water on site, so bring what you need. Please consider your neighbors if running a generator.

If you are in an RV or pulling a trailer please drive and park on the hard packed surface.

If you are new to observing, here are some Star Party Etiquette suggestions.

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Meals:

Meals are on your own. There is Walter's Corner store at the west end of Old Old Wapinitia Road and a grocery store and a couple of cafes in Maupin.

Lodging:

Tent camping, trailers and RVs are welcome on site. Please keep the Trailers and RVs on the hard packed surface. Bring whatever you need, we only furnish a porta-potty.

There is a couple of motels in Maupin, but they fill up quickly with people rafting on the Deschutes river that runs through Maupin.

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Reservations:

Registration and reservations are not needed for this informal campout. However, if you plan on staying in a nearby motel, be aware that they fill up quickly with the rafters.

If you have any further questions you can email Doug Huston at geometer@comcast.net or call him at 503-629-8809.

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