MKSP 2023 Star Party Information
MKSP 2023 has been Cancelled
MKSP 2023 has been cancelled due to wildfire threat to the access road for the site of the star party. We are planning for next year, hope to see you there.
Plans for 2023 / President's Message
Welcome to Mount Kobau everyone! I hope you have a wonderful few days on the mountain with great skies.
This is our 38th annual star party. Generally about 80 astronomers come out to star gaze and have fun with their colleagues.
We have 2 talks planned for this year. The speakers are Murray Paulson and Roland Kothes. Come out and enjoy one of these presentations during your visit. We also have great prizes to give away on Saturday afternoon, August 19.
OnThursday Aug 17, Veteran MKSP attendee Ken Hewitt-White will lead a tribute to his long-time Kobau friend, fellow deep-sky observer, and faithful camping companion, Prof. Lee Johnson, who passed away suddenly on Monday, July 10th, at the age of 79. Following Ken's brief eulogy for Lee, anyone in attendance is invited to chime in with their own remembrances.
We ask that you obey some simple rules. Among them: please respect the plants and animals on the mountain. Do not use laser pointers! Due to Canadian regulations only authorized members of the society may use them when required. If you use a generator or any other device that is likely to make noise please make sure it is muffled to reduce the noise and only use the device during the afternoon (noon to 6:00 p.m.). If any concerns come up during your stay, please come see us at Registration.
As our summers get progressively warmer and drier, wildfires are an ever-increasing concern. The threats to property and livelihoods posed by the fires, and the health risks from the accompanying smoke, are serious concerns. As of this writing (mid-July, 2023), there has been high heat and very high drought conditions. We ask that you be very, very careful with smoking materials and cooking gear at all times.
Again, thanks for coming out. I hope to meet all of you at some point. Have fun and enjoy our amazing hobby at Kobau’s wonderful skies.
Clear Skies
Allen Royston, President
Mount Kobau Astronomical Society
Registration Information
Pre-registration is Preferred for the 2023 Mt. Kobau Star Party. Sorry, it is not possible to for us to reserve space on the mountain top.
Pre-Registrations can be mailed to us as soon as they are filled out, with payment by cheque or money order enclosed. If you choose not to pre-register, you can register on-site.
The Rates for 2023 are the same as last year see the table below.
A form to register by clicking on the Reg. Form button below to obtain/print a copy.
Payable by cheque or money order in Canadian Funds.
Make cheques payable to: Mount Kobau Astronomical Society. Mail to: MKSP Registrar, 1069 Calmels Crescent, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4L6
Download Pre-Registration Form - Word format
Download Pre-Registration Form - PDF format
| Number in Party | Number of Nights | Normal Rate |
|---|---|---|
| One person | One night | $25.00 |
| One person | Two nights | $50.00 |
| One person | More than two nights | $75.00 |
| Two or more persons | One night | $35.00 |
| Two or more persons | Two nights | $70.00 |
| Two or more persons | More than two nights | $100.00 |
MKSP Skies
MKSP 2023 Schedule of Events
Talks may be postponed in the event of bad weather. Times here are tentative. Check at the Registration Desk for the most current information.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Aug. 12 | MKSP begins at dusk. |
| Sunday, Aug. 13 | Midnight to Dawn - Perseid Meteor Shower 2:24 am - Moonrise 6% illuminated 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception |
| Monday, Aug. 14 | 3:30 am - Moonrise 2% illuminated 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception |
| Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception |
| Wednesday, Aug. 16 | New Moon - 2:39am 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception 7:00 pm @ The Flats – Possible Speaker: To Be Announced 8:13pm Sunset 8:50pm – Moonset |
| Thursday, Aug. 17 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception 7:00 pm @ The Flats – Speaker: Ken Hewitt-White - A Twilight Tribute: Lee Johnson Veteran MKSP attendee Ken Hewitt-White will lead a tribute to his long-time Kobau friend, fellow deep-sky observer, and faithful camping companion, Prof. Lee Johnson, who passed away suddenly on Monday, July 10th, at the age of 79. Following Ken's brief eulogy for Lee, anyone in attendance is invited to chime in with their own remembrances. This will be a Kobau 'group hug' for a wonderful man. 9:05pm – Moonset |
| Friday, Aug. 18 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception 7:00 pm @ The Flats – Speaker: Dr. Roland Kothes of the DRAO - who will speak on his research on the study of supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae, and the interstellar magnetic field. 9:30 pm – Binocular Star Walk, Murray Paulson (Meet at The Flats) 9:17pm – Moonset |
| Saturday, Aug. 19 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm – Registration/Reception Morning of - ATM Contest Judging Walkabout Noon - deadline for submission of Astrophotography Submissions 3:00 pm @ The Flats: Closing Ceremonies, Door Prize Draw, Group Photo 5:00 pm @ The Flats – Swap Table 7:00 pm @ The Flats – Possible Speaker: To Be Announced 9:30pm – Moonset |
| Sunday, Aug. 20 | MKSP ends at dawn. |
Lectures and Topics
Information on Lectures and Talks for 2023 will be added here when it's available
Contests, Pins and Awards
This year as is traditional for MKSP there may be awards for the following. For more information on how you might participate ask when you arrive for more information on how to compete for these awards. The Judging occurs on Saturday Morning, so you have to let us know before then that you want to enter.
IMAGING CATEGORIES
A trophy may be awarded for each of the following categories
Prime Focus
Piggyback
Camera On Tripod
Novice Astrophoto
Daytime Photo
Nature
EQUIPMENT MAKING CATEGORIES
A trophy may be awarded for each of the following categories
Mechanical Excellence
Most Innovative Design
First Time Telescope
Dobsonian Telescope
Astronomical Equipment
SKETCHING OR DRAWING CATEGORIES
A trophy may be awarded for each of the following categories
Sketching and Drawing from the Telescope
OBSERVING LISTS
MKSP is pleased to present observing suggestions. The observing program suggestions are not competitions in the true sense of the word but rather are intended to provide the astronomer with a sense of accomplishment. Levels of experience range from absolute beginner to seasoned amateur. Refer to the lists below for details.
Completed lists will be rewarded with a pin and your name will be posted in the History section on the MKSP website for all to see. To obtain a pin, bring your completed form to the registration desk during hours of operation.
You will find all the lists by clicking on the links below. Choose the list or lists you would like to try. You may download a copy then print or you may just print the pdf file(s) directly. Don't forget to bring printed copies for your use at the star party.
- UnAided Eye List: No optical aids except your eyes are required to complete this task. Completion of this list will provide those who have little or even no knowledge with the summer-time night sky a satisfying experience of observing fundamentals.
- Bright Objects List: A pair of binoculars or small telescope will be beneficial to complete this list. The list is intended for the beginning amateur, but even experienced astronomers will gain great satisfaction from finding and viewing these objects.
- Intermediate Objects List: You'll need at least a small aperture but a medium sized telescope is recommended to complete this list. This is the list most MKSP attendees will wish to attempt.
- Challenge List: This is a very difficult list and will require a large aperture telescope to complete. Intended for the experienced astronomer.
Click on the image to download a printable PDF to take to the mountain.
Click on this image to download a pdf list of the Unaided Objects.
Click on this image to download a pdf list of the Intermediate Objects.
Click on this image to download a pdf list of the Bright Objects.
Click on this image to download a pdf list of the Challenge Objects.
Awards
Recipients will be presented here after Saturday
Observing Pins and/or Ribbons
Recipients will be presented here after Saturday
Raffle Prize
Prize winner will be presented here after Saturday
Door Prizes
Prize winners will be presented here after Saturday