Wednesday, 18 January 2023

 A Star Party in the warm heart of Central South Africa

 
 Where
 On the farm Gansvlei close to Brandfort (13km)
GPS Coordinates:  28°47'48.63"S   26°28'25.66"E

 More information  -   assabfn@gmail.com

GPS Coordinates  28°47'48.63"S   26°28'25.66"E
 Google Earth - Gansvlei - FS Star Party
Prepairing for the FS Star Party

To dew or not to dew

    1st Free State Star Party 2014

    2nd Free State Star Party 2021

     3rd Free State Star Party 2016

    4th Free State Star Party 2017

    5th Free State Star Party 2018

    7th Free State Star Party 2021

    Observation site - In short
    Storage room close to observing site during night/day.
    Separate astro photography site available not to disturb serious observers.
    Electricity available for telescope and electronic equipment (No kettles or heaters).
    Observers must bring their own leads to get power from a central point in the veld.
    Bring covers if you want to leave your equipment in the veld during the day.
     
    - Have respect for your fellow observers. Use your headlight sparingly. You are blinding someone next to you. No bright white/red lights when observing starts. 

    Deep-sky Marathon
    ASSA Bloemfontein did the  first Deep-sky Marathon on Gansvlei in 2014 . (ASSA Top-100 Observing List). It is based on the very popular Messier Marathon. It was customized for deep sky objects visible in Southern-Africa.

     Visit the ASSA Marathon web page Sections > Deep-sky Section > Nebulae >  Clusters>
     Deep-Sky Marathons


    The FS Star Party is not about marathons alone. It is also an event where astro friends will do some serious observing, astro photography and relax with hot coffee and serious braaiing. 

    Weather
     2017 -7°C (00:00) and with a light wind from the East pestering us. It was 2.8 °C at 01:00 (Friday night)
    2016 2°C (23:00 Friday); 10°C (00:00 Saturday; with wind and clouds moved over late in the evening. Clear early morning, with wind)
    2015 dew caused havoc. Bring your dew heaters. Come prepared!
    2014 Extreme –  We measured -7°C during the first night. Prepare with warm clothing and bedding.

    Meals
    Bring your own food according to your dietary preferences.
    Hot beverages will be available during the night at a Coffee point close to the observing point.
    Central braai area available. We braai early to be ready for the nights observing.
    Brandfort - 13 km
    - Branfort Slaghuis/Butchery is the place to buy your meat   (    14 Voortrekker St, Brandfort)

    Bloemfontein 52 km

    Provisional Programme

    Thursday Afternoon: Arriving and setting up at observing point; Braai
    Evening - Early Morning:  Observing
    Friday  Evening - Early Morning:  Observing
    Saturday     –     Evening - Early Morning:  Observing
    Morning: Visit Brandfort or sleep late; (No official programme). 
    Afternoon - 11:00 till Before observing time: Advice and discussing Astronomy and braai.
    Evening - Early Morning:  Observing  
    Sunday
    Breakfast and we all leave! 

    Other accommodation - Brandfort and surrounding
    Lekkeslaap – Search: Near Brandfort

    June is Deepsky Marathon Month at the Free State Star Party - Helpful links








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