Monday 25 March 2024

 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

Updated Layout of Star Party venue
(17/4/2024)

 Click to enlarge

     Photo Galleries

    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



    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

    Download  ASSA Deepsky 100 Observing List Evening of 2024 Jun 6 at Gansvlei - Brandfort
    Download:   Southern Sky Map  (Scroll down)

    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.

    Brandfort - 13 km
    Bloemfontein 52 km

    Provisional Programme

    6 June 2024 - Thursday Afternoon: Arriving and setting up at observing point;  Observing
    7 June 2024 - Friday  Evening - Early Morning:  Observing
    8 June 2024 -Saturday: Informal presentation by Johan Smit (ASSA Pretoria)  Subject: Stellar Evolution.
    8 June 2024 -Saturday – Evening - Early Morning:  Observing
    9 June 2024 -Sunday– Breakfast and we all leave!
     
    June is Deepsky Marathon Month at the Free State Star Party - Helpful links










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