Photo: Frans Human (ASSA Bloemfontein)
A Stary Party in the warm heart of Central South Africa
3 - 5 June 2016 (Friday - Sunday)
WhereOn the farm Gansvlei close to Brandfort (13km)
GPS Coordinates: 28°47'48.63"S 26°28'25.66"E Gansvlei Information (Pdf) Booking via Shaun Staats - assabfn@gmail.com
GPS Coordinates 28°47'48.63"S 26°28'25.66"E
Google Earth - Gansvlei - FS Star Party
Observation site
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
Extreme – In 2014 we measured - 7°C during the first night. Prepare with warm clothing and bedding. In 201 5 dew caused havoc. Bring your dew heaters. Come prepared!
Meals
Bring your own food according to your dietary preferences.
Hot beverages will be available during the night at a Coffee 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
Friday – 3 June 2016Morning/Afternoon: Arriving and setting up at observing point
Evening - Early Morning: Observing
Saturday – 4 June 2016
Morning: Visit Brandfort or sleep late; (No official programme)
Evening - Early Morning: Observing
Sunday – 5 June 2016
Breakfast and we all leave!
General
Cost (2016)
1. Registration fee – R100 p/p
2. Accommodation costs
Per night Tariff:
R100 per person per night. Include bed, hot shower, kitchen
Camp in own tent:
R80 per person per night. Include bed, hot shower, kitchen (Bring your own bedding. It is deep winter – be prepared.
- Wood for barbeque (Saturday afternoon) available.
- Venue avaiulable for Friday and Saturday night (3/4 June)
Cash payment on arrival.
Contact Shaun Staats – via assabfn@gmail.com
To book
Cut and paste the info below and email your information to assabfn@gmail.com
Name / Surname:
ASSA Centre / Other:
Number of people:
Email:
Cell no:
Bed in Room (Number): (No single/double Rooms available)
Camp site:
Other accommodation
Various
Ou Pastorie
Lekkeslaap – Near Brandfort
June is Deepsky Marathon Month at the Free State Star Party - Helpful links
- Deep-Sky Marathons (ASSA Website)
(Dunlop Catalogue and Lacaille List available on this page) - Article in Nightfall "Birth of a Deep-Sky Marathon"
- Deep-Sky Observer’s Companion Database – DOCdb
- ASSA Top-100 Deep-Sky Observing List
- Saguaro Astronomy Club’s 2015 All Arizona Messier Marathon
- Free State Star Party
- Stellarium software
- Cartes du Ciel software
- Jet stream predictions for Southern Africa
- Deep-Sky Hunter Star Atlas
randomstruik.co.za, phone: 021 460 5400).