About OSP
About OSP
The Oregon Star Party is an astronomy adventure featuring quality deep sky viewing. It attracts intellectually curious outdoor lovers who enjoy the romance of a renaissance gathering. All ages enjoy camping among ponderosa, juniper, mountain mahogany, and sage. Past attendees have told us emphatically how much they have enjoyed the camaraderie and dark skies of Indian Trail Spring, and that they will return again!
In the evening, a forest of telescopes and bustling observers grows on the high prairie. Beauty and quality are apparent in personally engineered and constructed instruments. Large telescopes, personal computers, and sophisticated tracking systems promise power and ability. But high technology does not overshadow the great personal satisfaction of using small telescopes, binoculars, and naked eye viewing. Many who attend are astro-imagers, others are logging Messier, Herschel I & II objects, or the objects found in their OSP Observers’ packet. Still others may just enjoy the clear dark skies from the comfort of a lawn chair.
Almost everyone welcomes a polite request to share a telescopic view; this is the spirit of our star party. All of us thrill at the glitter and soft glows of starlight mixed with friendly whispers punctuated by the shouts of success. It’s emotionally unforgettable. We invite you to join us again this year!
Remember: sunset at this time of year is around 8:00 PM. Please try to arrive before dark, but if unable to do so, be cautious of deer or other animals on the roads, particularly around dusk or dawn. Anticipate an hour’s drive from Prineville to the site. Roads are paved except for the last four miles, which are gravel, and in decent shape. Before leaving home, please check our web site for any possible detours.
If you arrive after 8pm, the road into the main area will be blocked and you are asked to camp in the late night arrival area at the entry near the registration tent. The road will reopen at 10am in the morning.
OSP Weather and Site Conditions - Since the OSP site is located on Forest Service lands; we do need to adhere to their conditions for use. The hill and prairie the site is located on is treeless, so there is limited shade. It can be hot during the day, but pleasant at night (light jacket). However there have been monsoon type downpours, lightning, and dust devils powerful enough to lift tents, ice chests and telescopes. There are some camping restrictions. However these restrictions change from year to year and you'll need to get the latest information from a volunteer at the Registration or Information tent.
For clothing, bring warm and cool weather clothes and rain gear. Do bring sunscreen, sunglasses and head covering. If you have a special medical condition or needs, there are volunteer medics on hand to help; primarily they just provide first aid help. The nearest medical facility is in Prineville.
Usually there is a severe fire risk warning for the area, so there are no open fires, electric generators are (generally) restricted to medical needs, food vendors and main activities tent. It is a good idea to pack extra water and food.
Because we hold our yearly outing in the wilds of the Ochoco National Forest we work hard to support the concept that you only take pictures and leave only footprints. We work with the USFS in assuring that we leave the Star Party location better than we found it each year.
Cell phone access is spotty at best. There is no guarantee that your cell phone will work at OSP.
While the official dates for the OSP activities are Thursday thru Sunday, many come early and/or stay late to enjoy the darkest skies in the region. Be aware that vendors, shower truck, dumpster and food vendors are only there for the star party dates. The porta-potties may not show up until Tuesday and disappear on Monday, so plan accordingly. Outside of Thursday to Sunday you are pretty much on your own.