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RASC Victoria Centre has held successful RASCals Star Parties annually from 2000 through 2008. Our friends from the Cowichan Valley Star Finders have held their highly successful Island Star Party for well over 10 years now. With 2009 being International Year of Astronomy both groups decided to hold a special combined Island Star Party. The Island Star Party lived up to its reputation as a fun and easy-going camping and observing weekend. We saw excellent attendance this year, and it appears more people stayed for both Friday and Saturday, making a weekend of it. Hopefully the Island Star Party helped you celebrate 2009 International Year of Astronomy - a milestone year. The weather was sublime, the talks were interesting, and the camaraderie made it a star party to remember. We had some great door prizes this year, and held some special events for the kids, beginners, and advanced astronomers. As proven by the above astrophotos, the observing conditions were near ideal for the weekend. On-site catering is always a bonus, so folks don't have to cook unless they want to. We heard from terrific speakers this year and there were some interesting workshops and other activities (see the Schedule of Events below for details).
Admission FeesAlmost half our attendees from past years leave each night (or early morning!) to sleep in their own beds or to go to nearby hotels, motels or B&Bs. Our new Visitors Pass gave these people the flexibility to leave the event when they wished, and gave them a bargain as well! The dedicated star party attendees don't want to miss a thing, so they camped for both nights and took advantage of our all-inclusive Package Deal. This gave them in/out privileges so they could take advantage of nearby shopping centres, restaurants fast food outlets and fuel. If you missed getting your Island Star Party t-shirt, it's not too late to order your souvenir edition from our Online Store! Draw PrizesThanks go to our corporate sponsors for their generous support: Island Telescope, Celestron,, and Sky-Watcher Telescopes
Schedule of Events
Sunday 19th
RASCalsl Star Party - return to main page |
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