UBarU Star Party
August 29-September 1, 2025
The Star Party at UBarU - our ninth comprehensive star-party event!
Join us for this 3 night (with a 2 night option if you need) during the new moon in August/September for an on-site event. Come to UBarU for star gazing, star parties in our observatory, presentations, and more!
2025 details will be available as we get closer to the event. If you have questions, please feel free to email Kathy at director@ubaru.org.
On-site lodging options include a private room in the Brown Center, a bunk in the Brown Center, tent camping, RV camping or one of our 3 cottages. If you prefer to join us for the activities, but not stay on campus, you can purchase a registration ticket only (and meals, if you like). You can come to camp for presentations, meals and star gazing then return to your off-site lodging in the evening. You will be asked to park near the athletic field (which is a bit of a walk from the observatory) to minimize the disruption from headlights. We have a 3-night option (Friday night through Sunday night leaving on Monday) or a 2-night option (Friday and Saturday nights) for the Brown Center bunks or camping.
Additional Guidelines for the on-site event:
1. Children: Children must be supervised by their parent(s) at all times. Programming is not geared for a younger audience. Parents and children are invited to enjoy the other amenities at UBarU during the Star Party as well as attend the programmed viewing at the observatory each night.
2. Lighting Restrictions: UBarU will have lighting restrictions for the event that will be consistent with other major star parties and also adhere to the requirements for an IDA Dark-Sky Park to enhance the enjoyment of the night-sky experience for the participants. This includes using only red-light flashlights and other lighted devices when outside, and ensuring that windows in the cottages and suites are covered at night with curtains and/or blinds when the lights are on. There must be no driving or use of car lights on site after dark.
3. Event Registration: required for all participants ages 5 and older. Lodging and meal options also available in our Suites (private room or bunks), camping or in a cottage. Meal plans are available if you prefer not to cook and are staying in a cottage or are camping. Meal plans are included with reservation of a bunk or a private room. See additional details and pricing in registration system.
Presentations:
Saturday 10am: “UBarU astronomical photography” by Gregg Bellman
Saturday 2pm: “Using the Sky Safari App” by Bruce Barton, President of the Hill Country Astronomers Association
Sunday 10am: “These Are a Few of My favorite Places” by Robert Reeves. This presentation will highlight fun features to look for on the Moon.
Sunday 2pm: “The Satellite Issue for Amateur Astronomers: What's Happening, What Is (and Isn't) Working, and What The Future Could Be Like” by John Barentine
A revolution in the way humans access and use outer space is underway. The ongoing transition of space from a realm dominated by government actors to one of private commercial activities is rapidly remaking near-Earth orbital space. Already it has begun to transform the appearance of the night sky in ways never seen before. In this presentation I will review the history of space exploration and development up to the dawn of the satellite 'megaconstellation' era in 2019, recount the changes of the last six years, and explain the effects on various users of the night sky from professional astronomers to casual stargazers. I will describe ongoing efforts to influence both spacecraft engineering decisions and the international policy framework with the goal of reducing the impact of satellites on astronomy and the global nighttime environment. Lastly, I will suggest ways that amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike can get involved in the issue and contribute positively to its future direction.
