8th Annual Kisatchie Star Party
March 5 - 9, 2008

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Introduction

The Baton Rouge Astronomical Society invites you once again to join us in the pine covered hills of central Louisiana for a few nights stargazing and socializing. Our observing site in the Kisatchie National Forest has gained the reputation at THE place to be in Louisiana if you want the darkest skies possible. So sweep last year's bugs out of your tent, shake out those missing socks from your sleeping bag, and start perfecting your top secret recipes to share with the rest of us at the 8th annual Kisatchie Star Party!

If you've led a sheltered life and neglected to visit us before, let me emphasize one thing about our site; it is dark because it is isolated. The closest town, and consequently the closest source of light pollution, is 25 miles away (Natchitoches). For forgotten necessities, there are a few convenience stores located slightly closer. Motels, grocery stores, and restaurants, however, are a half hour drive away. Plan accordingly.

Because the KSP site is so remote, most people prefer to camp on or near the observing field. In fact, this is one of the few star parties that allow you to pitch your tent or park your RV right next to your telescope. It makes sneaking a few winks so much easier. Most KSP attendees also choose to cook on-site. If you're not from Louisiana you'll quickly realize that we are not allowed (I think it's a State Law or something) to gather in groups unless good food is also part of the plan.

Keep in mind that there are no permanent restrooms at our site. Porta-potties will be brought in for the event. Drinking water is available at nearby US Forest Service locations.

Enough generalities, here are the specifics:

Registration and Fees

There will be no pre-registration. All registration will be done on-site. This makes things easier on us and on all you astronomers afraid of commitment.

As in previous years, we don't want anyone to be left out because of price. The Kisatchie Star Party is the best star party bargain in the country. The registration fee for adults is $10.00. Young astronomers under 18 are free (they must, however, be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Directions

From the South:

Take Interstate 49 north to Exit 119 (Derry/Cloutierville). Turn left onto Louisiana Highway 119 and drive approximately five miles to the Longleaf Pine Trail Scenic Highway. Turn right and follow the scenic highway 17.5 miles until it ends at Louisiana Highway 117. Turn left onto Hwy 117 and go 2.8 miles to Forest Service Road 350. Turn right onto FS 350 and proceed 1.5 miles. The observing field is on the right hand side of the road.

From the North:

Head south on Interstate 49 to Exit 138 (Natchitoches). Turn right onto Louisiana Highway 6 and go four miles to Hagewood. Turn left onto Louisiana Highway 117 and follow it for 19.4 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 350 and proceed 1.5 miles. The observing field is on the right hand side of the road.

From Texas via Leesville:

Go north from Leesville on Louisiana Highway 117 approximately 21 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 350 and follow it for 1.5 miles. The observing field is on the right hand side of the road.

Schedule

The Kisatchie Star Party will officially begin at noon on Wednesday, March 5th and continue until noon on Sunday, March 9th.

As much as we would wish otherwise, we are not in West Texas or Arizona. We are in Louisiana. It rains in Louisiana. Often. After too many times of having to reschedule or cancel speakers or activities, we've decided just to concentrate on observing and socializing this year.

Star Party Rules

1. Only dim red lights may be used on the observing field after dark. Light rules will be suspended for a brief period each night between 12:00 midnight and 12:20 AM to give participants a chance to depart the observing field if they wish.
2. No vehicles will be allowed to move on the observing field after dark except for an emergency or during the departure window noted above.
3. Traffic flow through the observing field will be "one way" as marked.
4. Play your music as loud as you like so long as you have your headphones on. If anyone else can hear it, it's too loud and you will be asked to turn it off or leave. Also, the rest of us will talk about you for years to come.
5. Alcohol is neither encouraged nor prohibited. Remember that there are kids around, so please be discreet. Besides, it inhibits your night vision.
6. For fire safety concerns, no portable generators may be used on the observing field.
7. Cooking on the observing field is limited to charcoal grills and gas stoves only. Ground campfires are not permitted.
8. Trash. Pack it in, pack it out. Don't throw it in the Porta-Potties!
9. No digging on the observing field. We want to use this site again next year.
10. The endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is known to nest within the area. Nesting trees are marked with a painted white band around the trunk. Molesting or otherwise intimidating the birds is a Federal crime and could prevent you from enjoying future star parties for quite some time.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free e-mail us at:

Kisatchie@cox.net

Last updated on Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:51:37 AM