NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 RIVERS FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES
2008 STAR PARTY DATES
Comanche Springs Astronomy
Campus, located between Crowell and
Paducah
,
Texas
, will again host public Star Parties beginning in March 2008. Known as the
largest privately supported astronomy campus in the Southwest, 3RF provides
several unique opportunities for the public to view the universe through
numerous world-class telescopes and other distinctive astronomy gear at the
Campus 12 miles west of Crowell. The opening activities are held on the Campus
StarField with as many as a dozen telescopes ready for viewing. Attendees are
then encouraged to roam between the telescopes and view the various sights made
available throughout the evening.
Each monthly event is attended by a host of 3RF Volunteers from many area
Astronomy clubs (including Dallas, Lubbock, Amarillo, Fort Worth, Wichita Falls,
to name a few) who explain the highlights of the night as well as assist with
actual use of the telescopes by campus visitors.
The 40’ tall Big Dome
houses the largest privately owned refractor telescope in
Texas
that is available to the public and the unusual “roll-off” observatory
actually rolls back its roof so that additional telescopes can be set up for the
public. The most popular instruments are the 15”- 18’ refractor telescope
and the Australian battery-powered Star Chair. Approximately 1,500 students,
teachers, parents, grandparents and adults visited the campus in 2007.
Scheduled star parties begin about an hour before sunset with solar
viewing and the night’s program beginning at dark. Picnic areas are provided
and, unless overnight camping is requested, registration is unnecessary. It is
advised to watch the 3RF website or call the 3RF office for the recorded message
if weather is inclement on the date of the Star party.
¶
MARCH
8
¶
APRIL
5
¶
MAY
17
¶
JUNE
14
¶
JULY
12
¶
AUGUST
2
¶
SEPTEMBER
20
¶
OCTOBER
18
¶
NOVEMBER
15
¶
DECEMBER
6
The 3 Rivers Foundation
uses such events in accordance with its mission to increase science awareness to
students and the general public. If you would like additional information about
programs @ Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus, contact: www.3rf.org
or call 940-684-1670.
This
is the 15 inch refractor telescope installed at
Comanche
Springs (14 miles west of Crowell )
Check
out there web site for more information.
3 Rivers Foundation
for the Arts & Sciences
