NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3 RIVERS FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES
2009 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 nights 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.
Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus
Crowell
,
TX
.
Star Party Dates 2009
January 31
February 7 / February 28
March 7 / March 28
April 4 / April 25
May 2 / May 16 / May 23
June 20 / June 27
July 25
August 1 / August 22 / August 29
September 19 / September 26
October 17 / October 24
November 14 / November 21
December 5 / December 12
Open Campus Dates 11 AM - 11PM
Available
for groups BY RESERVATION ONLY.
February 2-6
March 2-6
March 30 April 3
April 27 May 1
May 25 29
June 22 26
July 27 31
August 24 - 28
September 21 - 25
October 19 23
November 16 20
December 7 11
All parties are subject to cancellation.
Events
begin with solar observing 2 hours before sunset.
A
short educational presentation follows at dusk,
and
night viewing continues until 11 PM.
For
more information visit www.3rf.org
Or
call 940-684-1670
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
