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Observing Programs

Attending Oregon Star Party is the perfect opportunity to observe the night sky! In order to encourage observing at the Oregon Star Party, we develop three different observing programs each year, each with its award certificate and pin. Anyone registered for the star party is eligible to participate.

Observing Lists

2012 Lists

• Level 0 - Binocular List

  This year, OSP has added a Binoculars List to the Observing Awards. The objects listed are easily visible in binoculars of all sizes. All objects are brighter than ninth magnitude and larger than 3 minutes in diameter. To receive the OSP Binocular Observer pin and award certificate, you must observe and record at least 20 of the 25 listed objects while you are at OSP. As an added reference, each object's page number in the popular Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is listed in the right-hand column.
  
  All of the listed objects are visible between sunset and 4 am. You may get assistance in locating the object on the star charts but you should position on the object directly. Looking through another binocular, in which the object is already sighted, is not acceptable. While a sketch of the object is preferred, it is not necessary for the binocular list. Instead, you may provide a good description of the object. When finished, bring the list to the Information Tent to receive your OSP Pin.

  2012 Level 0 printable List

• Level 1 - Beginner List

  The best way to enjoy the unique beauty of the dark skies at Oregon Star Party is to view bright Messier objects, popular double stars and planets. The objects listed are easily visible in telescopes of all sizes - perfect for those who are just getting started. To receive the OSP Level 1 Observer pin and award certificate, you must observe and record at least 20 of the 25 listed objects while you are at OSP. As an added reference, each object's page number in the popular Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is listed in the right-hand column.
  
  All of the listed objects are visible between sunset and 4 am. Go-to telescopes and image enhancers (photography) are not permitted for the OSP Level 1 award. You may get assistance in locating the object on the star charts or through other finders, but you should position on the object directly. Looking through another scope, in which the object is already sighted, is not acceptable. While a sketch of the object is preferred, it is not necessary for the level 1 list. Instead, you may provide a good description of the object. When finished, bring the list to the Information Tent to receive your OSP Pin.

  2012 Level 1 printable List

• Level 2 - Intermediate List

  To qualify for the OSP Level 2 Observer pin, you must observe at least 16 of the 25 objects while at OSP. The list can be completed with an 8" telescope. Go-to and image enhancers (photography) are permitted at OSP for the Level 2 award. An LA or IE will be indicated on the award certificate and OSP web site’s list of award winters. In the list below, the column marked "PSA" indicates the page number from the popular Pocket Sky Atlas.
  
  When sketching objects, remember that stars drift east to west and north is located 90 degrees CCW from west in your eyepiece (for a Newtonian reflecting telescope). Each double star pair must be sketched with north on top.
  
  We encourage everyone to describe and sketch each of the objects into the Observer Log Sheet. The blank log sheet is included after these listings in the Observer’s Guide. A limited quantity will also be in the Information Tent. If you prefer, you may instead use your own log book. Keep your drawings simple, and be sure to label your objects with descriptions, colors or anything else you noticed. When finished, bring the list to the Information Tent to receive your OSP Level 2 Observer pin before noon on Sunday.

  2012 Level 2 printable List

• Level 3 - Advance List

  To receive the OSP Advance Observer pin and award certificate, you must observe and record all 7 required objects plus three optional objects for a total of ten objects while you are at OSP. Optical aid for sighting and finding objects is permitted but the object must be seen with no optical aid unless expressly permitted by the rules. This preparation includes creating detailed finder charts, researching certain features online, and becoming familiar with the targets on the list. Use of filters is permitted including Ha, Hb, LPR, UHC, OIII, and color filters.
  
  As an advanced level list, advanced preparation is required to successfully complete the observations. A sketch of each object is strongly encouraged, for any object that is not sketched a sufficiently detailed description of the observation so that there is little doubt of the positive identification. When it comes to advanced observing lists a large aperture scope is usually required. GoTo scopes and image enhancers (photography) are permitted at OSP for the OSP award. A "LA" (Location Assisted) or "IE" (Image Enhanced) will be put on your certificate and the OSP webpage if either one of these are used.

  2012 Level 3 printable List

• Observing Program Rules

  All observations must be made at Indian Trail Spring during the week of Oregon Star Party. This year, we encourage everyone to describe and sketch each of the objects into the Observer Log Sheet. A blank log sheet is available below to download and print. It will also be included in the OSP Observer Guide. A limited quantity will also be in the Information Tent. If you prefer, you may instead use your own log book. Observations may be carried over to the next year if you did not complete them in one year, but they must be made at ITS during OSP.

  An observation record must include:

  • Your Name
  • Date of Observation
  • Time of Observation
  • Sky condition (Seeing)
  • Type of instrument used
  • Magnification used while observing the object
  • A brief description of the object
  • Proof of OSP registration

  When finished, bring the list of observations to the Information Tent before noon on Sunday, where a committee member will go over your record. Those participants who successfully complete a program will receive a Certificate showing their accomplishment. A beautiful "OSP Observer" level lapel pin will be available for purchase once you have completed a list. Your name will also be displayed on the Oregon Star Party webpage as an Observing award winner.

  Still Have Questions? Contact the Award Committee for more information.

First Timers

Welcome to the OSP First Timers page. My first experience at OSP was in 2003. It was hot and dusty (still is) with beautifully dark skies. After a week of meeting new friends and working on an observing list, I almost didn't want to leave this beautiful place. So that you may fully enjoy your time at OSP, here are a few OSP pages you may want to read while planning your week under the stars.

- On the @OSP page, read and become familiar with information about camping, water, food, fire and what to bring and what to leave home. Download and become familiar with maps of the OSP site.

- On the HOME page, become familiar with the DRIVING DIRECTIONS, and carefully follow the driving instructions from Prineville. Some people have reported that using a GPS has taken them on an incorrect route, across the country on a forest road. The route is well signed with OSP signs at every turn after Prineville. The mileage instructions from Prineville are accurate.

- Try to plan you trip so you arrive before dark, which is at about 8pm. Keep in mind that finding your way on a Forest Service road after dark can be difficult. The OSP gate at the entrance is closed at 8pm to prevent car lights from shining on the observing areas. If you do arrive after 8pm, you will need to camp outside the OSP gate until morning.

- If you have a new telescope, ask others camping around you for help or sign up for the adult or youth mentoring programs listed on the ACTIVITIES page. Mentoring activities are lead by OSP committee members experienced in mentoring new observers. Take advantage of their knowledge, and sign up for a session!

- Astronomers stay up all night and sleep during the day, so please be considerate of other astronomers and observe the quiet hours until 10:30am.

- Oregon Star Party is located in the heart of the Ochoco National Forest, a beautiful part of Eastern Oregon. In addition to learning a lot about astronomy and telescopes, there are many other activities available in the area including hiking, geocaching, and swimming in local lakes.

So, that's it. Introduce yourself to Director Dave Powell and other members of the OSP committee. We all wear tie-dyed OSP committee t-shirts and so are easy to find. Don't hesitate to stop and ask us questions!

Let us know your thoughts during and after OSP.

Clear skies!
Ken Cone
OSP Webmaster

Driving Directions

Remember: sunset at this time of year is around 8:00 PM. Please try to arrive before dark. But if you are unable to do so, be cautious of deer or other animals on the roads, particularly around dusk or dawn. Anticipate an hour drive from Prineville to the site. Roads are paved except for the last four miles, which are gravel and in good shape.

• Those arriving after 8pm should plan on spending their first night parked at the entry Late Night Arrival Area.
• The road into the main area will be blocked and you will be asked to camp in the late night arrival area at the entry near the registration tent. The road will reopen at 10am in the morning.
• We have had some trouble in the past with local hunters removing our signs, so if you follow the mileages listed, you will find OSP without any problem.

Please check the Oregon Department of Transportation web page tripcheck for up-to-date road information. The link for Incident Maps will take you to a 9 section grid. The Indian Trail Spring site is in Central Oregon. The site is east of Prineville along Highway 26.

Contact us, if you need additional directions. A good idea is to pick up either a Pittmon’s map for Crook County, or a National Forest Service map of the Ochoco's for detailed information about the area.

For a printable map with driving directions, click here

From western Oregon, western Washington & California:

1. Travel east out of Prineville on State Highway #26.
2. Zero your trip meter at the US Forest Service Headquarters at the east end of town. Stay on Hwy 26 for approximately 14 miles (A), then turn right onto the Ochoco Ranger Station Road. It is not marked, but there should be an OSP sign placed shortly after you turn.
3. Zero your trip meter again and travel 8.4 miles, until you come to a Y in the road just past the Big Summit Ranger Station (B).
4. Zero trip meter again, stay right on NFS 42 and go 19 miles to NFS 4240 (C).
5. Turn right onto NFS 4240 and proceed for 2.7 miles, turn right onto NFS 800 (D).
6. Go 1.5 miles west on NFS 800 and you will arrive at the OSP site.

From eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, & other states:

Coming from places east of Indian Trail Spring, there are several options. From the north and east several good paved roads lead eventually to the town of Mitchell along Hwy 26. It is recommended that those coming in from this direction continue west on Hwy 26 to the turnoff for the Ochoco Ranger Station Road.

There are several gravel Forest Service roads that can be taken if one has an Ochoco National Forest map and feels comfortable with navigating back roads. But it is always a good idea to contact the Forest Service right before OSP to make sure these roads are open. From the southeast, the main roads will take you through Bend and then to Prineville. Hwy 27 is a shortcut available off of Hwy 20 to Prineville, it is graveled from Hwy 20 until the Prineville Reservoir where it becomes paved.

Generator Policy

US Forest Service policies are subject to change at any time

As it has been in the past, we usually will not know for sure if the USFS and the State of Oregon will allow the use of generators.

If allowed, the generators must be within 100 feet of the graveled roads (800 & 802) and operated between noon and 7PM. We request that you limit the usage of your generator as much as possible out of respect for your fellow astronomers.

The decision is based on several factors: the dryness of the forest area around Indian Trail Spring, the 14 day forecast prior to OSP, whether they have closed forest to the public and if level IV restrictions are in place.

Please check back to this area for the lastest information concerning the use of generators at OSP.

OSP Pricing

Item	Early Registration	Regular Registration
Digital Photo	$5.00	$5.00
Full Zipper Hoodie (all sizes)	$30.00	$30.00
Lg Photo	$16.00	$16.00
Registration 0-5	$0.00	$0.00
Registration 12-17	$15.00	$25.00
Registration 6-11	$5.00	$15.00
Registration Adult	$55.00	$75.00
Shower	$10.00	$10.00
Sm Photo	$12.00	$12.00
Star Dinner	$11.00	$11.00
Sweat Shirt (crew neck)	$25.00	$25.00
T-Shirts (long sleeve all sizes)	$20.00	$20.00
T-Shirts (all sizes)	$15.00	$15.00
Vendor Fee	$110.00	$150.00
2012 Artwork