It’s the 13th Annual RASCals Star Party and you’re invited to a great family event! Amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts will be setting up in Metchosin, on the municipal cricket field, at 4450 Happy Valley Road.

Admission is free for camping on the site (although donations are very welcome). Visiting the Star Party is also free. There is also alternative parking available for those coming and going so they don’t disturb the star gazers. There is power available on site, but only for the telescopes. There are washroom facilities and potable water from a tap.

During the day, you will be able to do solar observing or attend astronomy workshops. In the evening there will be astronomy lectures, guided telescope walks, an introduction to the night sky, and once it’s dark enough we’ll all be viewing the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. It’s a great event to learn about and experience astronomy!

When you’re observing through someone’s telescope, please do not touch it. Just put your eye up to the eyepiece and observe. Most of the telescopes you see are carefully aligned to the night sky and bumping or handling them will knock them off target and possibly ruin their alignment.

Please ensure that you use only red light flashlights at this event, as white lights will ruin the night vision of everyone trying to enjoy the night sky. Be careful when you walk around in the dark. Many of the telescopes in the observing field will be powered, so there will be cables on the ground. Make sure you dress warmly, as it gets very cold at night when you’re standing around, even in the summer. For visitors parking, make certain you park with your headlights in the opposite direction of the observing field to limit the amount of light pollution for observers.