Take a TAC trip - expand your universe!
Beginners and experienced observers alike are invited. Join hundreds of amateur astronomers for celestial fireworks this 4th of July new moon. Click images on page to enlarge.
New Location 
On Frosty Acres Ranch near Adin in northeast California, GSSP is at an elevation of 4400 feet, with a stunning view of Mount Shasta 66 miles to the west. Our location combines the amenities of nearby towns and distance from city lights. Observing field coordinates N41° 8' 1", W 120° 58' 39".
New Surface | No volcanic dirt, dust, rocks or sagebrush! GSSP's natural surface is not a heat sink like the asphalt we set our telescopes up on in past years. The new surface is mowed heritage grass, safe for driving, and provides a comfortable camping surface. The mostly clay soil should be nearly dust free, a plus for camping, your optics and other equipment. |
New Sky 
"I am a veteran of the Alturas area for viewing ... this is the darkest sky left in the US ... no pollution plume to the west and no light pollution plus some elevation. It doesn't get any better than this!"Tony Hallas
Astrophoto.com
From observing at the new site in 2007:
"Milky Way was not just sugary, it had a distinct three dimensional quality".
"A dazzling "bowl of the sky" feeling from zenith to horizon in every direction".
Come see The Milky Way in all its glory.
Light pollution maps and data for GSSP and other star parties.
Two observing reports from the GSSP site in 2007:
My "Joe Friday" Observing Report
My "Bill Gannon" Observing Report
Several observing reports were posted from our 2007 event at Mount Lassen.
GSSP Clear Sky Clock
Light pollution maps and data for GSSP and other star parties.
My "Joe Friday" Observing Report
My "Bill Gannon" Observing Report
Several observing reports were posted from our 2007 event at Mount Lassen.
GSSP Clear Sky Clock
Blogs, Polls and Attendees
This is Your Blog (Last Updated 4/20/08)
Ask questions, post your tips or suggestions about the event and surrounding area. Attendees are encouraged to help develop and coordinate the star party on the GSSP Blog Page.
Use the Polls
Find them to the right of this paragraph. These are representative of GSSP attendees, but being voluntary, they do not reflect our entire attendance. These are a snapshot of how the event is shaping up.
2008 Attendees Page (Last updated 5/13/08)
Here's a fun idea. List yourself on the 2008 Attendees Page and help build a better event. This will help others know if there will be a particular telescope or other piece of equipment there that they'd like to see, or someone of "like mind" regarding amateur telescope making, or imaging, or just someone they know via the Internet over the years but have never met.
Telescopes anticipated at GSSP 2008 (Last updated 5/16/08)
Have a peek, maybe there will be something at this year's event you are interested in seeing in person.
At The GSSP
Camping, RVs and Off Site Accommodations
RVs are welcome, but there are no hookups. There is plenty of room, good highway all the way there, and easy drive-in access. Off-site accommodations are available in the nearby towns.
Have a look at our site layout, designed to optimize space while keeping the group together. If you are camping, read the section on Campsite Preparation.
The Elements
These are most important points!!!
- Bring your own shade. There is no shade on site other than the community tent. Your campsite will need a large umbrella or sturdy EZ-Up canopy. Tent campers need to shade tents from the morning sun. We can offer advice on our Blog.
- Typical afternoon breezes occur at most large star parties due to the openness of their terrain. Stake your tent and canopy, and your telescope if it is lightweight or "windmills".
- Sun protection - make certain during the day you are prepared. Sun block and a hat are highly recommended.
- Temperatures can be chilly at night, even in the middle of summer. Prepare by having multiple layers you can put on. The best advice is to keep adding layers before you get chilled.
- Bugs? During our visit in August 2007, we did not have a problem with bugs. We will be on-site over a month earlier in 2008, and while we have no reports of bugs, be prepared with some repellent.
Here is the National Weather Service page for Adin,
and historical data for temperature and precipitation.
and historical data for temperature and precipitation.
Community Shade Tent / Imagers Kitchen
There will be a large tent available for daytime shade, with a portion darkened and power provided for imagers to process their prior night's catches. The community tent will certainly be a fun place to meet old and new friends - here's more about Imaging at GSSP.
Showers
Free showers. We'll have a modern 9 stall shower truck on site during the entire star party. Easy to be fresh and clean, and no waiting in line.
Food
Lots of great choices! Many attendees bring their own food, but for those cooking on-site please use only gas powered camping stoves. Open fires will NOT be allowed. There are also plenty of places to eat and buy supplies in Adin, Bieber and other nearby towns.
For something truly special, prepare yourself for Friday and Saturday evening meals served on site. GSSP is on a ranch that raises gourmet grass-fed beef.... need we say more?
- Friday a local community organization will host BBQ dinners on site.
- Frosty Acres Ranch will offer a BBQ of gourmet grass-fed beef and corn-on-the-cob Saturday evening.
Potable water will be available free, on site from the shower vendor.
Ice
We've arranged for plenty of ice to be available for purchase at the
Adin Supply Company a few miles away in town.
Porta-Potties
Plenty of them, along with wash basins. Disabled access will also be available.
Cell Phones Service
Brief experience is that cell phones work at the observing site. Cell towers are nearby.
Out and About Adin
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Up-to-date News: http://www.bigvalleynews.net/
About Modoc County: http://www.shastacascade.com/modoc/modoc.htm#2tb (see list below)
Adin (population 500) lies 100 miles east of Redding, 100 miles south of Klamath Falls, OR, and 40 miles southeast of Alturas on SR 299. It sits on the Modoc Plateau, elevation 4200’.
Bieber and Lookout, approximately 12 miles away each, form a triangle with Adin called Big Valley. The Big Valley Ranger District office is located in Adin.
Adin has one:
- Restaurant
- Grocery store
- Supply store
- Library—with Internet access
- Service station
- Community park
- Visitor information services (Big Valley Ranger District)
- Motel
- Mobile home park (with overnight hookups)
- Fire Department
- Church (six in the area)
- Schools
- Bank
- Medical center
- Hardware store
- Grocery store
- Nursery
- Flower/gift shop
- Museum
- Swimming pool
Adin was named after one of its early settlers, Adin McDowell, in 1869, and contains an assortment of historic buildings and sites.
- Adin Community Church was built in 1888 and is located on Main Street
- Adin Supply was built in 1899 as a general store and it is still operated as such today.
- Two historic cemeteries: (1) an Indian site near the old primary school in Adin, and (2) and the old pioneer cemetery located on CR 89.
About The GSSP and Registration
What Is TAC? (return to top of page)
We are all volunteers and active California amateur astronomers comprised of these on-line communities:
- TAC-Shasta in GSSP's backyard. A great place for NorCal and Southern Oregon observers.
- The Astronomy Connection (TAC) in the San Francisco bay area.
- TAC-SAC in and around Sacramento.
- TAC-South in Southern California.
Volunteering at GSSP makes the star party work. Our sincere thanks to all who help make GSSP a success by spending a little time volunteering.
Click here to volunteer!
Volunteer jobs are all simple, take little time, let you meet other attendees and become a part of our success. Would you like to help? Contact us.
About TAC's Summer Star Parties
Our first was held at Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park in 1994, as the Mount Lassen Star Party. The event was held annually, eventually relocating in 2002 to the roomier Shingletown Airport, where we stayed until 2006. After a "return to our roots" year at Mount Lassen as GSSP in 2007, our quest for the best skies and access in California took us to Adin. We feel the new location best meets the needs of our entire astronomy community.
Public Night
Every year TAC offers its hosts a night for their community to join us and observe through our telescopes. This "thank you" goes back to our early days at the Mount Lassen Star Party. The public will join us beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday July 5 and ending at 1 a.m. July 6. This part of the star party is always the most fun and rewarding.
How Did We Choose Our 2008 Dates?
Attendees from GSSP 2007 were polled, and selected July new moon for the 2008 star party.
Registration
Registration fees are per adult. Children under 18 years of age are free. REGISTER HERE Signed up but can't attend? Use this blog page to sell your spot. By registering you agree to abide by the rules for GSSP 2008 |
GSSP is produced entirely by amateur astronomers.
Click here to volunteer!
GSSP is brought to you by TAC's Summer Star Party Committee.
GSSP is an LCO Inc. production.
