2004 Lake Whitney
Public Star Parties
- February 21
- March 20 - Messier Marathon
- April 3 - Alice Carlson School
- April 24 - 5th Annual Astronomy Day Celebration
- May 15
- May 21-22 - Girl Scout Star Party
- June 12
- July 17
- August 14 - 5th Annual Summer Star Party
- September 18
- October 16
- November 6
All Lake Whitney Star Party events are free to all State Park guests.
They are usually held once a month, weather permitting. No knowledge of
astronomy or equipment is required. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, lawn
chairs and personal telescopes. Viewing generally starts 30 minutes after
sunset. |
The Lake Whitney Star Parties are held at the
Recreation Center in the Lake Whitney State Park near Hillsboro, TX. Event
organizer is AAAA member Thomas Williamson, from North Richland Hills, TX, a
suburb of Fort Worth. Thomas has graciously designated the Central
Texas Astronomical Society in Waco, TX, and the American
Association of Amateur Astronomers as event sponsors.
The Stars at Night
Are Big and Bright
Deep in the Heart of Texas!
The Lake Whitney Star Parties specialize in bringing outdoor
telescope observing to the general public. To this end and for the last several
years, participants have ground telescope mirrors and built at least three
telescopes which they have donated to the state park for public use.
After dusk each night during the star parties, there is telescope viewing under clear Texas skies,
and the activity is often intense. Even during hot summer Texas weather, evening breezes off Lake Whitney helped keep observers
comfortable as attendees and general public are treated to viewing through more
than 20 amateur telescopes.
The Lake Whitney Star Party was free and open to the public except for park
fees of $2.00 per person. The Central Texas Astronomical Society from Waco, Texas,
held
their August meeting at the star party and helped with door prizes after the slide
shows.
The organized presentations and speaker lectures are held at the
Recreation Hall in the State Park. The Recreation Hall has recently been air
conditioned.
Lake Whitney is a Texas State Park located near Hillsboro, TX, on State Highway 22, west of I-35.
Contact event organizer Thomas Williamson at 817-656-0901, or via e-mail at
distglow@hotmail.com.
Contact Lake Whitney State Park at lwsp@digitex.net.
The park information web site is http://www.digitex.net/lakewhitneystatepark
