For some reason the following message which Kelly posted to the list earlier today bounced. While I try to figure out why it bounced I'll forward it on. Sorry for the delay. patrick From: Kelly_Carroll@nps.gov Date: 06 July 2010 12:32:23 MDT To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Great Basin National Park Astronomy Festival Hello all! I have just joined the board and wanted to introduce myself and tell you a little about the Great Basin NP first Astronomy Festival. Our night sky program is just starting to turn a corner. We have had at least 10 astronomy nights in the park since Memorial Day and have given nearly 500 people their first glimpse through a telescope. This is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor to help us build this program and to help preserve one of the darkest spots in the United States. The three day festival is scheduled for August 6 through August 8. We are going to have many events (day and night) planned. Each night will be capped off by observing. This year will be having a free astronomer's camp. This will be an area located close to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center where all participating astronomers can set up a tent or small trailer. The area will be secured from regular park visitors during the day and most of the night so equipment can be set up and left up. The area will be opened to park visitors for approximately 2-3 hours per night to give people (and for most their first) view of the night sky through a telescope. It would be great if you could open up for scope to allow people to gaze through. The area will have bathrooms, a paved area for equipment, picnic tables, however, there will not be electrical power available. Saturday evening will feature our keynote speaker, William Fox, as well as an astronomer's dinner provided by us. There is time in the schedule if you'd like to give a presentation (hint) or outdoor activity. You can contact me at kelly_carroll@nps.gov or call 775-234-7331. Our schedule will be posted at http://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/2010-astronomy-festival.htm Please let me know if you have any questions and we would love to see you here and have your support for our growing night sky program. Thanks! Best, Kelly Kelly Carroll Great Basin National Park http://www.nps.gov/grba/ Experience your America