Mid Atlantic Star Party

Organization Mid Atlantic Star Party (MASP)
Location Robbins, North Carolina
Coordinates 35°26′12″N 79°33′01″W / 35.436609°N 79.550319°W / 35.436609; -79.550319 (Site of Mid Atlantic Star Party observational astronomy event)Coordinates: 35°26′12″N 79°33′01″W / 35.436609°N 79.550319°W / 35.436609; -79.550319 (Site of Mid Atlantic Star Party observational astronomy event)
Altitude 472'
Weather Variable weather - clear dark night skies
Established October 1, 1995 (1995-10-01)
Website Mid Atlantic Star Party
Location of Mid Atlantic Star Party

The Mid Atlantic Star Party (MASP) was an annual regional gathering of amateur astronomers (star party) held each fall around October near Robbins, North Carolina.

History

First held in 1995, MASP is located in one of the darkest spots along the eastern U.S. coast and is the largest annual gathering of amateur astronomers between Vermont's Stellafane and Florida's Winter Star Party.[1]

Modern times

With attendance usually numbering in the hundreds,[2] MASP was held at the Occoneechee Council Boy Scout camp for the first decade of operation before scheduling conflicts forced a site change.[3][4] The star party has become a focus of the town of Robbins' economic and cultural planning process[5] and has spurred the creation of a regional "dark park" to control light pollution.[6]

A panoramic view of the main observing field at the 2001 Mid Atlantic Star Party during the day.

References

  1. ↑ "About MASP". Mid-Atlantic Star Party. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  2. ↑ Walsh, S. Kirk (23 September 2005). "AHEAD; Star Parties". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  3. ↑ Chappell, John (7 September 2006). "Robbins Seeks New Site for Star Party". Southern Pines Pilot. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  4. ↑ Chappell, John (12 September 2006). "Robbins Star Party Here to Stay". Southern Pines Pilot. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  5. ↑ Chappell, John (17 October 2006). "Robbins Sets Plans For STEP". Southern Pines Pilot. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  6. ↑ "Dark Park". DarkPark.Org. Retrieved 2007-03-23.


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