It's our second star party of the year to celebrate the amazing Perseid meteor shower on these moonless summer nights. Hosted by long-time WAS member and past officer Bill Beers, the Cadillac West star parties attract from fifteen to fifty people depending on the weather - not extremely large, but full of camaraderie and very comfortable. You'll enjoy pristine skies, beautiful surroundings, great food, and the company of your fellow astronomy club (WAS, FAAC, 7 Ponds, OAC) members.

You'll get to use the Big Dob in its natural habitat of true dark skies and enjoy the amazing equipment that your fellow members are happy to share. Interested in astrophotography? Some of our best photographers have taken their best images at the Cadillac West star parties. No matter what your area of interest or your skill level, you'll find great conversations and observing opportunities at Bill's.

Though there won't be many hours of darkness per night, the weather is historically more favorable later in Spring than earlier and the temperatures are much more comfortable. The usual rules of star party etiquette apply - see below for more details. There will be coffee, snacks, and restroom facilities (one night-vision safe, one with hot running water). Don't miss the barbeque lunch and raffle Saturday afternoon!

During the daytime, there are many things to see and do in the Cadillac area: explore the historic downtown and enjoy the many great restaurants there, visit one of the many parks and recreational areas nearby, spend time at Lake Cadillac, etc.

Accommodations: You can pitch a tent or park a camper at the edge of the observing field, stay at one of the nearby resorts, stay at a hotel in town, or rent a fully-furnished cabin at the Coyote Crossing resort.

If you're a beginner, a star party is a great way to learn the ropes of observing and get eyes-on experience with a wide range of telescopes. If you're a more advanced observer, it's a great opportunity to get some really quality observing done - and to have others give you tips and confirm your observations. It's great fun for a wide range of people, and we sincerely hope you can make it.

A small $15 per person (or $20 per couple or family) registration fee covers the costs of facilities, food, etc. for the whole week, including the barbeque lunch Saturday afternoon.

• You don't have to stay the whole time - though we ask that you aim your headlights away from the observing field when you park in case you have to leave early.
  
• Astronomical twilight will begin around 9 PM, so please plan to be at Bill's place by 8:30. Be careful with headlights on your way in, especially after sundown. Make sure to turn the dome lights off if possible, and park your car facing away from the observing field if you have running lights.
  
• Please don't use white light flashlights when others are observing. Others will have flashlights, but if you'd like to bring your own, you can easily make a red-light flashlight that will help you get around in the dark and is safe for night vision. I make reasonably decent ones with a red marker and an index card*, but you can read other ideas here.
  
• Observing is an outside activity, so dress accordingly - a little warmer than the temperature would indicate. Even in the summer, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. Like any other activity, the key to lasting is layers, layers, layers! Plan to have at least two layers for several garments: socks, pants, and a shirt. Core temperature is important too, so pay extra attention to keeping your torso warm - an insulated vest can work wonders.
  

If there's something specific you'd like to see, we'll do our best to make it happen. We may have safe, filtered solar telescopes to look at the sun in ]amazing detail before it gets dark; if you're interested in seeing our local star, let us know and we'll try to have a telescope available.

* Take a cheap drugstore flashlight - preferably not too bright to start with. The omnipresent Eveready $1 plastic flashlight works well. Screw off the plastic cap and pop out the clear plastic "lens" (aka bezel). You can paint the bezel with translucent nail polish, use a red permanent marker, or red cellophane. For better light blocking, you can trace the disk on a sheet of white paper or an index card. Cut out the disk of paper, line it up with the bezel, and screw the cap back on.

Photo from APOD by Fred Bruenjes