Bill Jensen, publicity coordinator for this year's event, indicated that this event represents just one of many such summer and fall gatherings held throughout the US and Canada. Over 700 amateur astronomers are expected at this year's event. Like many of the other OSP enthusiasts, Jensen an amateur astronomer from Washington D.C., makes the trek to central Oregon in anticipation of expansive celestial viewing, companionship with others of like-mind, plenty of educational opportunities and of course, fun. The Oregon Star party is an astronomy adventure featuring quality deep sky viewing. It attracts intellectually curious outdoor lovers who enjoy the romance of a renaissance gathering.
All ages enjoy camping among ponderosa, juniper, mountain mahogany and sage.
In the evening, a forest of telescopes and bustling observers grows on the high prairie. Beauty and quality are apparent in personally engineered and constructed instruments. Large telescopes, personal computers and sophisticated tracking systems promise power and ability. But high technology does not overshadow the great personal satisfaction of using small telescopes, binoculars and naked eye viewing. Activities for kids, a chance to learn about astronomy, vendors, and more are on tap for the 4-day long event.