The Fall 2026 Staunton River Star Party is now behind us and what a great star Party it was. We had beautifully clear skies early in the week. There were plenty of sleep deprived attendees wandering around the park during the day. It was great to see.
Monday through Wednesday the Milky Way was prominent throughout the night. You could see it eagerly trying to break through the twilight as the skies darkened after sunset. Our good friends Cygnus, Lyra, Altair and the other constellations greeted us with their bright shining stars and the fainter ones that we never see for those of us who live in light polluted cities. It’s always good to make the pilgrimage to the Staunton River Star Party or any other star party to bask in their radiant light.
We enjoyed the occultation of Jupiter by the Moon. Those who stayed up late enough witnessed the moons of Jupiter show up one by one until the king himself was slowly revealed.
We also had a meteor streak across the sky, horizon to horizon with a trail that was easy to see for those who missed the meteor itself. Hearing the exclamations of the field as it passed over head was quite unexpected as the meteor was.
But the best thing about the star party was seeing old friends and talking with them and meeting so many new ones. We had one hundred eighty one(181) sign up for this years event. Eighty percent(80%) showed up. Very few of the full week guest didn’t make it. The weather kept some of the weekend guests away, as it clouded up. But even then, many came to enjoy the talks, our vendor, the food and the park. Staunton River State Park is truly a magical place to see.
On Friday evening, even with cloudy skies, close to one hundred(100) guests arrived to meet the astronomers and experience the night sky. The park has recently acquired a SkyLab Planetarium to teach the park guests and students about the night sky and the need to protect it. It is a wonderful addition to the park. It will be used throughout the year as the park plans to take it to events they participate in.
And finally, the Staunton River Park Staff. I can’t say enough good about this team of people. Did I say team? I meant family of people. For 15 years and now approaching thirty(30) star parties, they are still excited when we arrive. They are excited getting ready for our arrival. They are excited about the next star party the day the current one ends.
This staff prepares the park by putting up the tents where we have speakers. The tents that we eat in. The ‘Deep Space Diner ‘, the place that only exists during the star party. This is the place where we can get breakfast, lunch and dinner. The place that opens up at 8am and closes at midnight. The place where we all gather to break bread everyday, form long lasting friendships, and share our astronomical journeys. This staff works so hard to provide for us, everything we need, and if they don’t have it when you ask, they will the next day. They make this little star party so uniquely special.
I asked, “Why are you all so excited about the star party?”
The answer caught me off guard, “Because everyone says ‘Thank you!'”
So once again to the Staff of Staunton River State Park, “Thank you, for all that you do for us astronomers”
Clear skies!
Jayme Hanzak
President of CHAOS