The Deception Pass Star Party (DPSP)    

Last updated 07/24/07

Next Deception Pass Star Party: August 10-12th 2007 

The Deception Pass Star Party is an annual event hosted jointly by the Deception Pass State Park and the local astronomers. Held at the beautiful Bowman Bay campground area of the Deception Pass State Park, the Star Party provides a wonderful environment for experts and beginners alike. Unlike many star parties, the DPSP offers a comfortable family camping environment including purpose built restrooms with showers and has many day time attractions and local restaurants only a short car ride away.

First held in September of 2001, the star party now attracts about 300 visitors from the campground and the surrounding area. The park service provides traffic control, and for the astronomers, a camping and parking area on the telescope field. The astronomers provide telescopes and expertise, pointing out the sights to the star party visitors, as well as running a orientation session each night of the Star Party (usually Friday and Saturday) at the campsite's main amphitheatre.

While not an absolutely a dark sky environment, the site is still pretty good for the advanced astronomer. The park rangers take an active role in reducing stray white light. We have found that the site does suffer from heavy dew, so its important that those bringing telescopes bring along appropriate anti-dew solutions.

The organizers of the DPSP are volunteers, and we plan the star party to avoid the weekend of the Table Mountain Star Party. To register, please email tegwilym@comcast.net  with the number in your party, tent or RV and type/size of telescope you will be bringing.

                        Click on the thumbnails below for scenes from the DPSP.