SSP

Observing & Camping Vacation
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Summer Star Party has been rescheduled for 2023. NOTE: We will post the actual dates in early 2023.

RAC holds the longest and most exciting star party, geared to both the serious observer, imager, and the whole family. Our location in the Berkshires is known for its pristine dark skies, and gorgeous arching Milky Way. Don’t miss our Opening Festival and StarBQ with live music!

Press Release >
Report from SSP2014 >
Review & photos of SSP2013 >

Featuring

• Pristine Dark Sky Location
in Northwest Massachusetts
• Large Open-grass Telescope Field
with 360-degree view of night sky,
horizon to horizon
• Famous SSP Chicken StarBQ:
Only $17.49 ($12.49, kids under 12)
Don't miss the festivities
Saturday, Date TBD, at 5:30 pm.
Your feast includes:
fresh BBQ'd chicken, potato salad,
cole slaw, baked beans,
rolls & dessert. Featuring Live Music,
Lecture, Talks & Demos.
• Opening Festival & Sky Lantern
Launch Join us Sat, Date TBD
at sundown for a great live acoustic
concert and our spectacular
sky lantern launch.
• FREE Raffle Ticket: Win valuable
astronomical equipment incl. TeleVue
• FREE Wi-Fi (Value: $35)
• Refreshment & Game Tent
w/ Daytime Lemonade & Unlimited
Evening Coffee, Hot Coco & Cookies
• FREE Daily Continental Breakfast
• Food Prep Tent including
microwave, gas grill, dish washing
sink, food prep table, fire pit,
picnic table, red lighting
• Stellafane Convention is nearby for
day/night visits
• Vendors with astronomy gear &
accessories for sale, including
Camera Concepts & Teeter's
Telescopes

Campground Amenities >

Even More SSP Features >

Local Attractions >

RV Rentals >

B&B's and Inns (for non-campers) >

Register Now Online >

UP, UP AND AWAY!
An armada of hot air lanterns hit the cool evening sky to the delight of SSP participants and campers alike.
SSP LIVES!
Some of the 150 participants at SSP 2013 gather in front of the lodge fireplace for a group smile.
SETUP TIME
Getting ready to track the night sky for crisp exposures.
ON-SITE VENDORS
Camera Concepts and other vendors were on hand to provide convenient accessories and ‘must-haves’ to grateful SSP attendees.
NOT A MOMENT TO LOSE
Taking advantage of clear skies for crisp solar observing from SSP’s large open grass observing field.
VENDOR DEMOS
Rob Teeter of Teeter’s Telescopes explains his equipment to onlookers as the night sky darkens.
SIGHTSEEING & RELAXATION
Daytime activities are abundant for either enjoying the numerous local attractions or just relaxing in the hot tub and pool at Peppermint Park.
ASTROIMAGING AT SSP
Angela Yanette readies some serious equipment in a portable observatory, her home away from home.
FIELD OF DREAMS
Equipment set up and ready to go for the next amazing night of viewing.
SSP PRESENTATIONS
Alan MacRobert, Senior Editor of Sky &l; Telescope Magazine, treated the SSP crowd to a green-laser-pointer tour of the constellations, as well as his talk, ‘Comet ISON, and the Best Summer Observing Targets’.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
RAC Member Roland Roberts and Caroline Moore work with SSP kids building space stations and exploring science topics.
PREPARING FOR BLISS
Every day is another opportunity to prepare equipment for the next night’s astroimaging.
DOWN TIME
Nothing like a little snooze on a warm Summer day in the Berkshire Mountains!
SSP CHICKEN STARBQ
Listening to live music while filling up on the exclusive SSP Chicken StarBQ with all the fixin’s.
SKY MARAUDERS
Long-time RAC member John Holmboe and RAC Board of Directors member Keith Murdoch get their 20-inch dob ready to rock and view.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Tom Picciani presents his SSP Talk: ‘CCD Sharp & Photoshop Imaging Techniques’.
CAMPING IN THE BERKSHIRES
Another peaceful night descends on an eager crowd of stellar observers.
SINGING TO THE STARS
Ken Blumberg and Mies Hora serenade observers with originals and old favorites from the SSP stage.
STARGAZER COMMUNITY
SSP affords plenty of down time to get acquainted with fellow observers and enthusiasts during the 10-day event.
ASTROIMAGING AT SSP
RAC member and imaging authority Jim Burnell giving his inspirational talk: “Celestial Snapshots: Low-impact Astrophotography”.
C'MON BABY LIGHT MY BONFIRE!
For those rare overcast nights, there’s always a good bonfire and live music to cheer the spirits.
PUBLIC SOLAR VIEWING
SSP attendees invite campers at Peppermint Park to enjoy stunning views of our closest star.
EQUIPPED TO OBSERVE
Michael Pass prepares his equipment for the next night’s viewing.

View Photo Gallery >

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Member & Non-Member Event
Fees	$49 – Individual (Members)
	$69 – Family (Members)
	$59 – Individual (Non-Members)
	$79 – Family (Non-Members)
	$17.49 ea. – StarBQ
	$12.49 ea. – StarBQ (kids under 12)
	Campsite Fees Not Included Reserve Your Campsite Today >
Payment	Major Credit Cards & PayPal >
Location	Peppermint Park Camping Resort
	169 Grant Street
	Plainfield, Massachusetts
	Google Map > Campsite Map >
StarBQ	Saturday 2023 TBA, 5:30 pm
Opening Festival	Saturday 2023 TBA, Dusk
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