A: The PSSG is an annual, weekend-long observing and program event sponsored by the Atlanta Astronomy Club. The event began as a fundraiser for the AAC's establishment of darksky observing sites outside metro Atlanta, Georgia.
A: The first year, about 50 people attended, allowing the club to pay event expenses and make a very, very small profit. But the popularity of the event in an area where there was no other springtime star party saw subsequent attendance grow over the years until we now draw nearly 300 people.
A: This year (2002), the PSSG will be held for the first time at American WhiteWater Express High Adventure Camp, near the Georgia-Tennessee border, but just inside Tennessee (near the towns of Copperhill and Ducktown). The PSSG was held in 1994 at the Future Farmers of America Campground near Covington, Georgia, but -- due to light glow from nearby Covington and cost considerations -- it was moved a year later to Indian Springs State Park near Jackson, Georgia, where it remained through 2001. It is being moved to the new location as light glow from Jackson becomes more of a problem.
A: This year's event will be Thursday afternoon through Sunday noon, October 3-6, 2002.
A: Besides the usual observing and workshop activities, we're featuring talks and presentations by two of the biggest names in amateur astronmomy -- noted "comet-catcher" David Levy of Arizona in the U.S., and internationally famous star map illustrator and author Wil Tirion of the Netherlands.
And, as usual, we plan to have a number of doorprizes donated by companies from across the United States.
If you already have a telescope, this is where you'll probably learn how to really get the best use and most enjoyment out of the instrument. If you DON'T already have a scope, this is where you'll have the best opportunity to look at and through telescopes of all sizes and types so you can determine the best scope for your needs.
And some folks even buy and sell their scopes at the PSSG.
A: To make the event as attractive as possible to all who might wish to attend, the PSSG fee schedule is based on a number of factors including age, days of attendance, type of lodging, and meal plan. The registration form includes all the prices.
A: The event is open to all interested parties. But you must pre-register; no walk-ins are allowed. And the reason for this is that WhiteWater Express requiires from us a final number of attendees prior to the event.
A: You have two choices: outdoor or indoor. Indoor lodging consists of cabins with bunkbeds; your indoor lodging assignment will be made by the WhiteWater Express staff and you will be notified by mail a few weeks before the event.
Outdoor lodging consists of anything from a puptent through a walltent, through a pop-top camper vehicle through motorhome (yes, it does sound ridiculous, but that's the way it is).
A: PSSG field staff will direct vehicles onto the field in an effort to maintain an orderly pattern of some sort. A special area of the observing field has been set aside for motorhomes. And even though it's a bigger field than the one at Indian Springs, all attendees are asked to please use only as much space you really need, not as much as you think you might need a day later. We'll probably use a series of white lime lines -- like a baseball diamond -- to mark traffic lanes for those who must drive onto and off of the observing field in the daytime.
Additionally, please note that no vehicles are to drive onto or off of the observing field after dark and before dawn unless it's an emergency (and a pizza run or similar trips do NOT qualify as an "emergency"). We almost had a tragic situation a few years ago when at around midnight, one guy simply loaded up his gear, started the engine and actually sped off the field with no regard for who might be lying on a blanket in the grass with binoculars. If you must leave the field as described here, tell a PSSG field staffer and you will be carefully and properly guided off the field.
A: No, there is not. There are one or two buildings with 110 VAC current outside the perimeter of the observing field that may possibly be used if you have very, very long extension cords, but that's it.
A: 110 VAC power is available in 2 of the out buildings. Batteries may be charged there. If you are staying in bunkhouse you may also charge batteries there.
A: Yes, but -- in difference to attendees who either choose not to stay awake all night or those who choose to sleep during the day -- generators will be allowed only where directed by the PSSG field staff.
A: The inside the treeline along the west side of the observing field area will be reserved for motorhomes and folks with generators so they may be able to run them without disturbing others and still have a great view of the night sky. This will be pretty much like the way it was at Indian Springs' Camp McIntosh. (updated 7/10/02)
A: This year, we're offering a meal plan that let's you choose which meals you think you'll want. But you must prepay for those meals with your registration and lodging fees. And because WhiteWater Express will purchase food and other provisions based on the numbers we give them, no walk-ins are allowed.
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Comments and questions to poshedly@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2002 by Ken Poshedly, All Rights Reserved.