Nova East Star Party August 9-11, 2024 Blomidon Provincial Park  Kings County, NS

Atlantic Canada's Longest-Running Star Party

Organized by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Halifax Centre.

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At the 2024 Nova East (the first one held at Blomidon Prov. Park in recent history), we had a great weekend looking up! What will 2025 look like? Join us!

Watch a time-lapse of the telescope field from Nova East 2024 Sunday night proved to be a great night for viewing the Aurora Borealis.

Nova East was originally established as the camping and observing weekend for the RASC Halifax Centre and has grown to include participants from many other astronomy clubs in the Atlantic region, and a number of attendees from the northeastern United States. All participants come to enjoy dark skies in a sociable setting. A limiting magnitude of +6 is the norm. Nova East occurs on a weekend near the new Moon phase towards the end of summer.

Nova East registrants have access to all events, including all talks, workshops, and presentations, three nights of observing (weather permitting!), the astronomers' lounge and breakfasts, and the door prizes draw. When attending the talks, bring a folding chair for comfort. Nova East registrants have onsite parking (if camping) or adjacent site parking (if not camping).

Cancellation Policy: Should Nova East need to be cancelled (severe weather, health emergency, etc.), registration and camping fees will be refunded:

1. If payment sent via e-transfer, you will be refunded via e-transfer by our Treasurer.
2. If payment was mailed in with a cheque or money order, the payment will be withheld until Nova East. The Registrar will contact you to determine the refund method.

NOTE: If NE is cancelled, you will receive your prepaid T-shirt. Sorry, there are no refunds for T-shirts.

Special Features of the 2024 Nova East.

Speaker: Dave Chapman: “Celestial Birds: their Lore and Wonder” (8 p.m. Friday)

Dave will present a light review of the bird constellations, with observing suggestions for beginners.

Speaker: David Hoskin: “All-in-One Smart Telescopes” (1:30 p.m. Saturday)

The first smart telescopes from Unistellar and Vaonis, which were introduced several years ago, showed promise but were too expensive for the average amateur astronomer. The smart telescope market has recently exploded with updated models from Unistellar and Vaonis being joined by affordable smart telescopes from Dwarf Labs and ZWO. In addition, Celestron is introducing a high-end smart telescope to compete with offerings from Unistellar and Vaonis. David will present an overview of several all-in-one smart telescopes that are currently available, as well as talk about his experience with the Dwarf II smart telescope.

Speaker:  Tony Schellinck: Public Talk:  "Women in Astronomy" (8 p.m. Saturday)

While researchnig his Senior’s College Association of Nova Scotia (SCANS) course Seeing is Believing: How the Telescope Changed Who We Are and What We Know, he came across a number of women who have made substantial contributions to our understanding of the universe, but who, until recently, were not generally recognized for their contributions. Tony will introduce several of these brilliant women who furthered our understanding of the universe, despite the academic/scientific research environment that favoured men.Women in Astronomy.

Sherman Williams Walk with Pat Kelly (11 a.m. Sunday)
The walk is named to commemorate Sherman Williams, an astronomer and naturalist who for numerous years led a nature walk at Nova East. His contributions to our Centre and to Nova East were numerous. Join Pat Kelly—astronomer and birder—for a trail walk to look for birds that frequent the area. Sign-up for the walk at Nova East.

Door Prizes and Awards (7 p.m. Saturday)
One door prize ticket per registration will be issued during the registration process. There will be some "right some good" prizes to be won again this year! Note: Must be present to win.

RASC Observing Certificates & RASC Award presentation

Astro-Breakfasts
Our famous astro-breakfasts are returning for Saturday and Sunday mornings: pastries, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, tea. What better way to start the morning after a night of observing? Be sure to bring your own plates and utensils. Cups will be provided for the hot beverages, but you are welcomed to bring your own. Please note that no hot food items will be offered this year. 

Lane’s Book Mart: Books for sale from Dave Lane (11 a.m. Saturday)
All proceeds will go to a new memorial fund being established in Dave’s name for the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of SCO.
Nova East Swap: Equipment and Books from other members   
At the seller's discretion, some portion (or all) of the proceeds may be directed towards SCO maintenance and enhancement.

Photography at Nova East
Throughout the weekend during Nova East, pictures and video will be taken as means of recording events. By registering for Nova East, you have agreed that RASC Halifax Centre may use your voice, likeness and/or photograph for inclusion in the Nova East Star Party website and for use in communications to advertise the Star Party.

Quiet Hours:
Registrants will be asked to respect a quiet time on Friday and Saturday nights from 1:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

Nova East Etiquette
To make Nova East an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone, we would appreciate your co-operation in following the Nova East Star Party Nova East Etiquette.

Public Observing:
Because of health and safety concerns, members will identify which scopes are available for public viewing this year.  We will be notifying registrants and Park staff should this change.

The public are welcomed to join
Gary Weber for his Sky Tour,
David Hoskin for Walk the Solar System and
Tony Schellinck for Ace Amateur Astronomy Programme: How to observe the night sky with Binoculars

Accommodations:
For information about facilities at Blomidon Provincial Park and nearby hotels and amenities, visit Accommodations

Nova East 2023 - a Sneak Peek

Sunrise. Sunset. Moon.

To assist you in planning your astronomical observations, we have provided the times of sunrise and sunset as a guide.