NOVA EAST 2023 - Program Schedule
STARS and BIRDS

(all activities in event pavilion unless otherwise noted)

Upon arrival, please check in at the Nova East Event Pavilion to register.

No green lasers are allowed except by Certified Presenters at the Sky Tour and Binocular Table.
No mag lights after 11:00 PM on Friday & Saturday nights. Mag lights not allowed any time on Sunday night.

Friday, August 18
1:00 PM - 6:30 PM Registration Desk
Registrar: Pat Kelly. Event Pavillion

After 6:30 PM, contact the Registrar by cell phone (1 902 472-2322) or in person.
7:45 PM Welcome & Announcements
Event Pavillion - Bring your own chair
8:00 PM TALK: Celestial Birds, their Lore and Wonder
Presenter: Dave Chapman
Dave will present a light review of the bird constellations, with observing suggestions for beginners. 
9:00 PM Introduction of Telescope Medics (Kathy W., Dave C., Chris Y., Jerry B.)
"Telescope Medics" will provide one-on-one assistance to telescope users with setting up their telescope and troubleshooting problems. Meet your medic at event pavilion then proceed to your telescope in the observing field, or arrange another time.
9:15 PM (in field) Sky Tour & Lore
Presenter: Paul Heath (back-up Chris Young)
For beginners learning the night sky. Paul will provide a tour of the planets and constellations in view and the stories associated with them. 
10:00 PM (in field)
Binocular Table
Presenter: Tony Schellinck
For beginners of all ages in astronomy, Tony will teach participants how to use binoculars to find objects in the sky. If you have them, Bring Your Own Binoculars (BYOB).
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM Astronomers Lounge  (Hosted by Nova East)
Throughout the early observing night, astronomers and astro-imagers are welcome to socialize in the Event Pavillion in a red-light zone. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
10:15 PM - Dawn Nova East Registrant Dark Sky Observing / Imaging in the Field – Quiet Time: 1:00-8:00 AM
Saturday, August 19
9:00 AM - Noon Registration (by phone, on-site)
Registrar: Pat Kelly
Contact Registrar by cell phone (1 902 472-2322) or in person.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Astronomer's Breakfast - pastries, fruit and beverages (Hosted by Nova East)
After a night of observing, what better way to get re-energized than to enjoy a breakfast with fellow astronomers. A variety of muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided.
by prior arrangement Clean the Mirrors of your Newtonian Reflector (by prior arrangement)
Dave Chapman will help you clean your mirrors, with his portable cleaning kit. 
BY ARRANGEMENT IN ADVANCE ONLY via the registrar's email.
11:00 AM - Noon Flea Market
Bring astronomy equipment, books & adjuncts you wish to sell. Tables will be available to show off your wares. But be sure to bring your wallets to take advantage of the terrific deals!
Noon - 3:00 PM Lunch Break & FREE TIME
Lunch is not provided by Nova East.
   
3:00 PM  Family Activity: Walk the Solar System
Presenter: David Hoskin
Join David as he leads us from the Sun through our Solar System.
4:30 PM  Group Photo - All Nova East Participants
All registered participants gather at the Event Pavilion for the traditional group photo on the hill.
5:00 PM No-Host Dinner
Registrants are invited to gather either at their campsites or at the Event Pavilion. Masking and Physical Distancing is at your discretion. (There will be no hosted Nova East BBQ this year.)
7:00 PM Door Prizes
8:00 PM Keynote Speaker: Jason Dain will present:
"Burning the Candle at both Ends: A Birding and Aurora trip to Lapland".
9:00 PM Introduce Telescope Medics (see Friday night)
9:15 PM (in field) Sky Tour & Lore (see Friday night)
10:00 PM
Binocular Table (see Friday night)
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM Astronomers Lounge 
Throughout the early observing night, astronomers and astro-imagers are welcome to socialize in the Event Pavillion in a red-light zone. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
10:15 PM - Dawn Nova East Registrant Dark Sky Observing / Imaging in the Field – Quiet Time: 1:00-8:00 AM
Sunday, August 20
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Astronomer's Breakfast - pastries, fruit and beverages (Hosted by Nova East)
After a night of observing, what better way to get re-energized than to enjoy a breakfast with fellow astronomers. A variety of muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Sherman Williams Walk - Birding at Smileys
Host: Pat Kelly
12:30 PM SCO Tour & Orientation for New Key Holders (Tony McGrath)
For new members and for new keyholders who have yet to have the SCO orientation, a convoy to the St. Croix Observatory will be organized from Nova East.
3:30 PM - Monday AM Nova East Participants: FREE TIME for socializing, a nap, a walk, fine tuning your telescope or imaging equipment, observing, astroimaging. Quiet Time: 1:00-8:00 AM
Monday, August 21
No scheduled Activities. Pack, say good-byes, and leave as you wish. See you next year!