ECSP | Home

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Thursday, Oct 31 - Sunday, Nov 3

Welcome to the home page of the East Coast Star Party (ECSP), formerly hosted by BBAA member Kent Blackwell at Hampton Lodge Campground in Coinjock, North Carolina. The campground where the star party took place in North Carolina was sold, so BBAA members found a new location at Chippokes State Park in Surry, VA. As in the past, the party will run from Thursday through Sunday morning. The BBAA will host a Saturday afternoon cookout. We will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks. In the past many attendees added their own dishes, and that tradition is being encouraged again. The event usually turns into a grand pot luck feast. All are welcome to attend.

The ECSP will be reviving our past Halloween costume contest tradition at the fall 2024 ECSP. Wear your best spooky, funny, but always tasteful costume to the Saturday cookout. Adult prize for best costume will be $50 and best children's costume will be $25, possibly with some available door prizes thrown in. Winners will be determined by applause as expertly evaluated by our ECSP emeritus coordinator, Mr. Kent Blackwell.

The ECSP is NOT weather dependent and is held rain or shine.

🔭 PUBLIC STAR PARTY 🔭

Friday, Nov 1, 2024 from 6PM - 10PM

The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Resources at Chippokes State Park encourage the public to attend on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 6-10pm during the East Coast Star Party. BBAA members will use their telescopes to share the night time sky with park visitors. Please feel free to ask questions and look through the telescopes during this public outreach event.

*Please note that sunset is at 6:08pm and it will be at least thirty more minutes after sunset before the club members will be able to show the dimmer objects in the night sky.

This public star party event is weather dependent. If the weather doesn't cooperate then BBAA members will not be able to use their telescopes to show objects in the sky however we will have a presentation on astronomy available for visitors if that is the case. If the outdoor portion is canceled due to weather it will be indicated on the club's Facebook page and on our official calendar.

We all want to have a great time at the star party. Please follow these simple rules that keep things fun for everybody.