updated 2007/10/24
Les
Rencontres Astronomiques du
Printemps
Annual
gathering on a national scale of amateur astronomers keen on sky
watching
Our association was created on June 8th, 1998. Our aim is only to
organize an annual meeting of amateur astronomers keen on observing the
sky. Events of this kind, which are quite popular in the U.S.A., are
almost unheard of in Europe. Sky watching, a mostly solitary pastime,
benefits greatly from exchanges between participants and observations
in common. Though in fact a large number of astronomical societies
exist, our contacts with amateur astronomers throughout the country
have made it clear that they wish for an efficient means of
communication.
Of course gatherings of amateur astronomers are organised here and
there in France, but their themes are closer to theoretical and
professional astronomy; besides the small number of participants
doesn’t give them the means to reach our projected goal.
American star parties can gather over a thousand amateurs on sites that
have been selected to observe the sky in ideal conditions; over a dozen
years these annual meetings have contributed to revolutionize amateur
astronomy in a great many fields such as the equipment, the various
technics and the contribution of amateur astronomy to science.
French and European amateur astronomers are now ready to start their
own revolution. Our ambition is to take part in it by organizing a
meeting on a national scale. As the “Livradois-Forez regional
park”, which isn’t too far from large towns and
close to
the main means of communication, offers a particularly pure sky it is
an exceptional place to organize such an event.
This event which will begin on Thursday
May 1st 2008, Ascension day,
will end on Sunday May 4 Th.
It will take place in the «
Haute-Loire departement » 70 km south-west of St-Etienne and
30
km north of Le Puy-en-Velay.
We do hope to promote fruitful exchanges
between
participants on such topics as observations, projects, personal
experience or skills. It will be interesting to compare telescopes,
whether shop bought or made by their owners. It will be a unique
opportunity to try a bino head, to see a motorised altazimutal
mounting, to observe in very big scopes like a 32" motorised dob,
the
latest CCD cameras, or
solar prominences. We wish to observe the sky together in the best
conditions possible, to get acquainted with amateur astronomers and to
make new friends.
These
RAP’s will be tailored to what amateur astronomers want them
to
be. We invite you to propose topics for lectures and exhibitions. Bring
along your friendly smile and equipment. This will make it possible to
organize the festival and to keep it going.
THE
SITE
There is
camp-site – facilities include toilets , hot showers , and
electric hook ups - in Craponne sur Arzon , a small village in the
French countryside.
During the day it will be an exhibition place devoted to the equipment
brought by and for all the participants, thereby enabling them to
discover new gear, talk about technical issues or swap tips and tricks.
At night it will be a large observatory
where it
will be possible to share one’s passion with other observers
or
to watch the sky on one’s own.
We are looking forwards to talks about observing the sky at night, the
use of a CCD camera, how to preserve the darkness of the night, making
instruments, the poetic aspect of star gazing...
It will be possible for those who will feel like it to bring their best
drawings, their best photos and even their own panels Don’t
hesitate to get in touch with us if ever you want to make us share your
experience or to display documents.
WHERE
TO STAY
It will be possible to pitch tents in the camp-site, but you may, also,
go to to an inn, or to a guest house. We’ll see to it that a
number of rooms are pre-booked with the local inn-keepers and
we’ll give you their addresses. However it’s up to
you to
reserve the number of nights you want.
You’ll be free to eat when you
wish;
nevertheless we’ll propose basic food supplies to tide you
over
till the morning.
All sky watchers will be given a pitch
near their
cars and participants who want to leave before dusk will be located so
as not to disturb those who will still be watching or taking photos.
Every possible measure will be taken for
everyone to
observe in the best conditions.
THE
PARTICIPANT DOSSIER
A dossier
will be mailed to all the amateur astronomers who have joined. Inside
you’ll find:
- A map to the site
- A map and leaflets of the area
- A list of the accommodation available
- A questionnaire to fill in to
determine how much
room you need on the site
- The basic rules to get on with the
other
participants and the locals
On arrival
you’ ll be provided with the rest of the file:
- A map of the different places where
events will be
organised
- The number and location of your own
pitch on the
site
- A participant badge
- More leaflets
- The festival schedule
HOW
TO BOOK
You can
book at any time up to
15 days before the event begins; however the sooner you join, the
cheaper the fees will be. Early subscriptions will benefit from lower
fees as they make the organisation easier.
Your registration payment includes
membership to the
association, which is necessary to insure the participants, and
entrance fees to the meeting.
Membership
is 25 euros (14 euros
For those under 18); If you pay your
dues before February 15 2008 you’ll be given a pitch free
without
extra charge, provided you confirm your arrival a full month before the
festival starts.
Between
February 16th and March
31th the fees will rise to 29 euros
(reduced fees 18 euros).
Later
subscriptions will be
charged 32 euros (reduced fees 21 euros).
The money collected will be used only to finance the festival: renting
the rooms, the marquees....
Fees do not depend on the length of your stay; if you can’t
be
there all four days, please let us know when you are likely to be with
us so that there will be no mix up and your pitch won’t be
given
to someone who might arrive unexpectedly.
WHO
WILL LOOK AFTER YOUR
EQUIPMENT ?
Every one is
independent and
responsible for their equipment; however, except during the day,
sky-watchers only will be allowed on the site, and organisers will keep
an eye on it.
During the day someone will be at the
entrance to
the site, mostly in the morning when most of you will be fast asleep.
WEATHER
CONDITIONS
There is no need to
point out the
close link between sky watching and weather conditions; therefore the
festival will last 4 days and 3 nights to ensure as many opportunities
as possible for sky-watching.
Bring along what you need to protect
your own
instruments; replacement activities will be proposed such as slide
shows, videos, talks, and informal discussions under shelter will be
possible in the marquees at our disposal.
MATERIAL
ORGANISATION
It will be strictly
forbidden to
drive into or out of the site during the astronomical night.
Don’t forget your own torches to set up your equipment or
pack it
away. You’ll find more details
about the
recommendations in your dossier.
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