Austin Astronomical Society - Public Star Party - Inks Lake - In Person

You do NOT need to sign up for this event. It is a placeholder only.

You DO need to visit this site for location details -- https://austinastro.org/

The Austin Astronomical Society has this to say...

Note that we are testing a new location in the park for this star party that is away from the circle drive around the previous playground setup area. See the map for the new location next to the boat ramp. The public parking should be sufficiently away from the new setup area to limit auto headlight activity.

This public is invited to share our telescopes to observe the sky. We’ll show such objects as planets, the moon (if it’s up), galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and more. Festivities will take place at Inks Lake’s Central Park just southwest of the park store.

There is no charge for the star party itself, but visitors must pay the park entry fee of $6 for ages 13 and up, with children 12 and under free. No reservations with either the park or us are required.

A flashlight with a red bulb is good, but we have red cellophane we can use to cover a white light. Please do not bring a dog, unless it is a service animal; we prefer not to have dogs around the telescopes in the dark. Smoking is not permitted in the area of the telescopes because the smoke can damage optical equipment. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in state parks.

If the weather on a scheduled star party day seems questionable for viewing, you can check this website or call the state park office.

The park ranger will limit access to the new setup area only to members with a telescope to reduce auto headlight problem that was prevalent at the park playground. You will be able to set up your telescope next to your vehicle like we do at PFSP. We are hoping the new area will have significantly less vehicular headlight pollution that hampers night vision. Members without a scope can park near the park store or playground.

Inks Lake State Park -- https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake

Inks Lake State Park, TX -- https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/inks-lake-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=TX&parkId=1200062