I haven’t posted anything for quite a while here – and it may be another while before the next post – because I’ve been consumed with preparations for the Oregon Star Party (OSP), which will run from Aug. 2nd to the 7th (see http://oregonstarparty.org/ for details).  This year I will have more images, and more prints of all kinds, than I have ever had before.  In fact, I haven’t yet figured out how I’m going to display everything in my “mobile gallery”/motorhome, Gamma Pictoris.

First among all the things taking up my time is the new 2017 Calendar:

This calendar has 13 all new images (all captured in the past year) and includes the usual features of detailed information on each object and a star chart showing where each is located in the night sky.  And in addition to the usual information sheets on using the calendar and understanding astro-photos, the 2017 calendar will have an additional insert with information about the total solar eclipse that will happen on Aug. 21, 2017.  The current (2016) calendar was printed on thinner paper than I had previously used, in an effort to reduce the cost.  However, I wasn’t happy with the results, so am going back to using all cover stock, which also means going back to the original retail price of $20.  The calendar is being printed now and will be available just in time for OSP (knock on wood!).

OSP is always scheduled around the August New Moon, which comes quite early in the month this year.  That means that the nights will be a bit shorter – and less productive.  But, in truth, I usually don’t get a lot of astro-photography done at OSP because the days are so busy that I’m too tired to stay up late.  And 6 consecutive nights of staying up late is way too much!  In addition to running the gallery from 11 to 5 every day, there are speakers every day, telescopes to inspect and admire, a swap meet, and old friends to catch up with.  Early registration is closed, but you can still register on site.  I hope you can make it, and if you do, stop by and visit the gallery.  I’ll be in the vendor area, across from the food services.