top of page
THagerty-Enhanced-NR-3-big.jpg

General Information

Questions that are not answered here or on other pages can be directed via e-mail to convention@stellafane.org

Stellafane Convention:
The Ultimate Star Party?

By empowering ordinary people with the knowledge to make their own telescopes, the Stellafane Convention became "The Original Star Party" in 1926. We continue to teach telescope making, and or telescope competition is a fun event even if you do not plan to make one yourself - the originality and artistic beauty always amazes. Observing under our rural dark skies is a treat for those who live in population centers, and solar observing with our historic spectrohelioscope is a unique experience. Camp, RV, B&B, or Hotel. Food on site and in town. It's all here waiting for you!

Onsite Communication

Cell Phone Service: Be advised that cell phone service is "spotty" in hilly southern Vermont.  At Stellafane, you might have to move around a bit, but most carriers do have signal at least in some (higher) areas of our site. If you can see Mt. Ascutney to the north, you will likely have service. Most major buildings and observatories have open WiFi access points for WiFi calling.

Family Service Radios: Staff use family service radio channel 7 to communicate during the convention. Please avoid using this channel for non-emergency reasons.

In Case of Emergency

In case of emergency please contact Security (by the gate) or any STM member.

​

First-Aid Kits are located at Tee Shirt Sales near the Bunkhouse and Food Tent, McGregor Observatory, Flanders Pavilion and the Clubhouse. AEDs are at the Clubhouse, Pavilion and with Security.

 

We also have trained Medical Staff onsite. Contact Security or STM staff with your needs, or make Emergency Calls on Channel 7 on FRS radios.

Bringing a Telescope?

If you will be in the telescope competition, you are encouraged to register your telescope online to save time when you check in at the convention. You must still check in at the Pink Clubhouse before the competition to be judged.

Set Up: We strongly recommend that you set up your telescope in the fields around the Pink Clubhouse or in the field to the south of the McGregor Observatory. You may not set up your telescope in a designated parking area. Please consult the site map as well as the signs posted throughout the convention site for the designated parking locations.

Post-Convention

​

We would be pleased to add your photos or convention report to our post-convention pages. Please submit them via email to Webmaster@Stellafane.org

​

​

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Whether a day-tripper or a die-hard camper, everyone should bring rain gear for those periodic "Stella-Rains", sturdy shoes for the up-and-down hill walks on rocky terrain (a 2nd pair of shoes and socks is handy in case your feet get wet in the rain!), a cap or visor and sun protection for the sunny days, and bug spray (yes, there are bugs, especially at dusk!). Also, no matter how warm the day is, the evening temperatures can plunge, so a jacket (and even gloves) will prove invaluable. Campers will obviously need to bring more "stuff". For the protection of yourself and others, just a reminder that Campfires are Not Allowed - if you are camping and/or cooking on the Stellafane site, you must use approved cooking equipment, i.e., a portable grill or camp cook stove, etc.  Do not cut any trees.  And, always be careful about the disposal of cigarette butts.

  • Of course! There are more commercial telescopes then home-made at convention. Everyone who's interested in any aspect of astron­omy is welcome at the convention!

  • The Clubhouse area on Breezy Hill is the most isolated from vehicle traffic, and will have have the best conditions. At Stellafane East, the road network and parking/camping areas means you are more likely to see the occasional headlight. We ban white flashlights everywhere after dark if it's possible to observe.

  • The lost and found is at the tee-shirt table, near the bunkhouse and food area.

  • No. Parking near the Clubhouse is very limited. We try to reserve the few spots that are available for those who are unable to walk up the hill or take the bus. If you must drive up to deliver your telescope, after you unload you must park your car in Stellafane East in the main camping/parking area as soon as possible. Thanks for your cooperation in this area.

  • No. There is a shuttle bus that will operate between the main camping/parking area and the Clubhouse on Friday and Saturday; see the program for hours of operation.

  • The Edgar May Health & Recreation Center, conveniently located in Springfield has showers available to non-members on a walk-in basis. It is a clean and friendly facility, just a 10 minute drive from Stellafane, towards the highway.

    ​

    Important information:

    • Showers cost $5.00 | Towel rentals are $3.00

    • 140 Clinton St, Springfield, VT 05156 | Call: (802) 885-2568

    • Mon-Thu 5:30 am-9:00 pm; Fri 5:30am-8:00pm; 
      Sat: 7:00 am-4:00 pm; Sun 8:00 am-4:00 pm

bottom of page