TO THE STARS. Have you snagged your tickets to the Northwoods Star Fest yet? (Photo of the Andromeda Galaxy by Mike Brown)

With over 60 registered members, the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society  has inspired and nurtured a multitude of amateur astronomers in the Valley. One of the ways they do so is through a three-day weekend getaway filled with stars at Beaver Creek Reserve. The annual Northwoods Starfest is back for 2023!

At Starfest – to be held Aug. 18-20 – folks can expect an outdoor extravaganza with cabin living on the Beaver Creek campus, the reserve open to all who register, plenty of good Midwestern food to share, and a view like no other. “Since (the event) is held at the same time of the year (each year, the closest weekend to the August new moon), the stars are the same. But, it’s the best time of year with the summer Milky Way streaming across the sky the entire night,” said Mike Brown, the liaison between Beaver Creek and astronomical society.

“It’s the best time of year with the summer Milky Way streaming across the sky the entire night.”

MIKE BROWN

LIAISON, BEAVER CREEK RESERVE & CVAS

The event takes place on the lawn beside Hobbs Observatory. “Hobbs Observatory is part of the three-way partnership between BCR, CVAS, and the UWEC Physics and Astronomy Department,” Brown said. BCR owns the observatory, UWEC owns the telescopes and other equipment inside, and CVAS helps promote events and community-related to astronomy.

“The draw to attend is the chance to stay up late under the stars, sharing glimpses through each other’s telescopes of celestial objects,” said Lauren Likkel, outreach and communications coordinator for CVAS. “We enjoy learning about astronomy by talking to others who love astronomy, hearing the Saturday afternoon presentations, and attending the invited presentations on Friday and Saturday nights.” 

This year, the weekend talks are “How to Be a Successful Aurora Chaser” by Bob King and “Success Stories in Conserving Starry Skies” by John Heasley and Lynda Schweikert. With guest speakers, an equipment swap, door prizes, an opportunity to share your own astronomy experiences, and more, CVAS has a full weekend planned, eager to play amongst the stars!

Set up at NWSF. (Photo by Mike Brown)

Comet NEOWISE streaking behind the Hobbs Observatory. (Photo by Bill Childs)

Registration for the event closes Aug. 15 to ensure food and accommodation demands can be met.

As of Aug. 11, registration will be $105, which includes two meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and midnight snacks on Friday and Saturday. Registration also covers fees to camp at or stay in a shared cabin at the Beaver Creek Reserve site, visit the Nature Center and Butterfly House, and walk the forest trails. 

Find more information and register for this year’s Northwoods Starfest at cvastro.org.