L H S C     A c t i v i t i e s

Star Cruise Radio - FM 91.1 MHz

Science Movie

Come see one of our favorite science movies, landing at the Speakers Tent   (bring your own popcorn!)

Astronomy Team Challenge!

Come test your 'astro' wits against your fellow attendees and possibly win a prize!   The "Astronomy Team Challenge!" game is based upon the old "College Bowl" TV game show and also the current Pittsburgh TV game show "High Q", where local high school teams compete.   Questions are presented one at a time, and the team that is the quickest at 'buzzing in' with the correct answer receives points.   The more difficult questions are worth more points.   There will be at least three rounds with three teams in each.   A team will consist of three people, either from the same astronomy club, or comprised of campground friends and neighbors.   The winners of each of the three semi-final rounds will face off in the final 'prize' round.   The first and second place teams (with the most points) win prizes.   If there's a tie, a coin toss will decide the winner.   Please pre-register your team (club or team name and 3 players' names) if at all possible so we know how many questions to prepare.   Terry Trees.   Registration is also possible on-site.

Who Wants to be an Astronomer?

Come test your 'astro' wits against your fellow attendees (and win a prize!).   The "Who Wants to be an Astronomer?" game is based upon the TV series "Who Want to be a Millionaire?"  Questions are multiple-choice with 4 possible answers.  The more difficult questions are worth more "money".  3 Life-Lines may be used:  "Poll the Audience", "50% - 50%"  where 2 of the incorrect answers are removed and "Ask a Friend" who must be present in the audience.  The first and second place finishers (with the most "money") win prizes.  If there's a tie, a coin toss will decide the winner.  If you wish to enter the contest, you must obtain a registration form at Star Cruise.  There will be 30 astronomically-related questions on the form, similar in design to those you will get if you're actually playing the game.  You must answer the questions immediately when you receive your form, and you must do it in front of a judge, without the assistance of others.  The 10 people scoring the highest on this pre-test will compete for the prizes.  A coin-toss will be used as a tie-breaker. There will be no fast-finger style competition.   Hosted by Terry Trees .  

Astrophotography Workshop

Roger Blake  of TAURUS Technologies will conduct a hands-on demonstration/workshop of astrophotography methods and equipment.  This is a FREE workshop.  Star party attendees may participate either actively, or as observers.  TAURUS Technologies will provide the astrophoto equipment, or attendees may bring their own.  The objective is to provide the equipment and hands-on training to allow a novice participant to take astrophotos during the star party.  The workshop is not a single scheduled event.  It is a continuous informal, interactive activity during the entire star party.  Roger will be available on the observing field to help/advise participants on basic issues such as polar alignment, night sky navigation, focusing, target and guide star aquisition, exposures, etc.  For a more detailed description of the workshop Click Here.  TAURUS Technologies will provide astrophoto equipment (flip mirrors, off-axis guiders, 35mm cameras) at no charge, for use during the show, but quantities are limited so register early to reserve the equipment you will need.
 Contact Roger Blake for questions or to register.   

Beginners Class

A brief program introducing the night sky to those new to astronomy will be held near the Speakers Tent.  Bright stars, planets and constellations will be identified.   Deep sky objects will be explained and some will be observed through binoculars.  Questions are encouraged.  Hosted by John Holtz .

Bicycle Cruise

This year, there will be no 'official' organized road bike ride.  But, you may still want to bring your bike to take advantage of the great places to ride in the area.
Roads: There are plenty of lightly traveled, two lane, paved, country roads. The terrain is hilly but some of the area has gently rolling hills.  The area around Deep Creek Lake, near by in Maryland has wide berms for biking
Rail Trails: There are trails within short driving distance at Ohiopyle State Park in PA, Cheat Lake and Morgantown, WV.
Off Road: A Mountain bike would be good for the campground.  There are also some trails in the woods and Big Bear Lake Campground hosts mountain bike races and has trails.  One of the prime places to ride is the extensive trail system in West Virginias Coopers Rocks State Forest.  They have trail maps at the Concession stand or the park office.  AAAP member  Dave Smith who has lead the past LHSC bike rides knows the area well, and can help anyone with directions and tips for riding.  Dave will be there Friday-Sunday to give directions.

Coopers Rock Tour

Another alternative event for those who want some exercise and a chance to see some of the local 'sights' of the area.  AAAP member  Dave Smith will lead a car road trip to   Coopers Rock.   Coopers Rocks State Forest is a must see.  It has, by far, the best scenic overlook in the area.   One walks across a wooden bridge, built by the CCC in the 30s, to The rock.   Coopers Rock is about 80 feet high and is on the rim of the 1,200 foot deep Cheat River Canyon.   The top of the rock is surrounded by a distinctive chestnut and stone fence.   Photo   From this vantage point one can see a panoramic view of the canyon and the river below.   The Forest is also popular with mountain bikers, rock climbers, and hikers.   There is also a campground, picnic area, two fishing lakes and area called Rock City where one could spend hours going through a maze of very large rocks.   Also of interest is the Henry Clay iron furnace.  The forest is about twenty miles away from Pine Hill Campground.   We will visit the overlook and part of Rock City.   The trip to Coopers Rock will leave the LHSC registration tent Friday afternoon and should take about 2 hours to complete.  If enough people are interested, Dave will also lead a trip to Coopers Rock on Sunday, after the campground checkout time for the end of Star Cruise.