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Note: Schedule is subject to change.
OMSI Star Party Information Line: 503.797.4610
Star Party times and additional details will be posted on this page as the events approach. Please check back for the latest information.
Rooster Rock State Park Day Use Permit is $3.00 per vehicle.
To Rooster Rock: Take I-84, 22 miles east of Portland (exit #25 just east of Sandy River)
Oregon Star Party Information: 503.306.2992
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2008 Star Parties at
Rooster Rock State Park
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August 11 - Perseid Meteor Shower Watch at Rooster Rock
August 28-31 - Oregon Star Party at Ochoco Mountains
September 6 - Autumnal Equinox Celebration at Rooster Rock
* schedule subject to change
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Star Parties
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OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers and Oregon Parks and Recreation invite you to our free Star Parties. The Star Parties provide a great opportunity to meet other people that share your interest in astronomy, and to view the planets, moon, stars, and other celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars of all sizes. From beginners to experts, all ages are invited.
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Rooster Rock
Perseid Meteor Shower Watch
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August 11, 2008
Perseid Meteor Shower Watch at Rooster Rock
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is getting ready for its largest star party of the year on August 11! Stargazers will be meeting at Rooster Rock State Park at 9 p.m. to watch and enjoy the wonder of the Perseid Meteor Shower.
August brings one of the year's most famous and enjoyed meteor shower - the Perseid Meteor Shower. Hundreds of star lovers from across the Pacific Northwest are expected to attend OMSI's biggest star show of the year. The event, sponsored by OMSI, the Rose City Astronomers, the Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers and Oregon Parks and Recreations will have telescopes set up for attendees to use. Jim Todd, OMSI's planetarium manager, will be presenting informal talks about the meteor shower, constellations, and the summer sky.
The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs when the Earth enters the path of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle in its last trip past the Sun. Swift-Tuttle follows a highly eccentric orbit around the Sun with an orbital period of about 130 years. The comet last passed by the Earth in December 1992.
This strong annual shower can produce 20 to 60 meteors an hour, though because of the light pollution and other factors, "many are too faint to see with the naked eye," Todd said. "Still, an observer in a dark subdivision can hope to see few meteors on the peak nights. This year the waxing gibbous Moon will not be a factor during the prime meteor-watching after midnight. Under these conditions, you will see a Perseid or two each minute."
Rooster Rock State Park is located 22 miles east of Portland on I-84 at exit 25. The event is free, and there is a $3 per vehicle parking fee for public. For possible weather cancellation, call (503) 797-4610 on August 11 after 4:00 PM to get the latest information.
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