Fall 2025 ECSP Public Night

Public viewing event at the East Coast Star Party!

The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Resources at Chippokes State Park encourage the members of the public to attend on Friday evening at the East Coast Star Party. From 7-10pm, BBAA members will use their telescopes to share the night time sky with park visitors. Please feel free to ask questions and look through all of telescopes during this public outreach event.

If you have never been to a star party before please review the "Event Etiquette" guide we have created to ensure everyone has a great time: http://backbayastro.org/documents/Event_Etiquette.pdf

WHAT:
Fall 2025 East Coast Star Party's Public Viewing Night at Chippokes State Park

WHEN:
6pm to 10pm on Friday, Sep 19th.

WHERE:
Camping/observing field is within sight of the Chippokes Jones-Stewart Mansion
Chippokes State Park. 
695 Chippokes Park Rd3
Surry, VA, 23883

PUBLIC NIGHT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Notes:

• The sky is 20.76 mag with good views of the horizon. Observing area two large open fields south of the registration area. Just follow the “telescopes” signs.
• Please avoid arriving after dark.
• Red light flashlights are highly encouraged to preserve nightvision, and the rangers will have them available for visitors.

PLEASE OBEY ALL PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

Directions:
Due to a limitation on the NSN the "Directions" feature for this location only takes you to the entrance to the park. Please use our custom Google Map to navigate to the precise location you are trying to reach. Just find the location called BBAA - ECSP and click on it: http://backbayastro.org/map.php

For a map of the observing field click here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=11UeJbvagTv0ljhT7EpJBav1cD9HrBRA&usp=sharing

If you need additional information please feel free to contact the ECSP Committee: ecsp@backbayastro.org