Michigan's largest amateur star party.

The 2020 eighteenth annual GLSG Star Party is scheduled to be held Thursday, September 17 through Sunday, September 20. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and unknown future social gathering implications, this year’s star party will be scaled back compared to previous years.

Update (9/14): The weather for the 2020 star party is looking favorable. The star party will proceed as planned from 9/17 to 9/20! This year’s star gaze will be handled as walk-in registration only. When you drive up the hill you'll see the hospitality tent and can register right there. Daytime temperatures are comfortably in the 60s while nightime temperatures will be squarely in the 30s. Dress accordingly.

Several aspects, events and activities that were previously part of the star party are being cancelled for this year. The aspects and events/activities cancelled include:

• Early mail in registration
• The large tent with speakers
• Children’s fishing contest
• Door prizes
• 2020 t-shirts
• GLSG will not provide any meals

The aspects and events/activities that will continue to be incorporated include:

• Hospitality tent
• Swap meet
• Rocket launches
• Kevin & Norb’s tour of the night sky (weather permitting)

We will be distancing so please set up your tents/sites accordingly. Please also have masks with you for the possibility of state outdoor guidelines changing. Masks are encouraged when close to people outside your party.

Pricing this year:

Individual $15 per night $5 per night w/ a trailer (plus RV park fee)

Family $25 per night or $60 night for all 3 nights $10 per night w/ a trailer (plus RV park fee)

To limit contact please bring exact cash or a check made out to Great Lakes Star Gaze. We will not be selling merchandise this year. Registration will open at 6:00 pm on Thursday and run until 10:00 pm. Friday and Saturday registration will be open from 12:00 pm until 9:00 pm. These times will have to be subject to change. Any swap meet this year will be informal. If you plan on participating please bring tables and a chair.

We truly hope to pull off this year’s star gaze and enjoy Mars near opposition along with clear night skies with good friends! Hopefully next year will bring better social times that will allow events like this to get back to normal. The tentative dates for next year’s star party are September 9-12, 2021. We hope to see you all this September for a night of unity under those little lights in the darkness. In the meantime, stay safe, take care, keep hope, and keep looking up!

Location and dark skies are the main attraction of this star party. Gladwin, MI is a central location that provides excellent observing without traveling hours into Northern Michigan. Limiting magnitudes are estimated to be around 6.5 at zenith with some minor light domes from the cities of Mt. Pleasant and Midland, some 30 miles away. This is a star party for the astronomer who loves to observe and mingle with other astronomers. Some practical and interesting talks are scheduled to enhance your weekend experience.

The GLSG star party will be held at the River Valley RV Park in Gladwin, MI. Directions and more information about the star party can be found in the registration form.