STAR PARTY

WHAT STAR PARTY IS

Just as its name states STAR PARTY is not merely a function of night sky observation, but an aesthetic introduction to the field of Astronomy, an enigmatic experience for an apprentice, unforgotten night for everybody participating in. In Sri Lanka Star Party is the dream of every stargazer, not only to witness but to get involved. When we embarked upon Star Party in 2004, with the Astronomical Society of Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy, being the pioneers of Observation Competitions in South Asia region, it was visible that a gleaming future of Sri Lankan astronomy was lying ahead. Consequently this turned out to be an official launch of a mammoth event of astronomy calendar.

Even though stargazing assemblages are found frequent in foreign countries, it’s rarely seen in Asian continent, despite Star Party competition. Due to the inadequate allocations and investments in Astronomy field, still a slowly development is in progress. What is more amazing is that both amateurs and veterans are allowed to employ their practicability of astronomy, enabling their wisdom to pacify the physical and chemical taste. Also inculcating young astronomers to be accredited professionals is also one of our goals. Now you shall find it easy to understand our definition of Star party.

Let’s take a brief look at the format of Star Party. In the beginning according to their schools, all the participating school students are divided into teams, each having 5 members. And then there are observation sessions to compete at, inclusive of lunar observation, constellation observation, deep-sky observation plus a quizzical evaluation. Ultimately the most outstanding team, which has highest overall marks, will be awarded champions.