PHASE II

The second phase of our State Park Project became active in March of 2018. Phase II is the implementation of public astronomy programming at the State Park Level.

In August of 2017, the Austin Astronomical Society (AAS) found themselves in need of alternate observing locations for their monthly public star parties. Having performed Phase I at several Texas State Parks in AAS’s geographical areas of interest Earthbound Astronomer assisted them in the creation of a committee, and initiated introductions and meetings between the committee and interpretive rangers at Pedernales Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park.

Both parks exist within reasonable distance and drive time from the Austin Metropolitan Area. Pedernales Falls State Park is home to an already established area for astronomical observing, know as their Star Theater. Inks Lake State Park boasts a sizable Central Park open area for large capacity activities.

AAS’s Site Committee met with rangers and park staff at both state parks several times over the course of a few months. Both park sites were assessed for star party feasibility taking into consideration guest volume, utility needs, parking flow, equipment access, sky orientation and exposure, and event scheduling. Wanting to take advantage of the high capacity of campers and visitors over the spring break, AAS and Inks Lake State Park ran their first inaugural star party on 17 March 2018. Following an alternating monthly pattern AAS and Pedernales Falls State park hosted their inaugural star party on 7 April 2018. Barring inclement weather and unforeseen circumstances AAS has been successfully running start parties at these parks for the past two years.

The success of the Star Parties at Pedernales Falls State Park necessitated the need for a new committee to be developed and further meetings scheduled with park management. In the fall of 2018 conversations begun with regards to the installation of a semi-permanent structure that would serve as a roll out observatory for the Austin Astronomical Society. The new team of AAS members have worked tirelessly over the past year with the remarkable staff of Pedernales Falls State Park, and management at Texas Parks and Wildlife.

It is AAS’s, and the park’s, hope that the Summer of 2020 will see the installation of a modified 8’ x 40’ shipping container roll out observatory in proximity to the Star Theater. It will house several of the society’s larger telescopes and increase the offerings of public star parties at Pedernales Falls State Park.