A tenter enjoys the skies at the Iowa Star Party. Photo courtesy of Lynn Reihman (reihmanphotography@yahoo.com)

The 2023 Iowa Star Party

Whiterock Conservancy - Coon Rapids, IA

The 2023 Iowa Star Party will be held August 17th to August 20th at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, IA, hosted by Ames Area Amateur Astronomers and co-sponsored by the Des Moines Astronomical Society. Join us for a weekend of dark skies, stargazing and conversation.

Whiterock Conservancy is blessed with some of the darkest skies in Iowa because of its location away from city lights. It is a great place for amateur astronomers in the Midwest to set up their telescopes and enjoy the night skies. It is also a fun place for recreation. Daytime activities available include canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching. Registration for the Iowa Star Party is available now. You may complete the following form and use PayPal to complete the process, or simply print and mail the form: Registration Form

Guest Speaker
Steve Spangler

Public Night - Friday, August 18th at 7:30 PM

Participants in the Iowa Star Party don't want to keep the wonders of the night sky to themselves. They are also excited about sharing them with the public.

There will be free public viewing on Friday, August 18th starting at 7:30 PM at the Whiterock Conservancy Star Field. After a short introduction to the night sky, members of the public are welcome to look through various telescopes. If the weather is clear, visitors will have the chance to see galaxies, nebulas and stars millions of light years away, as well as some of the planets in our cosmic backyard, the Solar System. All ages are welcome, and appropriate attire for the weather, as well as a blanket, are recommended.


Get Driving Directions to the Star Field below
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The Milky Way hangs over canoes at the Iowa Star Party at Whiterock Conservancy. Photo courtesy of Lynn Reihman (reihmanphotography@yahoo.com)