Lights Out
Okie-Tex Star Party brings observers from across the nation to Cimarron County
By JuliAnn Graham, CCC F handle.
Almost 500 amateur astronomers from across the United States will gather to observe the sky during the Okie-Tex Star Party from September 12-20. The star party is hosted by the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club. Michael Dennis is the club’s vice president and a longtime club member. He’s the one who calls Damron to turn off the lights in the camp each year. “That area of the state is one of the darkest sky locations left in the United States,” Dennis said. “It is so dark the light from the Milky Way casts a shadow.”
Although astronomy is a hobby for most of the attendees, it’s one many of them take very seriously. As a local, Damron said he’s seen some inter- esting tools of the trade among partygoers. “They come with some of the neatest equipment,” he said. “I’ve seen a motorhome that had a skylight with a scope through the roof. They had a real nice motorhome and were sleeping on the ground in a tent. Some people have little bitty telescopes while others have thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. A lot of it is computer controlled. And they don’t mind sharing and showing you and telling you how it all works.” Dennis said there are billions of things in the sky to look at and it’s really
a matter of personal taste. For example, he enjoys looking at clusters of galaxies similar to the Milky Way. Other people like globular clusters, which are formations of stars bound together. Some people are interested in neb- ulas, which are clouds of dust and gas, while others are really interested in planets. While observation takes place at night, the weeklong event is packed full of activities for attendees. Several lectures are offered. This year, David Levy, a comet hunter of wide renown, will speak on Saturday, Sept. 19. Eileen Grzybowski and David Davisson, teachers from Norman, Okla., who bring a group of students every year, will talk about their “SOFIA adventure.”
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“That area of the state is one of the darkest sky locations left in the United States. It is so dark the light from the Milky Way casts a shadow.”
- Michael Dennis, Oklahoma City Astronomy Club
SOFIA is the largest airborne observatory in the world and they were two of a select few educators chosen to go on it. In addition to lectures, people will have a chance to buy, sell and trade equipment at two different swap meets. Between eight and 15 astronomy vendors will also be in attendance.
In addition to all the great things to do at the star party itself, the area offers several attractions you won’t fi nd anywhere else. Attendees are wel- come to take in the local sights after their morning naps. Kenton is the only community in Oklahoma on Mountain Standard Time. The Kenton Museum has a unique collection of artifacts from the pioneer days. Nearby Black Mesa State Park encompasses the highest point in Oklahoma and offers hiking trails. The area also has dinosaur tracks and interesting rock formations. Lake Carl Etling has nice views and a relaxing atmosphere. Because of its remote location, event organizers have arranged for meals catered by TCEC member Jody Risley. Risley is the museum curator and director at Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City, Okla. She provides three meals a day and runs a Cosmic Café in the evening from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to serve snacks and food. After expenses, she donates a signifi cant portion
or 35 years, Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) serviceman Ray Damron has worked to keep the lights on. Once a year, though, he turns the lights out in Camp Billy Joe near the tiny town of Kenton, nestled in the northwestern corner of the Oklahoma Pan-
Photo courtesy of Phillip Easton
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