Contact:

SANDY PERRY, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
PHONE: 908-234-1225, EXT. 104
SANDY@NJCONSERVATION.ORG

Pine Barrens 'Star Party' cancelled by fog

CHATSWORTH - The 'Star Party' planned for Friday night, Oct. 5, at the Franklin Parker Preserve (FPP) has been cancelled due to a forecast for thick evening fog. The event, sponsored by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, will be rescheduled in April.

However, smaller star-gazing events at FPP, led by volunteer astronomers from the Willingboro Astronomical Society, may be scheduled throughout the late fall and winter months.

"We're trying to gauge interest in having hands-on astronomy classes for smaller groups of up to 40 people," said Chris Jage, NJCF's assistant director for southern New Jersey. Anyone interested in participating in smaller star-gazing workshops is asked to contact Jage by e-mail at Chris@njconservation.org.

Following is the text of the original Star Party press release:

CHATSWORTH – If you live in one of New Jersey’s cities or suburbs, chances are you rarely get a clear view of the night sky, with its awe-inspiring display of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, meteor showers and other celestial objects. Light pollution tends to obscure all but the brightest of the planets and constellations.

Would-be stargazers of all ages are invited to join the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) on Friday, Oct. 5, for a Star Party at the Franklin Parker Preserve in Chatsworth, in one of the state’s foremost “dark-sky” places. The event, which is open to the public, will run from 7 to 11:30 p.m.

“The Star Party is an opportunity to experience the dramatic darkness of the night sky in the heart of the Pine Barrens,” said Chris Jage, NJCF’s assistant director for southern New Jersey. “Our Franklin Parker Preserve is far away from urban and suburban light pollution, making it one of the best places in New Jersey for stargazing.”

“It’s about as dark as it gets in New Jersey,” agreed Bernie Hosko, star party director for the Willingboro Astronomical Society (WAS), which will have members on hand to share their telescopes and expertise. “It’s well worth the trip – the viewing will be good.”

The evening will begin with a lecture and slide presentation by Professor Lloyd Black of Rowan University. Once darkness is complete, there will be a guided “laser tour” of the night sky, with experts pointing out various planets, stars, constellations, galaxies and nebulae. Afterward, participants can visit individual stations with high-powered telescopes set up by WAS members. Hot chocolate and other refreshments will be served.

Among the planets that will be visible on Oct. 5, said Hosko, are Jupiter (early in the evening), Uranus and Neptune. Constellations will include Andromeda, the princess; Cassiopeia, the queen; Pegasus, the winged horse; Perseus, the hero; Aquila, the eagle; and Sagitta, the arrow. Also visible that night will be the Dumbbell Nebula, the Ring Nebula in Lyra, the Alberio double star, and the Coathangar Asterium.

Jage said participants should bring binoculars and a beach or lawn chair, or a blanket to go on the ground. “There’s actually a lot you can see just with binoculars,” he noted.

The fee for the program is $10 per person, payable by cash or check on the evening of the event Because the Star Party is dependent on clear weather, advance registration is not necessary. In case of cloudy or inclement weather, call 908-234-1225 or go to the NJCF website at www.njconservation.org or the WAS website at wasociety.net on the morning of the Star Party. If the event is cancelled, it will be rescheduled in the spring.

Star Party visitors should use the Franklin Parker Preserve entrance on Route 532, across from Chatsworth Lake. For more information or detailed directions to the preserve, call Carol Banhart at 908-234-1225.

Directions to the Franklin Parker Preserve:

Woodland Township, Burlington County

From the North

• Take the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 7

• Follow route 206 South to the Vincentown Diner (approx. 10 miles)

• At the stoplight at the Vincentown Diner, TURN LEFT onto Route 530 East to Pemberton

• Continue on 530 East until you reach a stoplight with a Burger King on the left.   GO straight at the stoplight with the Burger King on the left, then immediately TURN RIGHT at the next stoplight onto Magnolia Road.  Follow Magnolia Road to the Route 72 circle

• Go 1/2 of the way around the circle and follow route 72 East approximately 3.5 miles and TURN RIGHT onto Route 563 South.

• Follow route 563 South into Chatsworth and make a right onto Rt. 532 at the Chatsworth Firehouse. Follow 532; you will see Chatsworth Lake on the right. At the curve in the road turn left into a dirt road just after Lake. 

From Red Lion Circle (Intersection of Routes 70 and 206)

• Take Route 206 South approximately 2.8 miles to Medford Lakes - Tabernacle Road (CR 532) and turn left

• Continue on 532 East through Tabernacle and toward Chatsworth for a total of approximately 10.5 miles

• Prior to a left handed bend in the road (and your first glimpse of Chatsworth lake) turn right on to a dirt road.

• We will meet in the second building you will come to.