The 2022 Heart of America Star Party (HOASP) was a great success!
Over 100 attendees enjoyed two great nights of observing under truly dark skies, terrific guest speakers, fun daytime activities, and great food. Thanks to all who participated!
Special thanks to Explore Scientific and DayStar Filters for supporting our event with merchandise for door prizes and a terrific educational presentation.
Be sure to mark your calendar now for HOASP 2023: October 12-15, 2023.
2023 Registration details will be posted soon. Please check back!
The Heart of America Star Party is the ASKC’s largest annual event, hosted at our 40-acre Dark Sky Site (DSS), 75 miles South of Kansas City.
Join us for:
- 6.3 limiting magnitude (based on SQM-L averages)
- Guest speakers on Friday and Saturday
- Swap 'n Shop
- Great food including "Star-B-Que" on Saturday evening
- Plenty of room for tents, trailers & RVs
- Power hookups for scopes & RVs (first-come first-serve)
- Plenty of indoor space in case of bad weather
- Showers with hot and cold water and toilet facilities
- Fun camp atmosphere
- Games
- Civil War museum & battle site tours
- Nearby nature preserves with bird watching, fishing, and hiking trails
- Services & hotels located in nearby Butler, MO (<30 minutes away)
- Historic The Pennell hotel & restaurant
2022 Schedule
Photos From 2021 and Other Recent HOASPs
Aerial View of the 2017 HOASP
Credit: Jim Ketchum
Aerial View of the 2016 HOASP
Credit: Jim Ketchum