Heart of America Star Party

Embrace the Night Sky: A Great Experience for New and Experienced Stargazers

This year, we're excited to extend a warm welcome to beginners and aficionados alike. Whether you’re embarking on your astronomy journey or are already an avid and experienced observer, this event offers something special. Leave behind any worries about feeling overwhelmed – our engaging activities and workshops are for everyone to enjoy a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The Heart of America Star Party is the ASKC’s largest annual event, hosted at our 40-acre Dark Sky Site (DSS), about 75 miles south of Kansas City.

Guest Speakers

Friday

TBD

Saturday

"Black Holes Throughout Time"

Dr. Allison Kirkpatrick, Associate Chair / Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas. Dr. Kirkpatrick has been a guest speaker at several ASKC events, including HOASP and ALCon 2024. Click here for more about Dr. Kirkpatrick.

Join us for

🌌 Immerse yourself in a stunning dark sky environment with a 6.3 limiting magnitude (based on SQM-L averages).

🏞️ Enjoy ample space for your setting up your equipment. 30-amp RV hookups available via "lottery".

☔ Relax indoors if the weather takes a turn, with plenty of indoor space available.

🚿 Refresh with heated showers.

🏛️ Immerse yourself in a fun camp atmosphere.

🌳 Explore nearby nature preserves, perfect for bird watching and hiking enthusiasts.

🍔 Enjoy great food including "Star-B-Que" dinner on Saturday evening.

🚌 Off-site tours: Battle of Mine Creek Civil War battle field, Bates County Historical Society Museum

SPEAKERS NEEDED

Our committee is seeking individuals willing to do a one-hour workshop Friday or Saturday afternoon or a presentation on Friday evening. We know many of our members have expertise they are willing to share with others. If interested please contact Jacques Barber at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alan Lehman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

We need volunteers to set-up tables and chairs and clean up the building before the Star Party. This typically happens the weekend prior to the event. Another survey response topic was the need to have more attention paid daily to grounds maintenance. Areas where help is most needed are: during the event, meal prep and clean-up, pulling of trash, refreshing the restrooms and shower areas; and after the event, take-down tables and chairs and clean out the building.

Any attendees who are willing to volunteer in any of these areas are asked to check the Volunteer Box on the registration form or notify Mary Henry at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or any member of the planning committee directly (see below). Volunteers will be recognized and appropriately rewarded for their efforts.

ELECTRICAL LOTTERY CHANGES

Because of our previous “First Come, First Choice” philosophy, several viewing locations have a history of being claimed by those that arrive a few days before the Star Party begins. In an effort to give all lottery winners—including those that have work or other commitments that don’t allow them to arrive early—an equal opportunity to choose where they would like to set up, the electrical lottery will now include preferred site locations. Attendees requesting 30 amp electrical service will be asked to designate their preferred locations, in order of preference from one (most desired) to 15 (least desired). See locations on Registration Form, Page 3, Location Map. An email will be sent to each registrant who checks the electric lottery box, requesting they designate their preferred locations.

On Sept. 26, the lottery draw will be done and on Sept.27, winners will be notified with location assignments. The first name drawn will be assigned their number one preferred location. Second name, their best preferred location, and so on until all electrical hook-ups are assigned. Should any attendees wish to trade locations, they may do so if both parties agree. Notify Wayne Davis This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or any member of the planning committee directly (see below). If more electrical requests are received than spots available, those that do not have their names drawn for the 15 available locations will be notified they will not have 30 amp service. Limited additional lower-power outlets will be available.

Anyone that requests an electrical hook-up, but finds they do not need it at a later time, is asked to immediately notify Wayne Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or any member of the planning committee directly (see below).

Not a Camper?

Convenient services and hotels are available in Butler, Missouri, about 30 minutes to the east.

Apparel

Each year features uniquely designed apparel options. We will have commemorative T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts this year. Our fashion designers have unveiled the 2025 design and I think they've got a winner. Special thanks to ASKC member Terry Conner for the amazing photo!