UPDATE: June 8, 2026

Registration for NPSP 2026 is now open!! Click HERE to get to the REGISTRATION FORM.

Join us for unforgettable autumn nights under the stars, enriching and interesting daytime workshops and presentations, and time to learn and talk with other amateur astronomers at the annual Northern Prairie Star Party (NPSP) at Black Nugget Lake Park campground.

NPSP 2026 will run from Tuesday, September 8 to Sunday, September 13, 2026, with most group activities planned for Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12. It is being held at the Black Nugget Lake Park campground located about an hour’s drive southeast of Edmonton. The campground is also the location of our Black Nugget Lake Observatory. Bring your sense of wonder for stargazing under seriously dark skies (Bortle Scale 3).

NPSP 2026 is proving to be a popular event. As of June 6, more than 70 people are registered to attend and almost all the campsites reserved for the event have been booked by attendees. Please register as soon as possible if you want to get one of the last remaining camping spots or to get in before the limit of 120 attendees is reached. See the REGISTRATION and CAMPING sections below for more details.

FINAL DEADLINE for registration and payment is August 25, 2026 (event fees, camping and T-shirts).

For the detailed report on last year’s 2025 NPSP, see https://edmontonrasc.com/stardust/stardust202510.pdf

For more information, please talk with one of the members of the NPSP Planning Team or email npstarfest@shaw.ca.

REGISTRATION

Click HERE to go to the NPSP Registration Form. The form addresses all aspects of the event including attendee fees, campsite reservations, T-shirt orders and signing up to volunteer.

ALL those planning to attend NPSP – whether you are coming out only during the day for the Friday and Saturday programs or camping for up to five nights – PLEASE REGISTER EARLY. This will assist us immensely with our planning and help ensure that you get the campsite you want.

When you submit your registration, you will receive an invoice detailing your fees, payable on receipt. Payment can be made by e-transfer.

The final deadline for registering (attendees, campsite and T-shirt) and payment is Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

---

CAMPING

RASC Edmonton Centre has booked the northern part of the Black Nugget Lake Park campground for use by star party event attendees from Tuesday, September 8 at 4 PM to noon on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This includes sites 58 to 75 and Group Site 9.

Campsites will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. With a limited number of sites with power, we encourage NPSP attendees wishing to camp overnight to book as soon as possible. Here is a link to the campground website that provides general information about the campground https://www.beaver.ab.ca/tourism/campgrounds/black-nugget-lake site map that is posted on the reservation site of Black Nugget Lake Park. To get a better idea of what the sites are like, click on https://letscamp.ca/camps/black-nugget-lake/sites/search and enter a sample date. The NPSP registration form includes the camping details and will ask you to provide two choices.

For those who have missed out on getting a campsite in the northern part of the Black Nugget Lake Park, there are still several options in other parts of the campground.

---

SCHEDULE AND GROUND RULES

The 2026 NPSP Schedule is available here.

The 2026 Ground Rules are available here.

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS

1 – 4 P.M.: Astroimaging: From Start to Finish

In response to feedback received from last year’s attendees, we are organizing a workshop by RASC members who use a variety of astronomy and photographic equipment to capture various types of celestial objects – and employ different image processing techniques. We are delighted to report that Tom Owen has agreed to moderate a panel of five accomplished astrophotographers: Abdur Anwar, Warren Finlay, Murray Paulson, Gabe Sewell and Craig Sherris.

4 P.M.: Green Laser Certification conducted by Clayton Knoll, President of RASC Edmonton Centre

This one-hour session is designed for outreach volunteers who wish to take the course or are renewing their certification (required every three years). Limited to 12 participants. The workshop addresses the regulatory and safety aspects governing the use of green laser pointers. Please let NPSP organizers know that you wish to be put on the list.

Additional Training Workshop – to be scheduled based on response
Murray Hunt, Observing Group Director is planning to provide training during NPSP 2026 to members interested in learning how to use the recently refurbished 18-inch Barry Arnold Memorial Telescope that is located at the Black Nugget Lake Observatory. Please contact Murray at observing_group@edmontonrasc.com if you are interested.

---

SATURDAY AFTERNOON SPEAKERS

We will have three presentations on the afternoon of Saturday, September 12 at 1:30, 2:40 and 4 P.M. We are delighted to have such a nice combination of topics and great speakers!

1:30 P.M.: “Searching for ET. Science Fact, Fiction or Fantasy?”
Dr. Brian Martin
RASC Edmonton Member and Professor Emeritus, Physics and Astronomy, The King’s University, Edmonton, Alberta

Talk Synopsis
In this talk we will look at three significant works of science fiction that deal with first contact. Two of the works: The Black Cloud (Sir Fred Hoyle) and Contact (Carl Sagan) are by acclaimed astrophysicists while the third – Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir) is a work that many will have seen as a current movie. The intent is not to criticize as much as to enjoy the science that the authors have woven into their stories. It will also provide us with an opportunity to look at some of the current science emerging from the James Webb Space Telescope and the spectroscopy now being done in the search for biosignatures on exoplanets. How much of these works is potentially factual – how much is fiction or fantasy?

Dr. Brian Martin retired from The King’s University where, for more than 30 years, he was Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Educated at both Western University and The University of Alberta, he had the great fortune of completing his PhD under the guidance of Doug Hube. Brian’s research combined two passions which he maintains even in retirement. The first is astrophysics – with special emphasis on stellar variability – while the second is science education and developing tools to foster the visualization of complex scientific ideas. For the last 15 years of his career, he was co-director of The King’s Center for Visualization in Science. His wife Evelyn and he live on an acreage near Sherwood Park where he can enjoy returning to what got him hooked on astronomy more than 60 years ago– the beautiful night sky!

2:40 P.M.: “Auroras: Their History, Nature, Physical Drivers and Space Weather Impacts”
Dr Yangyang Shen
Assistant Professor, Space Plasma Physics & Space Weather, Department of Physics, University of Alberta

Talk Synopsis
Since the dawn of space exploration in the 1960s, the discovery of space currents and charged particles streaming down Earth’s magnetic field has transformed our understanding of auroras, commonly known as the northern lights. These precipitating charged particles, energized through different processes in the near-Earth space, produce a wide variety of auroral forms, including discrete and diffuse auroras. The total energy deposited by auroras into the upper atmosphere can exceed 200 GW, playing an important role in upper atmospheric dynamics and climate. This talk will first provide a brief history of how our understanding of auroras has evolved, including their optical characteristics, identification, and major physical drivers in the magnetosphere. The second part will discuss broader impacts of auroras and how auroral activity can affect modern technological society.

Dr. Yangyang Shen received a PhD in Space Physics from the University of Calgary in 2020. He then worked as an assistant researcher at UCLA during 2020-2025. In February 2026, Dr. Shen joined the Department of Physics at University of Alberta as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Shen’s research focuses on understanding terrestrial and planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres, and particle acceleration processes that drive aurora and space radiation. He combines satellite and ground-based observations with numerical simulations to uncover the fundamental processes governing space plasmas. His work aims to improve our ability to predict solar-driven disturbances in the terrestrial space environment, and to mitigate space weather risks on space and ground-based infrastructure.

4 P.M.: “Back to the Moon: Apollo’s legacy and its lessons for Artemis”
Geoff Robertson
Long-time RASC Edmonton Centre member and executive volunteer

Talk Synopsis
Once upon a time, humans visited a place, that, for most of our history seemed impossible to get to—and then abandoned it. Decade’s later humans are once more looking at that place and are planning to not just visit it but to stay. The Apollo program to land a Man on the Moon was the result of politics, science, engineering and a bit of luck. In this presentation we will look at the reason for going, the designs of the machines, the history of the program and the lessons Artemis has taken from Apollo.

Born in Edmonton, Geoff Robertson developed an interest in space flight and astronomy at an early age and received his first telescope for Christmas in 1965. He followed the space program intently reading just about anything the local library had on the subject. After some post-secondary schooling he settled into a career in the industrial, mechanical, HVAC, sewage valve business working in sales, QA and management. He retired in 2021. He joined RASC Edmonton in 2003 and has served on Council since 2010. Today he enjoys his hobbies and with his wife spoils his grandkids.

T-SHIRTS

The 2026 NPSP T-shirt, designed by Rick Bramm, celebrates the successful 2026 Artemis II lunar flyby mission that took place from April 1 to 10, 2026. The T-shirt features a background comprised of the Orion constellation with the mythical Orion the Hunter holding the Orion spacecraft and the iconic Artemis II crew photo of the far side of the Moon. Prices are the same as last year: $25 for short-sleeved and $30 for long-sleeved. Order yours through the Registration Page – before the deadline: Tuesday, August 25.

DOOR PRIZES AND GRAND PRIZE DRAW

Immediately after the Saturday afternoon speakers, door prizes will be awarded to participants through a random draw. The Grand Prize will also be awarded at this time.

NPSP BBQ AND GROUP PHOTO

One of our traditions at the NPSP is the ever-popular annual BBQ. We feature quality beef burgers (with vegetarian option), hot dogs, salads, desserts and beverages. Following the meal, we will gather for a group photo to commemorate the event.

PLANET AND DEEP SKY OBJECT VIEWING AT BLACK NUGGET LAKE OBSERVATORY

The Black Nugget Lake Observatory (BNLO), located at Group Site 9 at the Black Nugget Lake Campground, will be open to NPSP participants, depending on the weather. The BNLO is home to the Unyk-Drew Telescope, a custom-built Newtonian telescope featuring a 32″ mirror. It is the largest telescopes in western Canada available to the public for viewing the night sky. Also available is the Barry Arnold Memorial Telescope which sports an 18″ mirror, also capable of incredible views of deep sky objects.

SHOP AND SWAP

Back by popular demand, we will host a Swap and Shop in the Event Tent on Saturday morning, from 10:30 to noon. You are welcome to bring any useable astronomy-related items you would like to trade or sell. Tables will be available for you to display your items. Please remove any left-over items and take them with you by noon.

VOLUNTEER ROSTER

The NPSP is a completely volunteer-run event, and your participation makes it happen! Many of you have indicated that you are interested and able to put in some volunteer time at NPSP. Thank you! Volunteer tasks include attending the north gate, helping at the Registration Table, setting up chairs in the Event Tent, helping at the BBQ, and more. Shifts usually last between one and two hours. We will be sending out a draft roster before the event to give you notice of when and what we have assigned you to do.

ABOUT THE BLACK NUGGET LAKE PARK CAMPGROUND

The campground is a privately-run campsite located one hour’s drive southeast of Edmonton. RASC Edmonton Centre has booked the northern part of the campground for use by star party event attendees for use during the entire event. Daytime activities abound – the site is on a major fall migration flyway and offers exceptional birding opportunities. Lakeshore campsites are available, with canoeing and fishing at your doorstep. Access to the site is entirely by paved road, making this an easy way to join fellow amateur astronomers for some autumn observing at a convenient dark sky site.

LOOKING AHEAD

NPSP 2027 is tentatively scheduled for September 21 – 26, 2027 and NPSP 2028 is set for September 12 to 17, 2028..

Check this page again for updates.

If you have questions, please email npstarfest@shaw.ca or talk with one of the members of the NPSP Planning Team: Rick and Susan Bramm, Marion and Alan Hobbs and Carol and Dave Mussell.