PRISTINE DARK SKY
Our observing location in the Berkshires of Northwestern Massachusetts features a gorgeous arching Milky Way.

SSP SOLAR OBSERVING
SSP astronomers find Venus in the daytime and the tiny, 13” gibbous dusk in an exquisite 6-inch refractor.

SSP OBSERVING FIELD
Scopes cover the large open-grass telescope observing area, a 'field of dreams' with 360-degree view of night sky, horizon to horizon.

SSP TALKS
The renowned optical designer, Al Nagler giving his presentation at SSP2013, ‘Eyepieces: How They Work, and Their Evolution at Tele Vue’.

SSP CENTRAL
Taking in a daytime lecture and refreshments in the shady respite of the SSP tent theater.

SSP VENDOR PRESENTATIONS
Rob Teeter, of Teeter’s Telescopes, talking in the SSP tent theater, ‘From Imitation to Innovation: How the Dobsonian Has Evolved’.

LIVE MUSIC
Ken Blumberg sings Neil Young and Paul Simon classics to participants during the SSP Opening Festival as Venus looks on.

SKY LANTERN LAUNCH
Attendees prepare their lanterns for liftoff during the SSP Opening Festival.

UP, UP AND AWAY!
An armada of hot air lanterns hit the cool evening sky to the delight of SSP participants and campers alike.

SSP LIVES!
Some of the 150 participants at SSP 2013 gather in front of the lodge fireplace for a group smile.

SETUP TIME
Getting ready to track the night sky for crisp exposures.

ON-SITE VENDORS
Camera Concepts and other vendors were on hand to provide convenient accessories and ‘must-haves’ to grateful SSP attendees.

NOT A MOMENT TO LOSE
Taking advantage of clear skies for crisp solar observing from SSP’s large open grass observing field.

VENDOR DEMOS
Rob Teeter of Teeter’s Telescopes explains his equipment to onlookers as the night sky darkens.

SIGHTSEEING & RELAXATION
Daytime activities are abundant for either enjoying the numerous local attractions or just relaxing in the hot tub and pool at Peppermint Park.

ASTROIMAGING AT SSP
Angela Yanette readies some serious equipment in a portable observatory, her home away from home.

FIELD OF DREAMS
Equipment set up and ready to go for the next amazing night of viewing.

SSP PRESENTATIONS
Alan MacRobert, Senior Editor of Sky & Telescope Magazine, treated the SSP crowd to a green-laser-pointer tour of the constellations, as well as his talk, ‘Comet ISON, and the Best Summer Observing Targets’.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
RAC Member Roland Roberts and Caroline Moore work with SSP kids building space stations and exploring science topics.

PREPARING FOR BLISS
Every day is another opportunity to prepare equipment for the next night’s astroimaging.

DOWN TIME
Nothing like a little snooze on a warm Summer day in the Berkshire Mountains!

SSP CHICKEN STARBQ
Listening to live music while filling up on the exclusive SSP Chicken StarBQ with all the fixin’s.

SKY MARAUDERS
Long-time RAC member John Holmboe and RAC Board of Directors member Keith Murdoch get their 20-inch dob ready to rock and view.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Tom Picciani presents his SSP Talk: ‘CCD Sharp & Photoshop Imaging Techniques’.

CAMPING IN THE BERKSHIRES
Another peaceful night descends on an eager crowd of stellar observers.

SINGING TO THE STARS
Ken Blumberg and Mies Hora serenade observers with originals and old favorites from the SSP stage.

STARGAZER COMMUNITY
SSP affords plenty of down time to get acquainted with fellow observers and enthusiasts during the 10-day event.

ASTROIMAGING AT SSP
RAC member and imaging authority Jim Burnell giving his inspirational talk: “Celestial Snapshots: Low-impact Astrophotography”.

C'MON BABY LIGHT MY BONFIRE!
For those rare overcast nights, there’s always a good bonfire and live music to cheer the spirits.

PUBLIC SOLAR VIEWING
SSP attendees invite campers at Peppermint Park to enjoy stunning views of our closest star.

COME ONE AND ALL
Lining up for a spot-on view of the sun.

SOLAR VIEWING AT SSP
Taking advantage of the pristine daylight skies at Peppermint Park in the Berkshires.

IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY
Longtime RAC member Audrey Salvatore and her grandchild enjoy quiet time at their SSP campsite.

EQUIPPED TO OBSERVE
Astronomer Michael Pass prepares his equipment for another night’s viewing.