In 2006 a number of University Lowbrow Astronomers made the long trek to the wilds of Potter County, PA and the annual Black Forest Star Party presented by the Central Pennsylvania Observers. That particular year the Lowbrows were represented very aptly by no less that 24 of its members. The Star Party turned out to be a bit of a wash out with regards to the weather and actual observing, however it was a rousing success in regards to the morale of all participants. I personally can not remember ever having such a great time “not observing”! Sitting in the middle of “Scope-Henge” laughing and telling stories with great friends!
Prior to that trip, Robert Wade came up with an idea that seems to becoming a tradition... that idea was for everyone to choose a couple of astronomical objects and create an observing list for the event. The items on the list could be challenging or easy “eye-candy” and everyone would try to complete the list during the Star Party. We did the same thing for the 2007 Okie-Tex Star Party and now the tradition is continuing for the 2008 Black Forest Star Party. Below is the list as compiled by Doug Scobel.
| Comet Boattini (C/2007 W1) | comet | submitted by Mark Deprest |
| Comet Boattini (C/2008 J1) | comet | submitted by Mark Deprest |
| NGC 246 | planetary nebula | submitted by Chris Sarnecki |
| PK 47+42.1 (Abell 39) | planetary nebula | submitted by Chris Sarnecki |
| M33 (Pinwheel) | unaided eye galaxy | submitted by Nathan Murphy |
| NGC 6822 (Barnard’s) | galaxy | submitted by Nathan Murphy |
| PK 80-6.1 (Egg Nebula/Murphy’s Bane) | planetary nebula | submitted by Nathan Murphy |
| NGC 2237-2239 (Rosette) | nebulae | submitted by Yasu Inugi |
| Zodiacal Light | submitted by Yasu Inugi | |
| NGC 6960, 6992, 6995 (Veil) | supernova remnant | submitted by Lee Vincent |
| M31 (Andromeda) | unaided eye galaxy | submitted by Lee Vincent |
| Stefan’s Quintet (NGC 7320 et. al.) | galaxy cluster | submitted by Robert Wade |
| Abell 2151(Hercules cluster) | galaxy cluster | submitted by Robert Wade |
| NGC 7000 (N. America) | nebula | submitted by Doug Scobel |
| Barnard 33 (Horsehead) | dark nebula | submitted by Doug Scobel |
| NGC 752 (BASS) | cluster | submitted by Jim Forrester |
| NGC 6905 (Blue Flash) | planetary nebula | submitted by Jim Forrester |
| NGC 6334 (Cat’s Paw) | nebula | submitted by Yumi Inugi |
| NGC 7293 (Helix) | planetary nebula | submitted by Yumi Inugi |
| IC 342 | galaxy | submitted by Mike Radwick |
| Abell 426 (NGC 1275 et. al.) | galaxy cluster | submitted by Mike Radwick |