ArtCentrics

Hyman Rim Ranch Star Party

The 2026 star party date has not yet been set. The date will be posted here when it has been determined.

We have not set a date for the next Hyman Rim Ranch star party.

View the full photo album from the last star party here.

Cost is currently estimated at $10/day for each attendee (EVAC members) $15/day for non EVAC members.

Resources

  • Download Event Information Flyer (PDF)
  • Payment: Payment for the event can be made online Here (Please make sure you have been approved for the event before paying).
  • All Attendees MUST complete the Online Waiver to attend the event. Persons who had previously attended and filled out the waiver do not need to refill the waiver.
  • Location: Hyman Rim Ranch (approximately 1:10 drive N.E. of Payson)
  • Event Arrival and Departure
    • Thursday September 18, Anytime after 12 Noon
    • Monday September 22, Anytime before 12 Noon
  • Environmental Conditions
  • Event Capacity
    • 40 observers for a given time
  • Facilities
    • 2 Bathrooms with showers and hot water
    • Large Gas Grill
    • Limited Electricity
    • Sink with hot water
    • Limited WiFi
    • Out of Cell Phone Range, but can use WiFi for cell phones
    • Pavilion with seating
  • Restrictions
    • No Open Flames
    • No camping at the ranch before or after the star party event
    • No Firearms
    • Dogs must be on leashes AT ALL TIMES
  • Eating Arrangements
    • Pot Luck Friday & Sunday Evening
    • Breakfast will be Provided
  • Event Payments can be made on the EVAC website here.
  • EVAC membership renewal can be performed on this page.

Tenative Events – Still under development

We are currently in the process planning the events for the star party.  Items below are tentative, so be aware they may change.
  • Eating
    • All eats and drinks except what is listed below will be the responsibility of each person attending.
    • Drinks – Large cooler with lightly flavored water will be provided throughout the event.
    • Breakfast Every Morning will be provided by EVAC. (Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, ect.)
    • 09/19 Friday Potluck – Everyone invited to participate in a potluck for dinner
    • 09/20 Saturday Cookout – Hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers along with fixings provided by EVAC
  • Presentations and lectures (Tenative Schedule)
    • Thursday, September 18
      • 8:00pm – 9:00pm Bill Dellinges Binocular Tour of the Night Sky
    • Friday, September 19
      • 2pm – 3pm Leo Libby (Astrophotographer) – Many of you have probably already seen some of the great deep sky images Leo takes. He will discuss processing images using Astro Pixel Processor and Affinity Photo applications.
      • 8:00pm – 9:00pm James Yoder StarSeek S50 and Celestron Origin Training
      • 8:00pm – 9:00pm Bill Dellinges Binocular Tour of the Night Sky
    • Saturday, September 20
      • 10:30am – 11:30am Kevin Legore (SkyWatcher What’s Up Podcast) – Napkin to Reality: How to bring a product to market.
      • 2:00pm – 3:00pm Peter Birren (Author) – Peter will talk about his book Objects in the Heavens, a wonderful book for observational astronomy.
      • 3:00pm – 4:00pm James Yoder – Using AstroPlanner to plan your astronomy session. This software is great for planning Observing sessions and astrophotography targets.
  • Equipment
    • Demonstration on using Celeston Origin, SeeStar S50 Smart telescopes that make imaging super easy! In addition we will provide a signup sheet for you to use this gear to image whatever you want. One hour blocks. This equipment is owned by EVAC and is available for rent for members throughout the year (but not this event).
    • Hellostar Introduction and Demo – Kevin will bring the new Sky-Watcher Hellostar for viewing the sun.
    • Pegasus Astro SmartEye – May be onsite. This is a new camera/eyepiece that has new technology that should be quite interesting to see.
    • Telescope Collimation – Schedule a session with Jerry Hyman to check and adjust your telescope collimation (during the day).

Event Astro Photography

Photos from the 2024 star party