Eldorado Star Party

10/26/2025

Sunday’s Field Report:

That’s all folks! Saturday night was clear with low temps and lots of astronomers deciding to take in one last night of observing. There was quite a bit of dew that set in around midnight but you could hear laughs and lots of conversations around both fields. I want to give a huge shout out and thanks to the Meador family for having us back for another year! They do an amazing job getting the ranch ready for us. Thanks to all our volunteers who help set up and take down and organize the event all year round. I hope everyone had a great week and I hope you all have a safe journey back home! This is Will, signing off!

-Will

10/25/2025

Saturday’s Field Report:

Friday was a lovely day but unfortunately the clouds, wind and rain won the night. What a spectacular light show we had! Temps dropped into the upper 50’s as a cold front moved through. Tonight the skies are forecast to be super nice. We had a small group go out and check out the Caverns of Sonora. What a magical cave. If you’ve never been I encourage all of you to give it a tour. Today concludes our afternoon talks at 3pm in the Lodge. Jim Dire will give a talk on “The Smart Telescope Revolution” followed by the ESP Giveaway and then an awesome BBQ dinner. What a wonderful week. I hope y’all have had as much fun as I have. Such a pleasure to be here.

-Will

10/24/2025

Friday’s Field Report:

It’s hard to believe it’s already Friday! Thursday night ended up being cloudy but the evening was mild for everyone on the ranch. We might be seeing a little rain in the area this evening so definitely be prepared to protect your gear. Today starts our talks at the Lodge. At 3pm Doug Holland will present his talk “Amateur Radio Astronomy” in the big room of the Live Oak Lodge. There’s still a bit more ESP to come!

-Will

10/23/2025

Thursday’s Field Report:

Another gorgeous day and night here at the XBar. With three more nights coming there’s still a chance for clear skies. If you’ve been working on Bill’s observing list, make sure when you finish to head down to the Lodge Field and pick up your pin from him. The list was super fun and had lots of interesting objects waiting to be seen. Today at 3pm we will have another Afternoon at the Movies in the Lodge! The film will be Clash of the Titans (1981). Don’t miss it! I hope everyone is having as much fun as I am! What a fantastic week so far!

-Will

10/22/2025

Wednesday’s Field Report:

Another absolutely fabulous night! Early Tuesday started with some 25 mph winds but beautifully clear, blue skies. The fields were buzzing with activity. Tuesday night was one of those nights you dream about with no clouds, no wind and lots of new and old friends sharing the skies. Today is the ever famous Christoval Winery wine tasting near Christoval, Texas. Don’t forget to try to see the two fantastic comets that are giving us quite a show! Lots more ESP to come!

-Will

10/21/2025

Tuesday’s Field Report:

Monday saw the arrival of a majority of the astronomers filling out the fields. Everywhere you looked people were setting up scopes and their campsites as we all prep for an amazing week. The skies last night were nice and clear and temps were mild. The party has just begun! Don’t forget to stop by registration on the main field and pick up your packets and tshirts. Lots of star party ahead!

-Will

10/20/2025

It has begun!! Good morning from the Eldorado Star Party 2025! My name is Will Young and I’ll be reporting on field conditions and happenings around the XBar Ranch for the event. Last night was amazingly clear and temps were cool. Both the Lodge Field and the Main Field are primed and ready to accommodate astronomers for the week. For those of you coming in, safe travels and we will see you on the fields!

-Will

10/20/2025

The skies will be completely clear all night here at the XBar Ranch for the Eldorado Star Party. Forecast looks great for all week! The party officially starts tomorrow. The fields are ready to go! Safe travels and we will see y’all here!

-Will

10/16/2025

With great skies comes great responsibility! The XBar Ranch has asked us to limit our internet usage on site. Please check the page below for more details.

We need your help with the Wifi internet at ESP and ask you to: DO NOT Stream movies/videos Limit Gaming and Audio Streaming to 1 hour a day or less Power down any cellphone/tablet/computer not in use And other actions...

10/13/2025

We’re one week away from the 23rd Eldorado Star Party! Is everyone ready to go??

11/03/2024

Sunday’s Field Report:

What an amazing star party. Sometimes the clouds have their way but this week we had some amazingly observable nights. I want to send a huge thank you to the Meador family for their continued hospitality. Thanks to all our ESP volunteers who show up early to help and to keep ESP running. It truly is a group effort out here and this is a fantastic group. I hope everyone has a safe journey back home and will join us next year! The dates for 2025 are October 20-25! That means we are less than a year away. I hope y’all have enjoyed these posts and I will see y’all next year on the fields!

-Will