Starfest 2012, Gravity - Where would we be Without It!?

Convention Registration

A registration fee of $60.00 Cdn (individual rate) or $90.00 Cdn (family rate) is charged to cover the expenses of the convention. Family registration is defined as two adults in a legally recognized relationship and their dependent children (age 15 and under). Youths ages 16 - 19 are an additional $25.00 Cdn each. Brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, in-laws, or best friends (regardless of age) do not qualify for the family rate. You are urged to pre-register before July 1, 2012. After July 1, 2012 and at the gate, the registration fee will be $70.00 Cdn per person or $100.00 Cdn per family and $30.00 Cdn per dependent child (age 16 - 19). Registration confirmations will be emailed (if your email address is included on the registration form) to you.
(A note to our friends from the United States. The volatility in foreign exchange rates exposes the NYAA to significant risk. As such, all prices will be charged in Canadian dollars. Your credit card company will convert the charge to US$ for you)

please click here for the Registration Page

Red Lights at Night

In both visual and imaging astronomy, darkness and contrast make all the difference in how much one can see in the eyepiece or pick up on the image sensor. White light, or any colour of light other than red, can wipe out the view of many of the faint fuzzies that we have all traveled so far to see under dark skies, things that we can never see in the urban environments where most of us live. On observing nights at Starfest, we need everyone to observe the RED LIGHTS ONLY rule. This includes light leaking from tents and trailers, flashlights, car lights (including interior lights), video and computer monitors, anything that diminishes our eyes dark adaptation. Even overly bright red light accidentally aimed at peoples faces can interfere with dark adaptation. It can take 20 to 30 minutes for eyes to become dark adapted, but only a few seconds to wipe it out. We encourage everyone to help us all enjoy the dark skies we have all traveled some distance to enjoy and we appreciate your cooperation/assistance in vigorously enforcing our red light rule.

Starfest Electrical Grid

We are trying our best to resolve problems regarding the use of AC power from our electrical power distribution system. Some were caused by technical issues with our system, but the majority were caused by mis-use of and overloading of some of our power lines. The use of computers and other electronic astronomy and imaging equipment has greatly increased the demands placed upon our system. Unless you are at one of the trailer campsites that includes its own AC outlet, the use of any equipment other than that used for astronomy is not allowed. This especially includes electric teapots, heaters, coolers, refrigerators, air conditioners, TVs, incandescent lighting, etc. We ask that everyone use battery packs when at all possible (which can be recharged during the day). Our daily fee to use our electrical system is very affordable, so that should not be an issue for anyone attending Starfest. We will not allow others who do not have a tag to plug into your power cord.

Credit Cards

We accept VISA, MasterCard and AMEX. Please note all prices quoted are 'cash discounted'. A 4% administration fee will be added when payment is made via credit card.

Privacy Policy

Protecting your privacy has always been a priority of the North York Astronomical Association. Please be assured that all information about you and your family is kept strictly confidential and is collected, used and only disclosed, where necessary, to facilitate your participation in Starfest.

Refund Policy

Cancellations will be refunded in full if notification is received by July 1, 2012. If you cancel after July 1, 2012 a partial refund will be issued 6 to 8 weeks after Starfest as follows: 1. Registration fee less a $25 (or $35 if you ordered promotional items) administration fee; 2. Dinner fee, only if we were able to resell your dinner tickets; 3. Camping fee; 4. If you ordered Starfest Promotional items they will be mailed to you via parcel post. If while at Starfest you decide to leave before the end of the conference and are out of the park before 2:00 p.m., the camping fee for that day and any unused days will be refunded at the registration desk when you leave. If you are a NO SHOW you must request your refund within 30 days of the end of Starfest.