HI, I'd like a few more details on this. I'm still new to my telescope, and not yet proficient enough to confidently say that I can find anything but the moon after setting it up and have people counting on me. :-) How do the star parties work? Do people set up their scopes and someone organizes what objects to observe, or does it all rely on the scope's owner? I would really like to participate as something more than just an observer, but I also don't want to be the person who is constantly having to tell everyone 'Just a sec, a-l-m-o-s-t there...', if everyone understands what I mean. If we're all kind of on our own, then I would greatly appreciate anyone who could help me out. I also understand if an event like this really isn't the time to be taking someone else's time to ask for a lot of help. Eventually I'll be confident enough to say that I can handle this on my own, but it's my first scope and I'm just starting to learn. No matter the outcome, I will definitely be there with my family, and I am really looking forward to the ed of the world. Thanks guys. Mike Wells