at

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

The Third Annual Illinois Dark Skies Star Party will be held September 16th - 19th, 2004 at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC), 25 miles northwest of Springfield, Illinois in eastern Cass County.  The park is easily accessible from IL. Routes 78, 95 and 125.

This area boasts some of Illinois' darkest skies.  Naked eye views of 5 and 6 magnitude objects are not uncommon.  Plans for star party events include guest speakers, presentations,  ATM and astrophotography contests.

Attendance will be limited to 1000

  The park has lots of daytime activities including hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and hunting.  JEPC is just 30 minutes from historic Lincoln sites such as: Lincoln's Tomb at Oak RidgeCemetery, Springfield; Lincoln's Home and Law Office, Springfield; Lincoln Homestead at New Salem State Park, Petersburg.

JEPC is also just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants and shops in the small nearby communities of Ashland, Chandlerville, Newmansville, Petersburg, Philadelphia and Virginia.