The best part about NEFAF is that you don't need to bring anything! Admission to the festival is 100% free, although donations to the UNH Observatory will be accepted and much appreciated. The only cost to you, our guest, would be if you'd like to purchase food or tickets for our raffle. We will also be featuring a telescope clinic, so if you have a telescope at home that is broken or you're not quite sure how to use, you can bring that with you and have it looked at by our telescope experts. Other than that, just bring your excitement and enthusiasm!
The designated parking areas for NEFAF 2014 are shown as green rectangles on the map at the link provided below. The Contractor's Lot on Spinney Lane, which is closest to the Observatory (shown by the orange star on the map), will be used for parking. Additional parking will be available on the right (north) side of O'Kane Road and in Mast Road Lot 2. Mast Road Lot 2 is a dirt and gravel lot that lies along Main Street and Mast Road Extension and holds approximately 150 cars. Parking will also be available at the UNH Child Study and Development Center from 6 PM on Friday and all day and all night on Saturday. Limited Handicapped Parking spots will be available near the Contractor's Lot on Spinney Lane.
NEFAF is for anyone in the Seacoast region and beyond who has an interest in astronomy. The goal of NEFAF is to allow local amateurs, like the members of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, to share their passion and enthusiasm about astronomy with the public. Families in particular are encouraged to attend NEFAF because astronomy can be such a great group hobby. NEFAF will cater to families of all ages, with activities like face-painting and stories for small children and hands-on activities and demonstrations for older kids and young adults.
Most of the events for NEFAF will take place on the lawns surrounding the UNH Observatory, which may pose problems for guests in wheelchairs. If you have any specific questions about accessibility at NEFAF, please email nefaf.unh@unh.edu.
Unfortunately, the full breadth of NEFAF's events will only be able to occur if the weather cooperates. In the case of cloud cover, but no precipitation, NEFAF will be held without its weather-dependent activities, such as solar and night-time observing. If there is cloud cover with light rain, most of our talks and presentations will most likely still be held without the outdoor activities. In the case of heavy rain or storms, the event may need to be cancelled. Please check our website and Facebook page for weather updates and infomation.
