Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Beginners SIG

[NOTE: Participation in Special Interest Groups is limited to MAS members only. For information about joining the MAS, please visit the membership page at www.mnastro.org/membership.]

Purpose

Getting started in astronomy, from learning the skies to purchasing and getting the most out of your first telescope.

Coordinator's Welcome

The Beginners Special Interest Group usually gets together on the second or third week of each month to discuss what we've been doing, to share ideas, show off our new "toys" and to listen to a presentation on a topic of interest. Previous topics have been astronomical terms, constellations, telescope basics, accessories and Messier Objects. Everyone is welcome, no matter what level you consider yourself - beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc. I would suggest that you regularly check the Beginners Discussion area in the MAS discussion forums to keep informed of what's going on with the group. The discussion forums can be linked to from the MAS home page.

If you're new to astronomy, or even just new to MAS, this is a good place to start. You don't need a telescope or any equipment, just an interest in learning more. Send me an e-mail or post in the discussion area if you have any questions.

Matt

********BREAKING NEWS!!!!******************

The Beginner's SIG is having a starparty/cookout on Saturday June 11th at the Onan Observatory beginning at 7:00. We have the food, we have the scopes, now all we need is you. For directions follow the links on the MAS homepage. For a go/no go refer to the phone number on the MAS homepage. Hope to see you there!

Matt

Upcoming Meetings / Events

[See 'Events Calendar' at www.mnastro.org/events]

SIG meetings are held the second or third week of each month, usually starting at 6:30 p.m. with half an hour before hand to set up and meet people. Locations vary from month to month and are posted in the Beginner's Discussion area. You can link to the discussion area from the MAS home page.

This year's meeting schedule is still being created, remember to check back for updates. If you are interested in giving a presentation please contact me at the address at the bottom of the page, or use the Beginner's Discussion area.

Topic	Speaker	Date
GOTO scopes	Tim Hagen	03/21/05
Star Hopping/Constellations	Paul Walker	04/18/05
Lunar Observing	Kirk Carter Mona	05/19/05
Binocular Astronomy	Jon Hickman	06/30/05
Planning Your Observing Session	Greg Haubrich	07/25/05
Collimation	Phil Lefever	08/22/05
Fall/Winter Constellations	TBA	09/19/05
Messier Objects	TBA	10/17/05
Acessories	TBA	11/14/05
TBA	TBA	TBA
TBA	TBA	TBA

SIG Update

For 2005 Matthew Love has volunteered to lead the Beginner's SIG. Matt is also a beginner, and looks forward to learning and growing along with the rest of the group.

SIG Members Web Sites

http://www.seamsmith.com/MAS/ (A list of useful web sites supplied by Patti Neavin)

Useful Resources on the Internet

http://skypub.com/sights/sights.shtml Sky Publishing's day-by-day description of interesting astronomical events. See bottom of page to subscribed to free, weekly newsletter via e-mail.
http://www.heavens-above.com/ Earth-orbiting satellite predictions (including Space Shuttle and International Space Station.
http://www.cloudynights.com" Reviews, reports, classifieds, what to see, and a message board.
http://www.badastronomy.com Debunks astronomy myths, lies, and psuedo-science.
http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html A must read for the Beginner Astronomer!

Discussion Forum Instructions

The Beginner's SIG uses a web-based discussion forum to facilitate communication among its members. The forum is found at http://www.mnastro.org/forums/, under the 'Special Interest Groups' section. Anyone can read messages, but you must be a registered member of the forum to post.

Contact Information:

For more information regarding this Special Interest Group, please contact:

Matthew Love
mlfj4901@yahoo.com