Purpose
The Beginners SIG focuses on getting you started in astronomy… from purchasing and getting the most out of your telescope to learning the night skies.
Coordinator’s Welcome
The Beginners Special Interest Group usually gets together on the second or third Saturday 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 to Beginning Amateurs. 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. You can regularly check the B-SIG forum in the MAS discussion forums to keep informed of what’s going on with the group.
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 an e-mail or post in the forum if you have any questions.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
[See ”Events Calendar” at www.mnastro.org/events]
Beginners SIG meetings are held the second or third Saturday of each month, usually starting at 10:00 a.m. Normally we meet at Library around the Twin Cities but we do have several field trips annually that will meet at one of the MAS observing sites on a regularly scheduled MAS star party night. Any changes to the scheduled location will be posted in the Beginner’s Discussion area. The upcoming meetings is posted near the top of the B-SIG forums.
Upcoming B-SIG Meetings
Feb13SatB-SIG Presentation via Google Meet
Speaker: Dave Falkner
Topic: The Mythology of the Night Sky
The link to join the event will be posted on the MAS home page at www.mnastro.org
Mar27SatB-SIG Presentation via Google Meet
Speaker: Suresh Sreenivasan
Topic: TBD
Time: TBD
The link to join the event will be posted on the MAS home page at www.mnastro.org
Apr17SatB-SIG Presentation via Google Meet
Speaker: Bob Kerr
Topic: TBD
Time: TBD
The link to join the event will be posted on the MAS home page at www.mnastro.org
Apr24SatB-SIG star party will be on Saturday April 24, weather permitting, at the Metcalf Nature Center. Saturday is the primary night for the event. Friday is the backup night if Saturday is forecast to be cloudy. Visit the MAS B-SIG discussion forum for additional information and schedule changes HERE
The directions to Metcalf are included here: http://www.mnastro.org/facilities/metcalf/
NOTICE: Please review the Public Event Rules HERE, before attending any MAS event.
Also note that these rules supersede any existing information you may find elsewhere on our website.May28FriB-SIG star party will be on Friday May 28, weather permitting, at the Metcalf Nature Center. Saturday is the primary night for the event. Friday is the backup night if Saturday is forecast to be cloudy. Visit the MAS B-SIG discussion forum for additional information and schedule changes HERE
The directions to Metcalf are included here: http://www.mnastro.org/facilities/metcalf/
NOTICE: Please review the Public Event Rules HERE, before attending any MAS event.
Also note that these rules supersede any existing information you may find elsewhere on our website.Jun19SatB-SIG star party will be on Saturday June 19, weather permitting, at the Metcalf Nature Center. Saturday is the primary night for the event. Friday is the backup night if Saturday is forecast to be cloudy. Visit the MAS B-SIG discussion forum for additional information and schedule changes HERE
The directions to Metcalf are included here: http://www.mnastro.org/facilities/metcalf/
NOTICE: Please review the Public Event Rules HERE, before attending any MAS event.
Also note that these rules supersede any existing information you may find elsewhere on our website.Subscribe to filtered calendar
If you are interested in giving a presentation please contact one of the contacts at the address at the bottom of the page, or use the B-SIG discussion forum.
Useful Resources on the Internet
The following Beginner SIG forum discussion topic lists a number of useful Internet sites. The list of links complied by Steve Emert can be found HERE
Discussion Forum Instructions
The Beginner’s SIG uses a web-based discussion forum to facilitate communication among its members. A link to the B-SIG Forum is found under the ”Special Interest Groups” section. Anyone can read messages, but you must be a registered member of the forum to post.
Suresh Sreenivasan
Contact Information:
For more information regarding this Special Interest Group, please contact:
Suresh Sreenivasan
email: sureshks1@msn.com
