MAS Happenings – April 14 2026

Happenings this Week

It’s Galaxy Season!
This weekend, CGO hosts the annual Virgo Venture. Which reminds us that it’s that time of year when our night sky is angled away from the obscuring dust of our own Milky Way and we can see farther into deep space, including a better view of other galaxies. Here is an FAQ to guide you.

Question: What if the Virgo Venture gets cancelled? Can I still see galaxies?
Answer: Galaxy Season typically runs from March through May/June, which in Minnesota is a time of year when ANY WEATHER IS POSSIBLE on any given day. So, I really can’t say.

Question: Will galaxies look just like the photos?
Answer: Not at all. They will look like smudges that you might pass right over with your telescope if you are not careful.

Question: How many galaxies are there in that part of the sky?
Answer: Way too many. In fact, there are so many that you will inevitably get them confused, mixed up, and lose track of which one is which.

Question: What is the Virgo Cluster?
Answer: It is the region of space to blame for the situation I mentioned above, since it forms the heart of a supercluster containing thousands of galaxies.

Question: What is Markarian’s Chain?
Answer: It is a group of specialty retail boutiques focusing on Italian handbags. I think. I may have that wrong.

Question: So, are you recommending this experience or not?
Answer: Heck yes. When you have trouble finding a specific galaxy, or when you find too many galaxies and cannot tell them apart, just remember: you are looking at ANOTHER BLEEPIN’ GALAXY. How cool is that?

Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO)
Virgo Venture 2026
Friday, April 17 at 6:30 PM

The MAS ”Virgo Venture” is a star party dedicated to observing many of the brighter galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. The Venture is scheduled for the new moon weekend, usually one month after the Messier Marathon, when Virgo is in a prime viewing position. Friday is the primary night, with Saturday being the backup night.

As with all Cherry Grove events, the Virgo Venture is held only if the skies are clear and will be CANCELLED IF CLOUDY. See the MAS home page or Forum for the latest information regarding the star party status.

Click the button for full details:

Public Star Party at
Cedar Creek
Saturday, April 18 7:30 -10:00 pm CT

Come and learn more about the night skies. Each star party starts with a brief presentation about astronomy. A number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend, and the the cost is free.

Visit the web site for more details:

Open House at Goodsell Observatory at Carleton College

Friday May 1st at 9:30pm

Join us on Friday May 1st at 9:30pm at Goodsell Observatory on the campus of Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Goodsell Observatory hosts open houses the 1st Friday of every month (outside of summer). The MAS has attended a few of these open houses over the past few years, and our members have enjoyed these events. We tried to attend their event last November, but it was cancelled due to clouds. This one is scheduled to run from 9:30-11:30pm and is weather-permitting.

The observatory opened in 1886, and its main dome houses a 16.2″ Brashear refractor (circa early-1890s). The smaller dome houses an 8.25″ Alvan Clark refractor from the same era. It’s amazing to see such vintage telescopes still in use, and in such good condition.

Starting in the 1870s, Goodsell Observatory was one of the most important observatories in the country, since it kept the official time for the major railroads from Chicago to Seattle, covering some 12,000 miles of track. It also published an important astronomical publication, produced some of the best early celestial photographs and was home to one of the nation’s first state weather services. Herbert Couper Wilson was a Carleton alumnus who in 1911 help found the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) … one of the most important American amateur astronomical groups of the 20th Century and beyond.

Goodsell Observatory address: 139 Olin Dr, Northfield, MN 55057

Google Maps link:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kgug9G6M5MZjFQpc6

Website:

Goodsell Observatory – Carleton College

You can read about the history of Goodsell Observatory here:

The Story of Goodsell – Goodsell Observatory – Carleton College

There is the possibility of having dinner ahead of time and also carpooling if enough people are interested. Please respond on the MAS Forum (link below) or email Suresh Sreenivasan with questions: sureshks1@msn.com

The Gemini is one of the best ways we capture the knowledge, humor, and experiences that make the MAS what it is. If you have an observing highlight, a favorite image, a gear lesson, a memorable outreach moment, or even a funny astronomy mishap, consider submitting an article. The bi-monthly newsletter is a chance to pass those things along and let others enjoy and learn from them. Short pieces are welcome too—your contribution might be exactly what inspires someone else.

Click the link below to email a Gemini submission:

The NCRAL “Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference” hosted by Cedar Amateur Astronomers is scheduled for May 15-17 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Click the button below for full information and to register:

Become a MAS Presenter!

We would like to enhance our monthly meetings and encourage our members to share your work and passion. Put together a 10–15-minute presentation about the astronomy topic that interests you (and quite probably the rest of the MAS).

Topics include – but are not limited to:

* Observing campaigns

* Astronomical objects

* History topics

* Adventures to dark skies and astronomical sites around the world

* ATM projects – show & tell

* Restoration projects

* Outreach projects

* Observing or Imaging techniques

* Research topics

* Software and telescope how-tos

* Manned or robotic space missions

* And even ‘Better Know a Constellation’!

The presentation is best done live at the meeting but can be done through Zoom if you are joining remotely. If you have something to share, please send an email to the Programs Coordinator Ahmed Reda at programs@mnastro.org

MAS on YouTube

The April Monthly Meeting is available in case you missed it. Follow the MAS YouTube channel to watch these meetings and other content you may have missed! Click the button below.

MAS Store

Find MAS logo apparel and items at the new MAS Store on Red Bubble by clicking the button below.

You may still purchase items on Cafe Press by clicking below:

Email Updates
Emails from MAS will be going out on Tuesday’s but only if there are announcements.  If you have something that needs sharing to all please email secretary@mnastro.org by Thursday/Friday for the following Tuesday notice.

Thank you  -Claire Weaverling, MAS Secretary

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