Now that the Pink Moon is out of our way… Which, by the way, you might have noticed, wasn’t actually pink, but rather, was named after the PHLOX that might be coming up in your yard around this time of the year… We can turn our attention to the non-botanical but rather astronomical things going on this week including that galaxy season is upon us:
* Changes in MAS Outreach
* BSIG can finally be outdoors!
* Star Party at ELO with Dave Falkner presenting and keyholder training to boot!
* The annual Virgo Venture at CGO and keyholder training to boot!
* Another opportunity to visit LLCC!
A Note from the President:
Changes in MAS Outreach
I am announcing that with great sadness, Lilah Shurstein has decided to step down as the MAS Outreach Coordinator after more than 10 years in that role. I want to extend to Lilah a big Thank You for all of your work over this time. Outreach has always been a primary focus of the MAS, and Lilah has done a great job coordinating the varied requests that come in monthly; from scout groups, homeschool groups, outdoor activity groups, and especially the Bell Museum and other partner organizations. She has maintained the outreach materials bins and coordinated the volunteers through management in the MAS Forum. Jessi Palmer had agreed to take over as Outreach Coordinator in the interim.
Additionally, the MAS Board would like to announce that we are seeking volunteers to be part of the newly expanded Outreach Committee – an official standing committee of the MAS. This effort will include expanding the outreach process into Slack, holding new training sessions, and creating tools and information resources that will broaden outreach even further. Outreach is a great way to contribute to the MAS, and it is a lot of fun to do. Join us!
If you are interested in being part of the Outreach Committee, please send an email tooutreach@mnastro.org.
The MAS invites everyone to the first Beginners Special Interest Group (BSIG) event of the observing season at Metcalf Field.
There is no charge to attend, and you do not need to be an MAS member. Everyone is welcome, including children. The purpose is to help beginners learn the night sky, and to learn how to set up and use a telescope. Bringing a telescope is optional, but if you have one, bring it. Volunteers from the MAS will be on hand to answer your questions and show you objects through their own telescopes, or to assist you with your scope if you’re still learning to use it.
This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled if cloudy.
Public Star Party at
Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO)
Saturday, April 19
7:00 – 10:00 PM CST
ELO has an array of telescopes to show you the night sky including stars, star clusters, galaxies, nebula, planets, and other objects depending on what is up that night.
This is an all-weather event. Even if cloudy, someone will be there to entertain you on our favorite topic – astronomy!
This event will feature a presentation by Dave Falkner, MAS Member and Solar System Ambassador. Title: The Planets Through the Eyes of Robots
Virgo Venture!
Friday, April 18 7:00 PM – Saturday, April 19 5:00 AM CST
The MAS ”Virgo Venture” is a star party dedicated to observing many of the brighter galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. Friday is the primary night, with Saturday being the backup night.CGO will also be hosting Keyholder Training this night.
Member Observing Weekend
Friday, April 18 6:00 PM – Sunday, April 20 10:00 AM CST
This is yet another opportunity to visit LLCC. The skies are darker up there. Don’t miss out!Our relationship with LLCC is unique, and these observing weekends are only available to members. Here are a few guidelines:
– Check the LLCC Discussion on the MAS Forum for event details and to register your attendance
– Indicate whether you will need lodging
– This is not an all-weather event and may be cancelled if cloudy
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
Observatory Training –
Save the Dates for 2025!
Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO):
Saturday, April 19
Saturday, May 17
Saturday, June 14
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, September 13
Saturday, October 11Joseph J. Casby (JJC) Keyholder Training:
Saturday, May 10
Saturday, June 7
Sunday, July 13
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, October 5Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO) Keyholder Training:
Friday, April 18*
Friday, May 23
Friday, June 20*
Friday, July 25*
Friday, September 19
Friday, October 17*
Site training dates are for the Warming House, Observatory, LX-200, and Big Aperture Dobsonian (BAD). Dates with asterisks are training dates for the imaging rig.
Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC):
Keyholder training will be part of the Northern Nights Star Festival (NNSF) on Wednesday, August 20-Monday, August 25
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.
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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