MAS Happenings – April 22 2025

by Kris | Apr 22, 2025 | MAS Happenings

**Happenings this Week – Fashion Edition!**

Astronomy Fashion Week has wrapped up and this Happenings correspondent was there to learn what’s in and what’s out on runways in Paris, London, and New Y….er…I mean…Western Texas, North Dakota, and the Panhandle of Oklahoma! Eclipse Shades and Welders Goggles were everywhere to be seen last year. Not so this spring season, with designers turning toward mosquito-resistant mesh in various earth tones. And if you’re still sporting those heated socks, no need to toss them. These wardrobe staples were still to be seen but with an updated twist of pairing them with rubber galoshes instead of winter boots.

Here is what else is happening this week in addition to you prepping your looks for this observing season:

* The April Gemini is here….sorry for the delay folks!
* Yet another opportunity to visit LLCC!
* Join the NEW Outreach Committee

Marie Setnes sports the April 2024 fashion. Eyewear like this was all the rage, now it’s SO LAST YEAR.

Secretary@mnastro dons her new look for Summer 2025!

You’ve waited this long into April and it’s finally here.

Your new edition of the Minnesota Astronomical Society’s GEMINI Newsletter is electronically available at the the MAS website.

Here is a sneak peak of what’s inside….

2024 Solar Eclipse Report – Robert Brose
Review of Pocket Cloud Watcher 2 – Alan Touchberry
Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy (NINA) for Home Observatory – John Schultz

The squirrel who tried to intercept the Gemini before we wrested it back. Who was on point by the way. Astronomy statement shirts are also trending this season!

Add a description…

Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC)

Member Observing Weekend
Friday, April 25 6:00 PM – Sunday, April 27 10:00 AM CST

This is yet another opportunity to visit LLCC. The skies are darker up there and it’s a NEW MOON. 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

Click the button for full details:

LLCC Member Observing Weekend

Join the NEW Outreach Committee

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 to outreach@mnastro.org.

NNSD Drone Shot. (c) Bill Kocken – used with permission

Northern Nights Star Fest (NNSF)

August 20-25, 2025
Registration is still open!

We know you’ve been waiting. Don’t miss one of the best MAS astronomy events of the year.

Click here for more information: 2025 Northern Nights Star Fest – Minnesota Astronomical Society

To register, click the button below:

NNSF 2025 Registration

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

Observatory Training –
Save the Dates for 2025!

Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO):
Saturday, May 17
Saturday, June 14
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, September 13
Saturday, October 11

Joseph J. Casby (JJC) Keyholder Training:
Saturday, May 10
Saturday, June 7
Sunday, July 13
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, October 5

Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO) Keyholder Training:
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.

Watch Previous Meetings

Get Involved, Become a Member, Volunteer!

https://www.mnastro.org/about/beginners/
https://www.mnastro.org/membership/benefits/

MAS Store

Find MAS logo apparel and items at the MAS Store by clicking the button below.

MAS Store

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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to make a donation. Thank you.

Find Out More – MAS Homepage