MAS Happenings – February 10 2026

by | Feb 10, 2026 | MAS Happenings

The 2026 budget was approved last Thursday, and members may have noticed not only what it includes—but also what it doesn’t. (The level of fiscal restraint shown by our site leaders and board members is impressive.)

Imagining myself as a site leader, here’s what I would want:

  • An espresso machine for CGO. Which immediately raises a fair point: if Alan isn’t there, who among the regulars can be trusted to operate a milk-frothing attachment? (No offense.) It would possibly sit unused.

  • CGO could also benefit from a large “Road Closed” sign for southbound traffic on Goodhue County Road 5. Seriously—where are all those people going that late at night with their headlights blazing? Ixnay on that idea, though, I suppose, if it violates the law.

  • ELO could use a few more cloudy-night crowd-pleasers, such as a karaoke machine for the hot-spot classroom. (Then I would never miss a public night.)

  • Also, a replacement for the current cramped port-a-potty—why not a Japanese-style heated biffy complete with bidet, seat warmer, ambient lighting, and soothing soundscapes? Eat that, CGO.

  • Metcalf could use some vending machines, so newbies don’t have to bring quite so many snacks. I assume that’s what the new (pending) electrical outlets are for.

  • I’ll never forget the time an NNSF attendee threw her coffee mug at a bear at LLCC. We need a critter defense system around the observing field perimeter, plus a stash of bear bells for trips to and from the bunkhouses.

  • Additionally, robotic lawn mowers for all sites except maybe JJC which needs a robotic weed wacker—am I right?!

And this, friends, is why I am not in charge of the budget. Though I’m guessing at least one of these suggestions made you go, “yes!”

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….

  • How Unistellar eVscope2 Saved and Elevated My Astronomy Hobby (George Ghreichi)

  • A Revolution Written (Not Printed) in the Stars (Barbara Haugen)

  • Keep the Rig Running in the Minnesota Winter (Jim Rice)

  • Where Have All the Stargazers Gone? (Jay Bruesch)

Click the link below for the full edition:

Bell Museum

Space Fest 2026: Love Letter to Earth

February 13–15

What makes Earth so special?

It’s a pale blue dot.

It’s a Goldilocks planet.

It’s a blue marble.

Kick off the weekend on Friday, February 13 for our late-night Star Party or join us during the day on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 to explore our planet, Earth. We’ll take a look at what makes Earth “just right,” how we learn about it from space, and what we can do to be good stewards of our special planet. Throughout the weekend we’ll have talks, hands-on activities, and researchers in the museum!

Click the link below for a full schedule of events:

The MAS Outreach Committee

is looking for volunteers!

If you’d like to volunteer for these upcoming events, please email Jessi Palmer:

Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC) Book Donations

The MAS/LLCC Committee is collecting used astronomy books for children.

MAS partners with Long Lake Conservation Center to help support their summer Astronomy Camp for youth. One of our signature events is “book bingo”– just like regular bingo but the prizes are astronomy books. We play out the final round of bingo until everyone has won a book.

Children attending Astronomy Camp are ages 11 – 15. Ideal books are juvenile-level astronomy and space exploration books, sky observing guides (any level), and astronomy picture books (Hubble compilations, etc.). We’re especially looking for old copies of “Nightwatch” by Terence Dickinson.

Book donations can be brought to any monthly MAS meeting and given to MAS President Valts Treibergs.

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 February 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 MAS Store by clicking the button 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

The Minnesota Astronomical Society welcomes your tax deductible donation to help fund the operation of our sites and our outreach programs. Use the QR code above or go to https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CBYSD2Z6339D4
to make a donation. Thank you.