MAS Happenings – July 15 2025

by Kris | Jul 15, 2025 | MAS Happenings

Happenings this Week

As a visual observer, this Happenings correspondent nevertheless feels compelled by the annual Astrophotography Showcase to dabble further in that dark art. I’ve been working on an image to submit to Ahmed Reda by the deadline. This is what I’ve come up with so far. (I was en route to ELO on Saturday with my imaging gear when, alas, I saw the cancellation notice.)

Surely the world-building of Blade Runner’s 2019 Los Angeles was rich enough to include amateur astronomers. My image must be a winner in their (albeit fictional) annual showcase, no doubt.

While we all hope for a less dystopian weekend ahead, here’s what’s happening this week:

BSIG Outdoor Observing Session
LLCC July Observing Weekend
Submit your astrophotography images for the August meeting!
ELO Committee Opening – looking for volunteer!

BSIG Beginner Astronomy
Outdoor Observing Session
Saturday, July 19
8:00 – 11:00 PM CT

The MAS invites everyone to the next Beginners Special Interest Group (BSIG) event 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. It may also be moved to Friday if that forecast is more favorable.

More information on this event can be found here:

July BSIG

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Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC)
Member Observing Weekend
Friday, July 18 6:00 PM – Sunday, July 20 10:00 AM CT

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

Click the button for full details:

LLCC Member Observing Weekend

6th Annual Members Astrophotography

Here is the live link to submit your images: programs@mnastro.org

Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO)
Committee – Volunteer Opportunity!

A position on the Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO) Committee has recently opened. If you are a member of MAS and interested, please send an email to mas-elo@mnastro.org. The ELO Committee will review applicants and make recommendations to the Board.

ELO is the main public outreach facility for the MAS. The site consists of the Onan Observatory, the Sylvia A. Casby Observatory, and the HotSpot Classroom. Click here for more information: ELO Observatory

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, July 26
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, September 13
Saturday, October 11

Joseph J. Casby (JJC) Keyholder Training:
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, October 5

Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO) Keyholder Training:
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 July Monthly Meeting is be 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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