MAS Happenings – June 3 2025

by Kris | Jun 3, 2025 | MAS Happenings

Happenings this Week

Here is what else is happening this week:

Join us for the next MAS Monthly Meeting
JJC Keyholder Training
Next observing night for the BSIG

Thursday, June 5
7:00 – 9:00 PM CT

This month’s featured speaker will be Bob King.

Please join us in-person or on Zoom!

More information on how to attend this meeting can be found here:

June Monthly Meeting

Joseph J. Casby (JJC)
Key Holder Training
Saturday, June 6
12:00 PM CT

Orientation to Belwin Conservancy (required for new trainees) will start promptly at 12 noon. Keyholder refresher training will begin at 12:30 pm.

All MAS members in good standing (18 years and older) are welcome to become JJC keyholders. New trainees and keyholders wanting a refresher are welcome.

Please check the JJC Observatory Discussion on the MAS Forum for more information, to sign up, and to post questions.

BSIG
Astronomy Outdoor Observing Session
Saturday, June 7
7:00 – 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:

BSIG Observing Session for June

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, June 14
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 16
Saturday, September 13
Saturday, October 11

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

Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO) Keyholder Training:
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 May 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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Find Out More – MAS Homepage