I’m channeling my “inner meteorologist” to let you know about an occurrence this week called a SUPER DUPER DARK TOTALLY NOT BLOOD ORANGE “Nueva” MOON. This will happen on Saturday, March 29. Don’t miss this very rare (since last month) phenomenon. It’s a great chance to get out and observe!
* Participate in the Messier Marathon at Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO)
* Sign up for another members-only observing weekend at Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC)
* Visit Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO), and please note the gate code change when you do
Likely you’ll need to choose one (unless you own a cloning machine or time-turner, of course). Read below for more details…
Messier Marathon Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO)
Friday, March 28 7:00 PM – Saturday, March 29 5:00 AM
The Messier Marathon is an attempt to find as many of the 110 Messier objects as possible over one night. It’s an annual tradition for the New Moon weekend nearest the Spring Equinox.
Please note that this year Friday is the main event, and Saturday is the backup day.
This is not an all-weather event and will be cancelled if cloudy. Check the MAS Forum or CGO Slack channel for go/no-go announcements.
Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC)
Member Observing Weekend
Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30
This New Moon weekend 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
The gate code at Baylor Regional Park (home of ELO) has changed. Keyholders can get the code from the ELO Keyholders Group on the MAS Forum. MAS members who are not keyholders can contact any of the ELO Committee to get the code.Click her for MAS Key Contacts:
Our own MAS will be hosting NCRAL Conference attendees for a Friday night Star-B-Q at Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO) on April 25. Guests can head to Eagle Lake to enjoy dinner, a tour of the observatory, and listen to a brief presentation by Greg Bragg, acknowledged camera and telescope insider, on “The State of the Astronomy Industry.”More information on the full NCRAL Convention and how to register is available by clicking the button at the bottom.
April 25-26, 2025
Marriot Southwest
5801 Opus Parkway, Minnetonka, MN
Presented by the NCRAL Convention Committee
Theme: “First Light – New Frontiers, New People“
Visit the NCRAL Conference website or Facebook page
by clicking the buttons:
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, April 12
Saturday, May 10
Saturday, June 7
Sunday, July 13
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, October 5
Cherry 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 March MAS Budget Meeting IS AVAILABLE. 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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to make a donation. Thank you.
