MAS Happenings – May 13 2025

by Kris | May 13, 2025 | MAS Happenings

Happenings this Week

With keyholder trainings in full swing at our various sites, this Happenings correspondent has launched a special investigation into reports that these trainings do not actually involve keys. One source for this story, who chose to remain anonymous, told me that he received some really useful information, both verbally and as a handout. He also received a 4-digit code that gives him observatory and warming house access. But at no point was he ever issued a key. The Happenings is keeping on top of this story as it unfolds.

In addition to MAS members possibly being led astray, here is what is happening this week:

Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO) Star Party AND Keyholder Training

Public Star Party at
Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO)
Saturday, May 17
7:00 – 10:00 PM CT

ELO has an array of telescopes to show you the night sky including stars, star clusters, galaxies, nebula, planets, and other objects depending on what is up that night.

This is an all-weather event. Even if cloudy, someone will be there to entertain you on our favorite topic – astronomy!

Tanya Melnik will be doing a presentation on aurora chasing!

There will also be Keyholder Training!

Click below for full details:

Star Party at ELO

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.

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 11Joseph J. Casby (JJC) Keyholder Training:
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 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