Happenings this Week

We are pleased to announce that the northern light barrier of megalithic stones has been completed at Cherry Grove Observatory (CGO). And not only that. A second barricade has been placed along the eastern side next to the parking lot where typically tarps had been hung. (As if rolling all those stones for the northern alignment was not enough!)

Project Lead Steve Emert, who worked hard with Jim Rice and others to plan and orchestrate this massive endeavor, requested that all photos be digitally altered to make the stones look like a very sturdy fence. And to hide the Neolithic period attire. This to protect the project crew from retaliation by angry wind gods. (I Photoshopped in a “Toro Dingo” for good measure!)

And for even more protection, Jim Rice used a flint chisel (definitely not a chain saw) to carve Nebby the Newt who is now guarding the site from light pollution, wind, and humorlessness.

A special thanks to Steve and the entire work party. And a shout out to Rebecca Messer for hunting and gathering some grub for everyone.

MAS Monthly Meeting — April

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Featured Speaker: Valts Treibergs, MAS President

Topic: History of Saint Paul Central High School Observatory – 1889-1929

The MAS will be hosting a hybrid in-person & ZOOM Monthly Meeting.  MAS meetings are free and open to the public. JOIN US!

Click the link below for full details:

Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC)
Member Observing Weekend
Friday, May 8 at 5:00 PM – Sunday, May 10 12:00 PM CT

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit LLCC. The skies are darker up there!

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:

Beginners Special Interest Group (BSIG) at
Metcalf Field

2026 Outdoor Observing Session
Saturday, May 9 7:30 -11:00 pm CT

There is no charge to attend a beginner event, and you do not need to be an MAS member to attend — everyone is welcome!! The purpose is to help beginners learn the night sky, and how to set up and use a telescope. Volunteers from the MAS will be on hand to answer your questions.

If you have a telescope, feel free to bring it. If you need help with learning how to set up and use it, we are happy to help!

Visit the web site for more details:

Public Star Party
Eagle Lake Observatory (ELO)
May 9 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.

Featured Speaker: Ron Schmit, MAS Member and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador

Topic:  Amazin’ Stargazin’: A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring the Night Sky

Visit the web site for more details:

The Gemini is one of the best ways we capture the knowledge, humor, and experiences that make the MAS what it is. If you have an observing highlight, a favorite image, a gear lesson, a memorable outreach moment, or even a funny astronomy mishap, consider submitting an article. The bi-monthly newsletter is a chance to pass those things along and let others enjoy and learn from them. Short pieces are welcome too—your contribution might be exactly what inspires someone else.

Click the link below to email a Gemini submission:

The NCRAL “Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference” hosted by Cedar Amateur Astronomers is scheduled for May 15-17 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Click the button below for full information and to register:

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 April 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 new MAS Store on Red Bubble by clicking the button below.

You may still purchase items on Cafe Press by clicking 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.