Using observing sites

[clutchman]

Hey folks. First post here. I have been contemplating getting a telescope for years and finally made the purchase. I ended up with a Celestron Advanced VX 6" Newtonian. I'm interested in joining Star Parties and becoming a member soon down the line but my work schedule doesn't usually coincide that well with what I see. Are the sites available to use to the public until I pay for my membership? I'm particularly interested in the Cherry Grove site to just set up my scope and not use the facilities. Since I work overnights and I'm up overnights on my weekends which are Wednesdays and Thursdays I have plenty of time to play around but my home yard is blocked pretty well by trees. I could also use some help getting used to using my telescope as I think I was having some trouble getting aligned. Going to give it another go tonight but I would love to be somewhere more open and dark, and since I live south of the cities, it's kind of convenient for me to go there. Could someone with this knowledge let me know if this is okay? Thanks.

Jesse

[Dick Jacobson]

The Cherry Grove site is owned by MAS and you are welcome to use it any time you want. Once you join MAS you can attend a keyholder training session (these are held at least once a year) after which you can use the other facilities. There will be a training session on July 25, backup on the 26th if weather is bad. Contact Vic Heiner for details.

I'm sure you'll find that a dark site greatly enhances your viewing experience. Hope to see you soon at a star party!

[clutchman]

Thanks for your reply. I may take a look at the site tonight.

[Enberg]

At Cherry Grove, you can use the parking lot, the observing field and the outhouse without any training or keys or anything, provided you are an MAS member. We have a neighbor with fairly bright yard lights, and passing traffic headlights are an issue sometimes; if you set up between the buildings you can use the buildings to block the lights. When there's a bunch of us there we set up tarps.

[defalkner]

Sorry I didn't respond to this sooner. Actually, for liability purposes you need to be a member of the MAS to use the site, and preferably be a key holder if you are using it on non-MAS Star Party nights. If you are interested in using the site I would appreciate your joining the MAS for the very reasonable membership fee of $26 per year.

[clutchman]

Sounds good. How do I apply? Also when is keyholder training? Someone mentioned they thought it was in a week. Could I apply and pay fees at the training? Thanks.

Jesse

[defalkner]

The next training is currently scheduled for July 25, which is also a regularly scheduled star party, weather permitting. Keep you eye on the Cherry Grove Observatory forum on this topic for the latest updates.

[Ricola]

Information on joining is at
http://www.mnastro.org/members/join/

You should be able to join online, by mail, or you can come to one of our events or meetings to join