Astronomy Day

This is where you will find information and updates for all MAS Star Parties and Events open to the public.

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merle
Posts: 3962
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:04 am
Location: Farmington / Lakeville

Astronomy Day

Post by merle »

Come one, come all to the MAS Astronomy Day event at the Eagle Lake Observatory this Saturday April 25th. The observatory opens at 1:00 pm with our first presentation at 2:00.

Full schedule on the A-Day webpage at http://www.mnastro.org/events/astronomy-day/
Clear skies,
Merle Hiltner
MAS Eagle Lake Observatory
Onan Observatory • Sylvia A. Casby Observatory • HotSpot Classroom
merle.hiltner@gmail.com
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merle
Posts: 3962
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:04 am
Location: Farmington / Lakeville

Re: Astronomy Day

Post by merle »

Last Saturday, April 25th, marked the 15th annual Astronomy Day event at the Onan / Eagle Lake Observatory. The day could not have been much better in every aspect, there was warm weather, clear skies, no bugs, calm wind and a great crowd. An estimated 200 members and guests enjoyed a full day of observing and presentations.

The first presentation was by Colin Kilbane who amazed the crowd as the "Mad Scientist" of Mad Science of Minnesota. This interactive show con sited of a variety of science experiments that teach as well as entertain. Next Michael Kauper taught everyone how to use a planisphere, aka "Star Wheel", and told some of the stories of the stars. Bob Kerr then took the stage and talked about “How We Found the Universe”. From ancient observations with the unaided eye to Edwin Hubble's discovery of our true place in universe.

After a short dinner break, MAS member and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Dave Falkner gave us an inspiring presentation on the Hubble Space Telescope and the 25 years of discovery attributed to the world's most beloved scientific instrument.

We then held the always popular door prize drawing for those who registered throughout the day. Prizes handed out included MAS merchandise, astronomy books and two first prizes, a Celestron tabletop telescope and a Celestron pair of binoculars. The binoculars were won by Jaisri Chetg and the telescope by Michael Martin.

Finally, MAS member and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Ron Schmit gave his laser guided constellation tour on the plaza. Ron explained how to navigate the night sky using the constellations as your guidepost.

For the next several hours the members and guests were treated to views of the night sky. The Moon, Jupiter, Venus, comet Lovejoy, numerous clusters and galaxies impressed members and guests alike. Even Saturn made an appearance for those who stayed late.

Thank you to everyone who helped out and attended this years event making it one of the more successful and memorable in recent memory. Thanks to the many keyholders who attended and helped. To those that helped cleanup, man the telescopes and helped guide the crowd and answer their questions, THANK YOU!

Merle Hiltner
Minnesota Astronomical Society
Eagle Lake Observatory Director
Onan Observatory • Sylvia A. Casby Observatory • HotSpot Classroom
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Clear skies,
Merle Hiltner
MAS Eagle Lake Observatory
Onan Observatory • Sylvia A. Casby Observatory • HotSpot Classroom
merle.hiltner@gmail.com
benhuset2
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 5:24 pm
Real Name: Ben Huset

Re: Astronomy Day

Post by benhuset2 »

my pics from MAS astro day.

enjoy.

--Ben


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