The August B-SIG observing session will be held this Friday Aug. 9th at the Metcalf Nature Center. It will start at 8:00pm (sunset is at 8:29pm that night).
There is no charge to attend a B-SIG event, and everyone is welcome to join us! 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 and to show you celestial objects thru their telescopes.
We typically have 40-60 attendees, with telescopes of all shapes and sizes on hand. 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! Otherwise, we'll have plenty of 'scopes available for you to look through.
The Moon will be near 73% illuminated this night and sets around 1:00am. Still, during the evening there will be many objects well placed for viewing, including Jupiter, Saturn and a myriad of Summer Milky Way objects.
If you'd like to join us, please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Also, bring a few extra clothing layers, as temps can dip at night. Finally, please bring a snack or beverage to share. It makes for a fun night!
Directions to Metcalf: (see this Google Maps link): https://goo.gl/maps/UNkt67YPWg4qAjuP6
GPS Coordinates: 44.93734 N / 92.82157 W
Head east on I-94 to the Manning exit (exit 253). Turn south and then take the first left onto Hudson Road S. Continue east about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Indian Trail. Check your odometer here, and then travel 1.1 miles. You'll see an unmarked chain-link gate on the right side. This is the entrance to Metcalf field. Enter the dirt path and park on the left side. If you have a telescope with you, you can also park on the north side (on the right.
If you haven't been to Metcalf, it can be a little difficult to locate the entrance in the dark. So please plan on arriving in daylight.
As of now, the weather forecast calls for partly skies on Friday night, with comfortable temps in the low 60s.
I will make the final Go/No Go call on Thursday evening, based on the weather forecast for Friday night. Please check this post for updates, or e-mail me at: sureshks1@msn.com.
We hope to see you there!!
Suresh
