Virtual Grand Canyon Star Party

[Bsting]

The Grand Canyon has announced the creation of the "Virtual" Grand Canyon Star Party.
As most of you know the official Grand Canyon Star Party that was to be held at the Visitors Center on the South Rim from June 13th thru June 20th was cancelled due to Park Closure.
As an alternative the Ranger staff at the Canyon approached the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) who is the host for the South Rim Parties to put together some virtual parties.
A couple of weeks ago we recorded a series of live video viewing sessions that will be "Aired" on the Grand Canyon Facebook page on the same evenings that the regular party was scheduled.
Yours truly, being a member of the Tucson club as well, was called upon to do the live video capture at the club's dark sky site (Bortle 1.5) near the Mexican boarder in SE Arizona.
Two other gentleman from our club and myself add commentary during the live feed showing about a dozen objects each night.
Our videos will alternate each night with recordings from Focus Astronomy from the Phoenix club.

A news release on the Grand Canyon site can be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/gra ... tually.htm

Details of each nights presentations can be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/ ... -party.htm

A link to the Grand Canyon Facebook star party page can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/252511419184647/

I picked out several objects to view during the TAAA nights that I thought would be of interest to not only the general public but also to those of us who are located in the mid to upper latitudes and cannot reach some of the most difficult southern objects, like Omega Centauri for example. Session 3 on the evening of Monday, June 15 concentrates on those southern objects.

At the beginning of my sessions I describe the equipment I am using.

I hope everyone gets a chance to view some of the presentations. When the TAAA presentations are streamed out "live" we will be watching the Facebook comments and answering any questions that come from the public.
This is an exciting new concept in public star parties that I am sure will continue from the Tucson club even after public parties start again.

Bernie Stinger
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Minnesota Astronomical Society
Organizational committee GCSP South Rim

[Bsting]

Last Saturday night's premier of the Grand Canyon Star Party was a huge success with over 800 viewers on our live event from all over the world.
Tonight we continue the star party viewing objects in the constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius. Lots of interesting nebulas, star clusters and a few galaxies to boot!
Come and join us as I and 2 of my club associates image and discuss these interesting objects in space.

The Grand Canyon Facebook page can be found at:
https://home.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit ... -party.htm

You can also use this link at exactly 9PM CDT to take you to the live video:
https://www.facebook.com/GrandCanyonNat ... 611918945/

[merle]

Thanks Bernie. I'll be sure to tune in...

Merle