May B-SIG Observing Session -- Friday May 18th -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

[Sureshks]

Hi everyone,

The May B-SIG event will be this Friday May 18th, back at Metcalf Nature Center. It will start at 8:00pm (sunset is at 8:40pm).

There is no charge, and anyone 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! We'll have enough telescopes and observing gear on hand for everyone to look through. But if you have a telescope or binoculars -- bring them!! The more the merrier. And if you've got a telescope you need help with, bring it with you and we'd be happy to help you learn how to set up and use it!

The Moon will be just 14% illuminated, and will set right around midnight, so we may have some time with a Moonless sky!

Jupiter just passed opposition on May 8th, and will be a prime viewing target by about 10:00pm. The Virgo/Como galaxy clusters and Summer Milky Way will be in good viewing position, and Saturn rises around 11:30pm.

If you'd like to join us, please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Also bring a snack or beverage to share. We've had a yummy assortment of goodies for everyone to sample at recent BSIGs-- it makes for a really fun night!

Directions to Metcalf: (see this Google Maps link for directions to Metcalf -- it's from the West metro but it works for the the East too): https://goo.gl/maps/hbw2dbQyUgq)

Head east from St. Paul along Hwy. 94. About four miles east of the I-694 / I-494 crossing is Minnesota State Highway 95, also known as Manning Avenue (exit 253). Turn south (right turn) and then almost immediately turn left onto the frontage road (Hudson Road S). Continue east on the frontage road for about one and one-half miles. Turn right onto Indian Trail, checking the odometer as you turn. Follow Indian Trail south for just about one and one-tenth miles, where you’ll see an unmarked chain-link gate on the right (west side of the road), opening onto a dirt driveway with slight up-slope. This is the the entrance to Metcalf.

If you haven't been to Metcalf, it can be little difficult to find the entrance in the dark, so please try to arrive with some daylight left...

The Metcalf observing site is located 14 miles east of downtown St. Paul. If you've got a GPS unit, here are the precise coordinates: Latitude: 44.93734 (North) / Longitude: 92.82157 (West)

If you're planning to come, please e-mail me at sureshks1@msn.com so I can keep you updated on any plan changes.

As of now, the weather forecasts are unsettled for Friday night. Some are calling for rain, while others are saying partly or mostly cloudy (with temps in the lower 60s). I will update this thread by 3pm Friday with the Go / No-GO decision...

We hope to see you there!!

Suresh Sreenivasan
Cell: 612-910-0444

[Sureshks]

Hi everyone,

The weather forecast for Friday night May 18th has improved! However, different weather models are showing different things. CSC and Clear Outside are looking good, while NOAA is predicting 45% clouds.

I'll continue to monitor and will make the call on Friday afternoon on whether to go ahead with the B-SIG event at Metcalf.

But as of right now, it would be yes, to go ahead with the observing session!

http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/MtclfNCMNkey.html?1

Suresh

[Sureshks]

Hi all,

Though the weather forecasts are still all over the place for tonight... they appear good enough to say that B-SIG is a GO for tonight!!

ClearSkyClock forecasts decent conditions from 11pm to 2am: http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/MtclfNCMNkey.html?1

ClearOutside is forecasting decent to good conditions through the evening/nighttime: https://clearoutside.com/forecast/44.90/-92.78

NOAA is the wildcard... calling for increasing clouds through the night: https://f1.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat ... =graphical

Still, I think conditions should be good enough for at least Jupiter, Saturn and some brighter deep sky objects...

I hope to see everyone there about 8pm tonight!!

Suresh