The May B-SIG event will be held this Friday May 10th, back at the Metcalf Nature Center. It will start at 8:00pm (sunset is at 8:30pm 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 can help! Otherwise, we'll have plenty of 'scopes available.
The Moon will be about 33% lit this night, so we'll have time to view it after dark. After that, the Spring galaxies will take over, and later on the Summer Milky Way will rise in the east.
If you'd like to join us, please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Also, bring a few extra clothes 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/hbw2dbQyUgq
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 right side).
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.
I will make the call on the weather prospects on Thursday evening. Please check this post for updates, or e-mail me at: sureshks1@msn.com.
As of now, the weather forecast calls for partly clouds skies on Friday evening with temps around 50F.
We hope to see you there!!
Suresh