MnAstro Forums

Hi everyone,

The first B-SIG observing session of 2021 is scheduled for Saturday April 24th at the Metcalf Nature Center, near Afton (weather permitting). It will start at 7:00pm (sunset is at 8:10pm that night). If it is cloudy on Saturday night, the backup night will be Friday April 23rd also at Metcalf.

Due to COVID restrictions, we need to limit the attendance to 50 persons, so if you are planning to attend please respond here or drop me an e-mail at sureshks1@msn.com so I can add you to the event roster.

Please see these COVID rules that will be in effect during this event: http://www.mnastro.org/mas-covid-19-sit ... s/#Metcalf

Please also bring this filled out and signed COVID waiver with you: http://www.mnastro.org/wp-content/uploa ... 9-2020.pdf

We need one completed waiver form for each person attending this event.

There is no charge to attend a B-SIG event, and you do not need to be an MAS member to attend -- everyone is welcome!! 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.

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!

Please note: Metcalf presently does not have A/C power. It was removed over the winter at the same time that the old storage shed was removed. We are working with Xcel to have it added back. So if you need power for your telescope, bring a DC battery.

The 90% illuminated Moon will be in the sky this night. However, we can still see the brighter deep sky objects, including some nebulae and galaxies.

We're trying a new thing this year. My observing buddy Don Gazdik put together a list of deep sky objects and double stars for beginners to look for during this event.

Here's the list for April's event:

- M44 (Beehive Cluster in Cancer)
- M67 (Open Cluster in Cancer)
- M81/M82 (Bode's / Cigar Galaxies in Ursa Major)
- M3 (Globular Cluster in Canes Venatici)
- NGC 3242 (Planetary Nebula - "Ghost of Jupiter" in Hydra)
- NGC 2392 (Planetary Nebula - "Eskimo Nebula" in Gemini)
- Algieba (Gamma Leo - Double Star - 4.7" separation)
- Polaris (Alpha Ursa Minoris - Double Star - 18" sep.)
- Epsilon Hydra (Double Star - 2.8" sep.)
- Alula Austrailus (Double Star - Xi Ursa Majoris - 2.3" sep.)
- 54 Leo (Double Star - 6.4" sep.)

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.

Directions to Metcalf: (see this Google Maps link): https://goo.gl/maps/UNkt67YPWg4qAjuP6

Metcalf Field GPS Coordinates: 44.93734 N / 92.82157 W

For more information on Metcalf Nature Center, see here: http://www.mnastro.org/facilities/metcalf/

Directions:
Head east past Woodbury 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. There are 2 small reflectors on poles marking the entrance. If you have a telescope with you, you can also park on the right (north side) of the field.

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 final Go/No Go call on the evening of Thursday 4/22, based on the weather forecast for Saturday night. Please check this thread for updates, or e-mail me at: sureshks1@msn.com.

We hope to see you there!!

Suresh

I plan to attend (Aaron Niskode-Dossett)

Please reserve two spots for me.

Edited to add: Matt Lindell & Nicole Lindell

Sounds good Aaron and Nicole, thanks!

Suresh

I plan to attend and there will be 3 people total in my group. Rebecca Johnson

Hi,

Can I please have your names for the roster?

Suresh

I plan to attend, one person (Larry Cain).

Hi Larry,

Sounds good. I've added you.

Suresh

Hi Suresh,

Thanks so much for putting this event together! Please add myself along with one other if there are a couple spots left. Thanks!

Names:
1. Luke Meulepas
2. Robbie Specht

Thanks Again!

Luke

Hi Luke,

Sounds good. I'll see you both there.

Suresh

Hi Suresh,

I'd like to RSVP for 5 please. 4 adults and 1 child (13).

My kid brother and I are both brand-new members as of the beginning of April and we REALLY enjoyed the last 2 star parties! This will be our first B-Sig event and we're extra excited! I'm also bringing my 13 year old son who loved the first star party so much he's been talking about it non-stop ever since LOL, as well as a couple friends considering becoming members! We can't wait for Saturday!

Our roster is;

Brandon Holter
Anthony Holter
Camden Holter
Mike Costello
Nicole Costello

Thanks so very much!

Hi Brandon,

Sounds good. I'll see you there!

Suresh

Hello,

The BSIG observing session at Metcalf Field this Saturday evening is a GO!!!

After reviewing the weather forecasts it looks like it will be mainly clear on Saturday night.

Here are the persons who have signed up thru the MAS Forum so far:

Aaron Dossett
Matt & Nicole Lindell
Rebecca Johnson (3)
Larry Cain
Luke Meulepas
Robbie Specht
Brandon Holter (3)
Mike & Nicole Costello

There are a few spots still available before we reach our max of 50 persons for this event.

A few points about Saturday:

1) Please plan on arriving around 7-7:30pm. The entrance to the observing field can be very difficult to find in the dark. Look for two small reflective flags on metal poles marking the entrance to the field off of the right (west) side of Indian Trail Road, just as you are coming around a right curve.

2) Temps will be in the upper 30s or low 40s during the evening, and approaching freezing after midnight, so please do bring extra layers of clothing, jackets, scarfs, hats and mittens, and maybe some warm boots and warm beverages. Also bring a lawn blanket or outdoor chair with you.

3) If you are bringing a telescope please park on the right (north) side of the field when you enter. The rest, please park on the left (south) side.

4) State of MN COVID rules are in effect. We are very close to the max 50 attendance, so please keep social distance as much as you are able to. We are asking that telescopes be positioned 12 ft apart.

A: Please see these COVID rules: http://www.mnastro.org/mas-covid-19-sit ... s/#Metcalf

B: Please bring this completed COVID waiver form for each person in your group: http://www.mnastro.org/wp-content/uploa ... 9-2020.pdf

5) Directions to Metcalf: (see this Google Maps link): https://goo.gl/maps/UNkt67YPWg4qAjuP6

Metcalf Field GPS Coordinates: 44.93734 N / 92.82157 W

For more information on Metcalf Field, see here: http://www.mnastro.org/facilities/metcalf/

Directions:
Head east past Woodbury 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 Rd. Check your odometer here, and then travel 1.1 miles. As you come around a right curve, you will see an unmarked chain-link gate on the right side. This is the entrance to Metcalf field. Two reflective poles should be visible at the entrance to help you find it. Enter the dirt path entrance and onto the field.

If you get lost or are running late, I can be reached at: 612-910-0444

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

Suresh

Hey Suresh,

I would also like to add my name (Stuart Abel). Thanks!

Hi Stuart,

Okay sounds good. Please read my previous comment today for the details.

I'll see you there!

Suresh

Any spots still for tomorrow?

If so:

Ryan and Jackie Horstman

Thank you!

Hello Ryan,

Yes I have added you and Jackie to the event roster.

Please see the above msg for details.

Thanks!

Suresh

lunaloca55 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 15, 2021 3:58 pm I plan to attend and there will be 3 people total in my group. Rebecca Johnson

Hi Suresh, it will just be 2 of us, me and my son Andres Moreno Johnson.

Suresh,

Would you be willing to help me check the collimation of my new telescope? I attempted it, but I'm not sure I got it right.

I plan to be there as well.

Scootee

I wanted to post a few shots I took last night while observing. It was really fun to meet everyone. Several of you gave me advice and helped set up my telescope, and I thank you for that. I cataloged my first Messier object (M44) and added quite a few things to the shopping list for my telescope!

The Moon picture was taken with my Nikon D3100 body attached to my telescope. The picture of M44 was taken with my iPhone held up to the eyepiece. I have a bracket for my phone, but it isn't set up for the iPhone 12 Pro, so it didn't line up correctly.

Hi Nicole,

It was nice to meet you and Matt last night. I'm glad that Valts was able to help with collimating your scope, and that we were able to help you get your DSLR connected so you could take some pictures. Nice pics of the Moon and M44!

Suresh