May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

This is the discussion forum for the Beginners Special Interest Group. Whether you just learned how to spell t-e-l-e-s-c-o-p-e or have years of observing experience you're welcome!

Moderators: defalkner, Sureshks, SEmert

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Sureshks
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Real Name: Suresh Sreenivasan
Location: Hopkins, MN

May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by Sureshks »

Hi everyone,

The next MAS Beginner observing session is scheduled for Saturday May 22nd at the Metcalf Nature Center, near Afton (weather permitting). It will start at 8:00pm (sunset is at 8:50pm that night). If it is cloudy on Saturday night, the backup night will be Friday May 21st 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 (with your e-mail address) or drop me an e-mail at sureshks1@msn.com so I can add you to the event roster and keep you informed of weather updates.

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 Moon will be 81% illuminated this night. However, we can still see the brighter deep sky objects, including several nebulae and galaxies.

Don Gazdik provided this list of objects for attendees to search for during this event.

- Moon (this is a nice phase to look at craters along the terminator, including Mare Imbrium, Plato, Copernicus and Clavius)
- Double Stars: Cor Caroli (Alpha Canum Venaticorum), Izar (Epsilon Bootes) and HR 4893 (Camelopardalis)
- Carbon Stars: Y Canum Ventaticorum (aka "La Superba")
- Galaxies: NGC 2903, M106, M94 and M104 (Sombrero Galaxy)
- Globular Clusters: M13, M3, M5 and M53

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 5/20, 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
Suresh Sreenivasan
B-SIG/FB/Metcalf Comm

Refr: AP 130mm GTX/SW 120mm/Borg 4"/Unitron 150 4"/Jason 2.25”
Dobs: ATM 16"/Orion 12”
Newts: Cave 8" RFT/Criterion RV6/Astroscan 4"/Orion 3.6" TCT
SNs: Meade 6"/Celestron 5.5"
SCTs: Celestron 9.25"/8”/B&L Criterion 4”
Maks: SW 7"/Quantum 4"/Meade 3.5” ETX
Cass: Vixen 8” VISAC/Simmons 4.5"
RC: MallinCam 10"
Sol: Lunt 80mm DS/PST
Bino: Vixen 12x80/Nikon 10x50
Mounts: CGX/EQ6r-Pro/AVX/GDPX/Porta II
LCain
Posts: 273
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2020 1:36 pm
Real Name: Larry Cain

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by LCain »

I would like to attend, Larry Cain, LC532100@yahoo.com
CGO Keyholder
ELO Committee
JJC Committee and mentor for visual only

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” George Lucas
northern_storm
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 04, 2021 11:00 pm

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by northern_storm »

Registering for 2 adults.
erentokar@gmail.com
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Sureshks
Posts: 1220
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:43 pm
Real Name: Suresh Sreenivasan
Location: Hopkins, MN

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by Sureshks »

Sounds good, I've added you both!

Suresh
Suresh Sreenivasan
B-SIG/FB/Metcalf Comm

Refr: AP 130mm GTX/SW 120mm/Borg 4"/Unitron 150 4"/Jason 2.25”
Dobs: ATM 16"/Orion 12”
Newts: Cave 8" RFT/Criterion RV6/Astroscan 4"/Orion 3.6" TCT
SNs: Meade 6"/Celestron 5.5"
SCTs: Celestron 9.25"/8”/B&L Criterion 4”
Maks: SW 7"/Quantum 4"/Meade 3.5” ETX
Cass: Vixen 8” VISAC/Simmons 4.5"
RC: MallinCam 10"
Sol: Lunt 80mm DS/PST
Bino: Vixen 12x80/Nikon 10x50
Mounts: CGX/EQ6r-Pro/AVX/GDPX/Porta II
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Sureshks
Posts: 1220
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:43 pm
Real Name: Suresh Sreenivasan
Location: Hopkins, MN

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by Sureshks »

Sounds good, I've added you both!

Suresh
Suresh Sreenivasan
B-SIG/FB/Metcalf Comm

Refr: AP 130mm GTX/SW 120mm/Borg 4"/Unitron 150 4"/Jason 2.25”
Dobs: ATM 16"/Orion 12”
Newts: Cave 8" RFT/Criterion RV6/Astroscan 4"/Orion 3.6" TCT
SNs: Meade 6"/Celestron 5.5"
SCTs: Celestron 9.25"/8”/B&L Criterion 4”
Maks: SW 7"/Quantum 4"/Meade 3.5” ETX
Cass: Vixen 8” VISAC/Simmons 4.5"
RC: MallinCam 10"
Sol: Lunt 80mm DS/PST
Bino: Vixen 12x80/Nikon 10x50
Mounts: CGX/EQ6r-Pro/AVX/GDPX/Porta II
gghreich
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Sep 03, 2020 7:23 pm
Real Name: George Ghreichi

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by gghreich »

I would like to attend
2 adults
gghreichi@gmail.com
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DMadsen
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Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:27 am
Real Name: Dan Madsen

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by DMadsen »

Looks like there is still room.

I would like to attend - 2 adults
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Sureshks
Posts: 1220
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:43 pm
Real Name: Suresh Sreenivasan
Location: Hopkins, MN

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by Sureshks »

Hi George and Dan. I've added 2 for you both.

Dan can you please add your email address?

Thx!

Suresh
Suresh Sreenivasan
B-SIG/FB/Metcalf Comm

Refr: AP 130mm GTX/SW 120mm/Borg 4"/Unitron 150 4"/Jason 2.25”
Dobs: ATM 16"/Orion 12”
Newts: Cave 8" RFT/Criterion RV6/Astroscan 4"/Orion 3.6" TCT
SNs: Meade 6"/Celestron 5.5"
SCTs: Celestron 9.25"/8”/B&L Criterion 4”
Maks: SW 7"/Quantum 4"/Meade 3.5” ETX
Cass: Vixen 8” VISAC/Simmons 4.5"
RC: MallinCam 10"
Sol: Lunt 80mm DS/PST
Bino: Vixen 12x80/Nikon 10x50
Mounts: CGX/EQ6r-Pro/AVX/GDPX/Porta II
User avatar
DMadsen
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:27 am
Real Name: Dan Madsen

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by DMadsen »

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Sureshks
Posts: 1220
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:43 pm
Real Name: Suresh Sreenivasan
Location: Hopkins, MN

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf -- CANCELLED

Post by Sureshks »

Hello everyone,

After reviewing various forecasts, it appears that risk for clouds and potentially rain too is high for both Friday and Saturday nights.

So I am going to go ahead and cancel this month's beginner observing session.

The next session is scheduled for Saturday June 19th at Metcalf Field, starting at 8:00pm.

I hope to see you there!

Suresh
Suresh Sreenivasan
B-SIG/FB/Metcalf Comm

Refr: AP 130mm GTX/SW 120mm/Borg 4"/Unitron 150 4"/Jason 2.25”
Dobs: ATM 16"/Orion 12”
Newts: Cave 8" RFT/Criterion RV6/Astroscan 4"/Orion 3.6" TCT
SNs: Meade 6"/Celestron 5.5"
SCTs: Celestron 9.25"/8”/B&L Criterion 4”
Maks: SW 7"/Quantum 4"/Meade 3.5” ETX
Cass: Vixen 8” VISAC/Simmons 4.5"
RC: MallinCam 10"
Sol: Lunt 80mm DS/PST
Bino: Vixen 12x80/Nikon 10x50
Mounts: CGX/EQ6r-Pro/AVX/GDPX/Porta II
Yngveha
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jul 16, 2020 2:02 pm
Real Name: Hal Yngve

Re: May B-SIG Observing Session -- Saturday May 22nd -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Nature Center

Post by Yngveha »

Better luck next time let’s hope

Thank you
Hal Yngve
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