June B-SIG Observing Session -- Sat. June 11th -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy

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!

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Sureshks
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June B-SIG Observing Session -- Sat. June 11th -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy

Post by Sureshks »

Hi everyone,

The next MAS Beginner observing session is scheduled for Saturday June 11th at Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy, near Afton (weather permitting). It will start at 8:00pm (sunset is at 9:00pm that night). If it is cloudy on Saturday night, the backup night will be the previous night (Friday June 10th) also at Metcalf Field.

There are presently no COVID restrictions for this outdoor activity. 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 keep you informed of changes due to weather.

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.

You do not need to bring any equipment to attend. But if you have a telescope, bring it!! If you need help with learning how to set up and use it, we are happy to help. There is AC power available at Metcalf Field. So if you need power to run your telescope or other equipment, just bring an extension cord so you can connect!!

The 91% illuminated Moon will be out that night, and will set around 3am. Despite the Moonlight, we will be able to view the brighter deep sky objects, including several nebulae, globular clusters and galaxies. Spring is galaxy season, with the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters high overhead after dark. Saturn is also slowly coming into viewing range. It will rise just after midnight and should be visible about an hour afterwards as it clears the trees in the southeast.

If you'd like to join us, please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Also, bring a few extra clothing layers in case temps dip at night.

Directions to Metcalf Field: (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. 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 Field, it can be a little difficult to locate the entrance. So please arrive in daylight.

I will make the final Go/No Go call weather call on the evening of Thursday 6/09. Please check this thread for updates, or e-mail me at sureshks1@msn.com to stay informed

Also, if you'd like to volunteer to help out at this or any future Beginner group events, please let me know.

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
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ktboundary
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Jun 12, 2013 3:01 pm
Real Name: Nicole Lindell
Location: Woodbury, MN

Re: June B-SIG Observing Session -- Sat. June 11th -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy

Post by ktboundary »

We'll be there for a bit!
Nicole Lindell
JJC Keyholder

Earth & Space Science, Meteorology, Astronomy
Forest Lake Area High School

Celestron Omni XLT 150
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Sureshks
Posts: 1220
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:43 pm
Real Name: Suresh Sreenivasan
Location: Hopkins, MN

Re: June B-SIG Observing Session -- Sat. June 11th -- 8:00pm -- Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy

Post by Sureshks »

Hi everybody,

As of now, neither Friday or Saturday night look good enough weather-wise to host the beginner observing session at Metcalf Field. I am leaning towards canceling this month's BSIG session.

Friday night is definitely bad. 100% cloudy skies with a chance for rain later in the night.

I'm holding out hope that Saturday's forecast improves. There might be a window after sunset of a few hours where it just might be clear enough.

I will take a look again tomorrow evening and will send out another update for Saturday night.

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

Re: June B-SIG Observing Session -- Sat. June 11th -- CANCELED

Post by Sureshks »

Hi all,

The BSIG event scheduled for Saturday June 11th at Metcalf Field has been canceled, due to the forecasted cloudy conditions.

The next BSIG event is scheduled for Saturday July 9th back at Metcalf Field.

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
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