September BSIG -- Friday September 8th -- Metcalf Nature Center

[Sureshks]

Hi everyone,

The September BSIG event will be on Friday September 8th, back at Metcalf. It will start at 7:30pm.

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.

Last month might've been the largest attended BSIG event in the 2 yrs it's been back at Metcalf... with perhaps 70-80 people present with many 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 show you how to set up and use it!

The Moon won't be visible till after 9pm, so we'll have a little window of Moonless sky after dark. We will be viewing Saturn, Neptune and the Summer Milky Way!!

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 forecast looks great for Friday Sept. 8th (Sunny 72F/52F). I will update this thread on Thursday afternoon if the weather turns for the worse, and will also notify people who reach out to me...

We hope to see you there!!

Suresh Sreenivasan
Cell: 612-910-0444

[cmac7203]

I am out of town this weekend

[setnes]

I have attended one of these BSIG events, and it was a very good time. Metcalf field is getting great use. Beginners get to experience a more relaxed "bring your own telescope" style event.

I do want to point out the link to the Star Party Guidelines. It is worth a read, especially if this is your first star party.

Somebody, very graciously, brought wine to the goodies table at the last event. It was an extremely kind gesture, and did not cause any problems. It made me question, however, whether or not the club had any rules or guidelines against it. Evidently we do.

I don't want anybody to feel bad for sharing. I am just worried about what happens if this becomes a thing.

[TrenaJ]

These events are so much fun. Lots of scope samples and learning by all. I will be there and I will be bringing my NEW (to me) 14in Dob. Kris, do you have the mask you were making for me?

[setnes]

You mean the mask that turns your 14 inch telescope into a more useful 12 inch telescope?

[TrenaJ]

Yea'right. THAT one.

[Sureshks]

Or that mask that keeps Trena's "glow" from illuminating the field after getting this awesome scope??

How exactly did she find it again??

Suresh

[Sureshks]

All, I just reviewed the updated weather forecasts.

This Friday's BSIG event at Metcalf is a GO!!!

It starts at 7:30pm.

I hope to see everyone there...

Suresh

[MaryW_MN]

I am deeply saddened that, especially with the good weather, due to a family obligation, I'll have to miss this month's B-SIG.

However, I look forward to the next one (probably with an additional layer of clothing on)!

Quick question - is there a way to get forum postings/replies directly to my email or do I have to log into the Forum each time to read what folks have posted?

Trena - looking forward to meeting your 14in Dob next month!
Mary.

[TrenaJ]

Mary, I am sorry you won't be able to make it, Family comes first. Forums are a "login" every time deal that I know of, what better way to keep us all connected. I will most certainly have my Dob out in October, thanks for the reminder to restock the hand warmers into my bag. See you then.

[setnes]

The e-mail to forum experience is much more streamlined if you click the "remember me" check box when you login from a trusted device. Then each notification takes you straight to the new stuff.

[MaryW_MN]

Thanks Trena and Kris -

Good info to know!

Best wishes for excellent viewing tonight!
Mary.

[wannaberocker]

Great time at Bsig as usual! I enjoyed answering questions and hanging with tha gang, also getting first light on Suresh's Mallincam VRC 10" RC! Not bad for a 15 minute optically guided image in HII in the cities during an almost full moon!

[markjob]

Did you post the image?

Mark