Next MAS Beginner Astronomy Observing Session

Post Title : Next MAS Beginner Astronomy Observing Session

Content :

Hi everyone,

The next Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS) Beginner observing session is scheduled for Saturday July 9th at Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy, near Afton (weather permitting).  It will start at 8:00pm (sunset is at 9:01pm that night).  If it is cloudy on Saturday night, the backup night will be the previous night (Friday July 8th) also at Metcalf Field.

There are no COVID restrictions for this outdoor activity.  If you are planning to come please drop me an email at sureshks1@msn.com (with your name and the number of people in your group) so I can keep you informed of schedule changes due to weather.

There is no charge to attend a Beginner Group 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 and show you the night sky…

You do not need to bring any equipment with you… 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.  AC power is 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 81% illuminated Moon will be out that night, and will set just before 2am.  Despite the Moonlight, the Summer Milky Way will be high up after dark, so we can view many deep sky objects, including nebulae, open and globular clusters, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants and galaxies.  Also, Saturn now rises before 11pm, and will be viewable by around midnight in the southeastern sky.  It is always a showstopper!!

If you’re coming, 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/

Driving 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 park on the right (north side) of the field to get a better viewing angle towards the south.

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 7/07.  As mentioned, please e-mail me at sureshks1@msn.com so I can keep you 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 Sreenivasan
MAS Beginner’s Group Coordinator

Member – Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club

Cell: 612-910-0444

Created Date: August 21, 2022 at 3:34 PM

Update Date: August 21, 2022 at 3:54 PM