March and Early April are one of the most amazing times in the celestial calendar. In the Northern Hemisphere (depending your latitude), on nights from late March through to the first couple of weeks of April, astronomers can view a good rotation of the night sky. If you’re intrepid, from dawn to dusk, there’s the opportunity to see ALL of the objects in Messier’s catalog!

M1 – M110 will be available, but it is a challenge to see them all. But, many amateur astronomers have taken up this challenge – to see all 100, or at least a majority of them, during a 10-11hr window. There IS a real strategy to achieve this goal, but it is doable! It is a real testament to an astronomer’s stamina, astronomical planning, observing, and logging skills to achieve it.

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What is the difference between a 20mm eyepiece and a 25mm eyepiece? What does 60°, 80°, 100° really mean and why is it important? I see two 20mm eyepieces, but one is 1″ vs 2″ – what’s the difference? Why does my object look different on my 6″ vs someone else’s? Or – why is it very challenging to view The Horsehead Nebula, when I know I’m right on it?

Join us for the next Fast Track event which focuses on Optics and Filters! Bring eyepieces and your scopes, and we’ll talk about the differences in eyepieces (and what focal length really affects), understand a field of view, and learn some of the quick calculations so you can understand what optics should work better for your equipment ahead of making these critical purchases.

We will also look at the techniques around selecting filters: what are they, how do they help, what is the composition of our objects, and why do they help immensely for some observing and certainly towards capturing images.

And as always, once we finish the daytime class portion, we’ll set up our telescopes and practice using these techniques or learn how to anticipate and see the differences in combinations.

Terry Phillips has agreed to lead us again, and I’m sure it’ll be awesome!

Please bring your astrokit, along with your log for classroom notes and observing notes. You’ll also want to prepare for cool weather, chairs, snacks. We may view a few things inside the observatory as well.

As always, please sign up so we have enough materials for the night. And yes, it’s a members-only event! Any questions, please contact Member Services team!

Signup for Fast Track 203: Optics and Filters