Our Members Only Star Party for August is this Saturday. We are looking forward to seeing a lot of members take advantage of our unique observing site at Canyon of the Eagles! For those interested, the following activities are scheduled, in addition to nighttime observing:
Events
Observing report for July 30, 2016
Public Star Party, July 30, 2016
Arrived in the early afternoon to do some grounds maintenance with Domingo, Brian V, and Mark. 8 observing table tops were replaced, the walkway work was started, and some 6-month recurring work on the telescope focusers was completed. It was a beautiful summer day, but it sure was hot out there!
Guests started arriving just before sunset, pretty much filling up the parking lot, as the sky turned completely clear. Viewing conditions were about as good as I have ever seen them at EEO, with a cooling breeze throughout the night. There was a very bright Iridium flare just after sunset. Scorpius dominated the Southern sky, and Sagittarius was high in the sky. The Milky Way was bright and clear from horizon to horizon. We got to see 5 planets: Venus, Mercury (great view, it actually set after Venus), Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn. M13 Hercules globular cluster and M57 Ring Nebula where nearly directly overhead, perfect for viewing. The Whirlpool and Pinwheel galaxies in Ursa Major were also unusually bright and clear.
Out of the Box: New Telescope Clinic, July 9/23
Keely checking out the sun in its Spring glory – safely.
Did you get a new telescope recently, or have a telescope that you’re still discovering? We all know how you feel – experience has shown that first nights out with a new (or new-to-you) telescope can be daunting as you try to figure out set up, discover and understand what’s in the box, or even just wonder what to view. Too often, those first nights can leave you frustrated and the telescope remains unused.
AAS’ First Exhibit Opens at TXMoST
In celebration of TXMoST’s 1 year anniversary, TXMoST hosted Science Saturday. The day included new indoor exhibits and outdoor activities to inspire folks to STEM activities.
The main gallery of TXMoST features 23 astrophotographs from AAS members.
It was also the opening of AAS’ first exhibit, In Your Own Backyard: Images from the Austin Astronomical Society. Our astrophotographers really put on a show – the photographs looked amazing on the walls of TXMoST’s main gallery. There were various talks throughout the afternoon, and AAS member, David Ault, lead a talk on how to get started with astrophotography at home. Many patrons were amazed that the images were taken in the city, and in particular in their own neighborhoods. They were surprised at the quality, color, and details of the images.
In Your Own Backyard: Images from the Austin Astronomical Society
Come out to see In Your Own Backyard: Images from the Austin Astronomical Society, our first AAS Astrophotography Exhibit!
The exhibit has been extended until August 2017 @ the Texas Museum of Science & Technology.
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