Virgo Adventure on May 2 at Cherry Grove Observatory

The Minnesota Astronomical society will host its annual Virgo Venture on May 2, 2008 at the Cherry Grove Observatory. Saturday, May 3 is the backup date. The purpose of the event is to give observers a chance to tour through the Virgo Realm of Galaxies. We will provide guide maps and provide assistance to help you identify the Messier galaxies in the region.

The club’s 24" Starmaster dobsonian will be up and running for those who want to see more detail and go deeper in to the many many NGC galaxies in the spring skies. The event begins at dark and last as long as you want to stay. Prizes and certificates will be awarded. Hot coffee and chocolate will be provided.

For additional information check our website http://www.mnastro.org/

Hidden Hollow Star Party May 2 to 4, near Mansfield, Ohio

The Richland Astronomical Society (RAS) (near Mansfield, Ohio and home of the Warren Rupp Observatory) is once again putting on its Hidden Hollow Star Party. Hidden Hollow 2008 will be held on the weekend of May 2-4, 2008. Held at the Hidden Hollow Campground on 5127 Possum Run Road, Bellville, Ohio 44813, the Star Party features speakers, contests, vendors and door prizes, and a 31-inch f/7 Newtonian telescope housed in an Ash-Dome, along with excellent viewing conditions. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Further details can be found at http://www.wro.org, as can registration forms.

Virgo Adventure on May 2 at Cherry Grove Observatory

The Minnesota Astronomical society will host its annual Virgo Venture on May 2, 2008 at the Cherry Grove Observatory. Saturday, May 3 is the backup date. The purpose of the event is to give observers a chance to tour through the Virgo Realm of Galaxies. We will provide guide maps and provide assistance to help you identify the Messier galaxies in the region.

The club’s 24" Starmaster dobsonian will be up and running for those who want to see more detail and go deeper in to the many many NGC galaxies in the spring skies. The event begins at dark and last as long as you want to stay. Prizes and certificates will be awarded. Hot coffee and chocolate will be provided.

For additional information check our website http://www.mnastro.org/

Hidden Hollow Star Party May 2 to 4, near Mansfield, Ohio

The Richland Astronomical Society (RAS) (near Mansfield, Ohio and home of the Warren Rupp Observatory) is once again putting on its Hidden Hollow Star Party. Hidden Hollow 2008 will be held on the weekend of May 2-4, 2008. Held at the Hidden Hollow Campground on 5127 Possum Run Road, Bellville, Ohio 44813, the Star Party features speakers, contests, vendors and door prizes, and a 31-inch f/7 Newtonian telescope housed in an Ash-Dome, along with excellent viewing conditions. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Further details can be found at http://www.wro.org, as can registration forms.

May 10, 2008 Astronomy Day Events

Astronomy Day events are listed at Astronomy Day 2008.

May 29 thru June 1, 2008 – WESTERN NEBRASKA STAR GAZE III

May 29, 30, 31 & June 1, 2008 Camp Clarke Raiders Black Powder Range Bridgeport, Nebraska

The Panhandle Astronomy Club invites you to join us in the shadows of historic Courthouse and Jail Rock for a laid-back weekend of stargazing and socializing.

The Western Nebraska Star Gaze is a time to share, to relax and enjoy our heavens. It’s a time for amateurs, professionals, families and friends to come together to compare telescopes, techniques, observing goals and to promote astronomy. A time to share the night sky, our experiences and stellar sights with others. It is good clean fun for all ages.

Our observing site provides some of Western Nebraska’s darkest skies with light pollution at a minimum. The Milky Way is easily visible from this location and the viewing compares nicely to that of other Star Parties.

In addition to the dark skies, there will be other scheduled events such as an astronomers breakfast, ice cream social, program for beginners and educational activities for the children. As well as, several area attractions located within an hour drive from the site, including several golf courses, Bridgeport State Lakes, Lake Minatare known for Nebraska’s only inland Light House, Chimney Rock and the Scottsbluff National Monument.

The Western Nebraska Star Gaze is open to anyone interested in astronomy. You do not need to own a telescope in order to attend. Camping is permitted on the observing field.

Outhouses and drinking water are available at our site. There is no electricity, flush toilet or showers so plan accordingly.

The Weekend is sponsored by the Panhandle Astronomy Club located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The club officers and volunteers have worked hard to make this event happen and hope everyone has a great time.

For more information and registration information visit our website, www.panhandleastronomyclub.com

Preparing for the International Year of Astronomy: A Hands-on Symposium

May 31 to June 3, 2008
St. Louis, Missouri
 

The 120th Annual Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, cosponsored with, and part of, the 2008 Summer Meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

Includes:

• – A symposium for education and outreach professionals
• – Two days on hands-on demonstration workshops for diverse audiences.
•  
• For more information, see the meeting web site: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html  At this meeting, education and outreach professionals will gather to discuss international, regional, and local programs for the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, which celebrates the 400th anniversary of the astronomical telescope. If you are interested in planning activities in 2009, this meeting is an excellent chance to learn more about what various institutions and organizations are proposing to do, and to coordinate your ideas with colleagues around the country and the world. During the weekend, there will also be model workshops to demonstrate and develop techniques for reaching a wide range of audiences.