Messier Marathon at Fan Mountain, March 21, 2015

Messier MarathonFor all club members interested in participating in a Messier Marathon, CAS has made arrangements to conduct a Messier Marathon at the University of Virginia’s Fan Mountain Observatory on the night of Saturday, March 14 (6:00 PM) on into the morning of March 15, 2015 with March 21, 2015 as a backup date.  The New Moon will be on March 20 so the 14th is not the best night of 2015 to hunt down all 110 Messier Objects; but we need to hedge our bets with the weather.  March 21st will be our backup date if the 14th is canceled.

Looking for tips on how to complete a Messier Marathon in one evening?  Check out this Messier Marathon Tips page on the SEDS Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) website.

RAIN has CANCELED the March 14th date.  This event has been moved to March 21st.

Rain or cloudy sky will cancel this event….please watch the yahoo news group for updates.

First Fridays Under the Stars, March 6, 2015 – CANCELED

Ivy Creek BarnFriday, March 6, 2015 from 7:00 to 9 pm

Come enjoy learning about the stars and other celestial objects. We’ll start with a short talk in the education program to learn about the stars and planets. Then after the skies darken volunteers will help point out constellations and nebula. Bring your telescopes and binoculars to share views of the night sky with members of the public. Free and open to all. Meet in the field next to the barn at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Cloudy skies will cancel the outdoor portion of this event. This event will recur on the odd months throughout the year.

 This event has been Canceled due to Snow on the Observing field.

Fan Mountain Observatory Public Open House, Friday, April 10, 2015

Fan Mountain ObservatoryThe University of Virginia’s Astronomy Department will be hosting its Fall Open House at Fan Mountain Observatory on Friday, April 10th from dusk (about 7:45 pm) until about 11:30 pm.  All club members are invited to bring their telescopes, binoculars and any astronomical knowledge to share with the public.  Public attendees need to request free tickets by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the University of Virginia Astronomy Department.  Tickets typically run out about a month before the event so public attendees need to get their request in early.

The UVA Public Outreach website has more information on how to obtain tickets.

 

First Fridays Under the Stars, May 1, 2015

Friday, May 1, 8:00 to 10:00 PM

Come enjoy learning about the stars and other celestial objects. We’ll start with a short talk in the education program to learn about the stars and planets. Then after the skies darken volunteers will help point out constellations and nebula. Bring your telescopes and binoculars to share views of the night sky with members of the public. Free and open to all. Meet in the field next to the barn at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Cloudy skies will cancel the outdoor portion of this event. This event will recur on the odd months throughout the year.