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Change to date of Mercury Mine Elementary School outreach
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All: I was informed by Joy at the school that the date for the outreach event is TUESDAY the 4th, not Monday the 3rd. I hope this does not prevent anyone from attending. Thanks, Tom Curry, President Saguaro Astronomy Club
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January 10th SAC meeting
SAC members and interested individuals: Just a reminder that we have our January 2025 SAC meeting this Friday the 10th at the clubhouse starting at 7:00 pm. For details see the webpage: www.saguaroastro.org We will have a few items to discuss as well as a guest speaker. Hope to see you there. Tom Curry, President 2025
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Learning opportunity for club members
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All, We as a club have been invited to sit in on an online line class provided by Dean Regas (more on him below). I am copying the email I received from him today. Dean is a Podcaster, educator, Author, former astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory, former astronomer in residence at the Grand Canyon, as well as a volunteer at last year's and again this year at the North Rim Star Party sponsored by our club. Thanks, Steve Rottas Happy 2025 Steve and Jesse, I wanted to invite you and any North Rim folks on your email list to my next online class. I hold these monthly via Zoom and I figure it's a nice perk for club members too. I have clubs from around the country join. Steve, what's the official name of your club? Tuesday January 7, 7pm Eastern Mars and the Winter Sky Explore the Red Planet with the latest info from space missions. Then we’ll look at how to observe Mars, how to witness the occultation, and how to identify major stars and constellations this season. Use this link that night: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83611261070?pwd=xmkwLi4lxgJ0FReQy68KzZ80YyhJxY.1 Passcode:503903 It's free (for you all). And if people can't attend live, the day after class I'll send you the link to the recorded session. Feel free to share the link internally. I hope to see a lot of members there and thanks again. Dean -- Dean Regas, Your Astronomer Host of the Looking Up podcast https://www.astrodean.com
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EVAC: Losmandy G811g for sale
East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC) recently received a Losmandy G811g donation we are now posting it for sale if anyone is interested in it. The mount appears in good condition and is priced at about 50% of what one would cost if purchased new. Check out the EVAC sales page for full details. Here is a summary of the mount. Contact me directly (jty.Astro@...) if you would like to check it out. James Yoder Losmandy G811g telescope mount appears to be in excellent condition by my calculations if this package were purchased new it would run about $3,400 new. I checked and the Gemini 2 Controller has the latest firmware updates. The motors are the Tucked design also (most recent). Package includes the following items: ? Mount Model : G811G ($2,696 New) ? Gemini 2 Controller ? Tripod Model : LW Tripod ($600 New) ? 12” Extension ($250 New) ? Tripod Knob Set ($29 New) ? 11 lb Counterweights (2) ($150 New) Checked out the Firmware/hardware for the Gemni, and it appears it has the latest updates: ? HC Firmware V1.57 ? Build 13 Jun 2023 ? Mainboard ? Gemini Level 6 - Build Jun 13 2023 ? Servo Firmware ? RA V3 ? DEC V3 Contact James Yoder jty.Astro@...
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January Imaging Targets
Hello, Here are the potential imaging targets list for January. Just a reminder the date set for this document is January 15th, so all times (transit, Imaging window, etc) are based on the 15th. January 15th Light Background (PDF) January 15th Dark Background (PDF) Happy hunting! James Yoder
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Picketpost This Saturday (12/28) weather permitting...
Well weather forecast is looking a little iffy for this Saturday, but weather forecast could change, so ternately I am planning on heading out to Picketpost this Saturday. I should be out there from about 6pm to 10pm. You are welcome to join us. You don’t need a telescope to join us, last week in addition to the regular crowd of Visual observers and Astrophotographers we had a couple of folks out for some nightscape photography and a few that didn’t have any equipment. You don’t have to have equipment to join us, most of us are all happy to share what we are viewing. Latest Status Updates, Driving Details, Maps and Observing list are located on the EVAC Outings webpage. If you do decide to join us, please remember a few things: Latest Star Party Status - Make sure to check the EVAC Outings page to make sure the star party hasn’t been canceled for some reason (weather). Final Decision is usually posted by 1pm on Saturday on the webpage. Driving Instructions – Can also be found on the EVAC Outings page. The page also has a link on it to check road closures, so make sure to check that also before leaving. Park at the appropriate location – You can park, anywhere you want, however generally Astrophotographers park in the North East end of the parking lot, and Observers park in the West side of the parking lot so we don’t disturb the imagers. Arrival, Parking and Departure – Please don’t use bright lights when in the parking lot. Ideally you should arrive before it gets to dark, and Back-up to park so you can just pull out to exit and won’t disturb other astronomers to much with car lights. Also, if possible, use your parking lights to exit the parking lot (if you can do so safely). Lighting – Use Red lights when possible and avoid using White Light. Also don’t shine your light in other peoples face (even if it is a red light). NOTE: I NO FURTHER UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE, CHECK OUT THE EVAC Outings webpage for the latest status and information. Hope to see you there if weather allows! James Yoder
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Picketpost Trailhead Star Party This Saturday (12/
Looks like the moon does not rise until just about midnight this Saturday, so we should have nice dark skies for observing. You are welcome to join us out at the Picketpost Trailhead. You don’t have to own a telescope to come for this event. We should have plenty of telescopes there and most are happy to share what they are looking at and answer any questions you might have. For those of you who haven’t been there before, Picketpost Trailhead is a pretty dark site just outside of the town of Superior about a 45-60 minute drive from the Phoenix Metro area. Generally there are between 12 – 30 folks that attend the star parties when we have them. We are generally out there from about 6pm – 10pm. Observers should park at the West side of the parking lot so we don’t disturb the Astro Photographers who tend to park at the North East side of the parking lot. Make sure to check the EVAC Outings webpage to get the latest updates as to if the party is still on, details on how to get to Picketpost and an observation list. NOTE: Any further information on this weeks plans will be posted on the website, NOT here so we cut down on email traffic. Make sure to check it before you leave since this is where we announce if we are going to cancel the event due to weather. You can always email me at (jty.Astro@...) if you have any further questions that the website doesn’t answer. Hope to see you there! James Yoder
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Picketpost Trailhead for observing this Saturday 12/07
Hello, This is just a heads-up that current plans are for a group of us to head out to PicketPost Mountain Trailhead this Saturday, December 7 from about 6pm – 10pm. You are welcome to join us. You don’t have to have a telescope to come out and check out what folks are looking at. Weather is looking good for this Saturday evening. Moon will be 44% illuminated Saturday, and sets at 23:50 pm. This will impact deep sky targets but the moon phase is great for viewing the moon. Additionally, the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and even Mars will be visible. There are always multiple star systems that are always fun to observe! More details on the event including driving instructions can be located on the EVAC Outings page here. Make sure to check this page to make sure there are no changes in plans before you head out. Hope to see you there. James Yoder
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December SAC Newsletter released
The December SAC Newsletter has been released on the SAC website. Click here: https://www.saguaroastro.org/wp-content/sac-newsletters//2024/December.pdf Or search the web site saguaroastro.org Info/newsletters Thanks, SAC Newsletter Editor Thanks
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December Astrophotography Targets
Hello, A brief note on this months, and future months target list. Rather than creating a new list every month based on when there is a new moon, I have decided to create the monthly target list based on the 15th of the month. This means you can use the same listing next year, and will save me a lot of effort in the long run since I will only have to complete the full year, then be able to use the same listing next year with minor updates. Happy hunting! James Yoder December (Light Background) December (Dark Background)
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Picketpost Trailhead this evening (Saturday, 11/30)
Weather forecast for this evening has improved so a group of us are tentatively planning to go there for some observing. The moon near new, so that will be out of the way. We plan on observing from about 6pm to 10pm. Since it is a new moon, there will be imagers at the site (likely parking in the North East end of the parking lot). If you are not there to image, please make sure to park at the West side of the parking lot (see drawings on the EVAC Outings webpage) to ensure we don't bother them. You are welcome to join us. You don't have to have equipment to join the group, most of the astronomers are happy to show you what they are viewing. Please visit the EVAC Outings webpage for driving instructions and a list of objects that will be well positioned for the night. You can download this list as PDF, Excel, and SkySafari format if you would like. Make sure to check the EVAC Outings webpage for final verification (by 1pm) today just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst, I will post cancellation on that page, not here. Hope to see you there! James Yoder Observing Etiquette No White light – Make sure you have a red-beam flashlight. This will preserve you night vision. Back-up Your Vehicle – Park your vehicle so you don’t have to backup when leaving, this will help cut down on the time it takes to leave and minimize lights from your vehicle. Minimize Laser use – It’s okay to use lasers, but use them only briefly, remember there are imagers close by and we don’t want to ruin their exposures. Music/Alcohol – Alcohol is not allowed on the premises; Music is generally frowned upon. Be Kind – This is a great time to meet others; Introduce yourself to your neighbors, but please keep conversations away from politics, religion or other controversial topics.
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Tentative Picketpost Trailhead Gathering for Observing This Saturday 11/23
This is a heads-up that we are tentatively planning on meeting at the Picketpost Trailhead (weather permitting) this Saturday (11/23) from 6pm to 10pm. PLEASE NOTE: I will not be posting further updates in this forum, please check the EVAC Outings webpage for up to the minute status and plans. I will post final verification of plans by 1pm on Saturday. The EVAC Outings webpage also contains detailed driving instructions along with a list of potential viewing targets (at the bottom of the page) that may be of interest. The list can be downloaded in various formats including, PDF document, Excel Spreadsheet, Sky Safari Pro, and Astro Planner. Don’t forget to check the road conditions/closures before you leave, both the 60 and the 202 are constantly having work done on them. Etiquette No White light – Make sure you have a red-beam flashlight. This will preserve you night vision. Back-up Your Vehicle – Park your vehicle so you don’t have to backup when leaving, this will help cut down on the time it takes to leave and minimize lights from your vehicle. Turn off your headlights as soon as you park, and only turn them on just before you depart. Minimize Laser use – It’s okay to use lasers, but use them only briefly, remember there are imagers close by and we don’t want to ruin their exposures. Music/Alcohol – Alcohol is not allowed on the premises; Music is generally frowned upon. Be Kind – This is a great time to meet others; Introduce yourself to your neighbors, but please keep conversations away from politics, religion or other controversial topics. Hope to see you there! James Yoder
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SAC meeting reminder
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Hey all, I want to remind you that we have our November SAC meeting this Friday the 15th at the clubhouse starting at 7:00 pm. For details see the webpage: www.saguaroastro.org We have a couple of things on the agenda not the least of which is election of new officers. Our speaker for this meeting will be Scott Cunningham. Scott is a SAC member and participant at the North Rim Star Party. He will be sharing his knowledge of astrophotography and his live streaming project. I hope you can all come out to participate in our last regular SAC meeting of 2024. See you Friday, Michael
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Hello, I thought I would pass some information along to the group concerning the ZWO Seestar S50 that I found informative. I also wanted to offer to sell some 3D printed accessories that might be handy for this item (see bottom of this message). First the helpful information Article: Getting the Most from the ZQO Seestar S50 – Specks Tips and Tricks. A nice video that addresses Mosaics and doing your own processing can be viewed HERE. Main takeaways I got out of this: Good to use the leveling feature to make sure the Seestar is level. Targets over 85degrees are off limits due to tracking issues. Sometimes you may have to re-aquire the target if tracking seems off. You may have to focus on a bright star before going to the target. Using a Hardmann or Bahtinov mask may be a good idea to manually focus the SeeStar It’s a good idea to allow the SeeStar to sit outside for 15 minutes so it can reach the same temp as the environment. Seestar can be configured to store FITS file for processing (ie Pixinsight). Note these files have already had the dark frame applied. 3D printed accessories for purchase You can pick these up at the next EVAC meeting, or come to my house (Chandler Major cross roads of Ray & Dobson, Zipcode 85224) Dew/Light Sheild ($10) – Cut out stray light from your images and slow dew formation in cold/wet months Lens Cap($5) – used to keep dust off you lens when not in use. Bahnitov Mask($5) – Used to get precise focus before imaging your target. To use this you go to a bright star, place this on, and then use the manual focus to tune in the focus. Filter Holder($5) – Used to hold 2” filters Purchase all 4 items as a package for $20. NOTE: Items are printed with PLA and does not stand up to prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Contact me directly (jty.Astro@...) if you would like to purchase any of these items, and we can coordinate sales/pickup. Thanks James Yoder
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Astrophotography Targets for November
Here is the Astrophotography targets list for November. Happy hunting! November 01, 2024 White Background Dark Background
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Tentative Picketpost Trailhead Gathering set for This Friday (10/25)
Hello, This is a heads-up that we are tentative planning on meeting at Picketpost Trailhead on Friday 10/25 from about 6pm – 11pm. Weather permitting. Please check out the EVAC Outing page HERE for detailed instructions on how to get there. We will also post the latest status (ie if we are a go, going to shoot for Saturday evening due to weather, or canceling) on the same web page. A final update for Friday plans will be posted to the Outings Page by Friday at 2pm. Moonrise is not until after midnight, so we should have pretty dark skies. Hope to see you there. James Yoder
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Sign up for the Beginners Astronomy Class offered by EVAC
Hello, I am considering offering the class either early November or mid January of 2025. Provided below are some basic details on the class. You can visit the webpage for the class HERE. On the webpage you can download the latest updates of the Class Book (PDF) that covers the information we will talk about in the ZOOM meetings, and the Lab Workbook (PDF) that covers the subjects we will cover in the labs. The class assumes you know very little about astronomy and telescopes. The class will cost $20 for EVAC members and $25 for non-EVAC members and is restricted to people 15 and older. If under 16 they will need to be accompanied by an adult for the labs. If you would like to attend the class, please fill out this survey (a 4 question survey) before Tuesday 10/22 so I can schedule the class. Also, Please email me if you are still interested in taking the class and I will keep you posted as things develop. Feel free to contact me at jty.astro@... if you have any questions. Thanks James Yoder Beginners Guide to Small Telescopes This course is composed of 5 weekly ZOOM meetings and 5 weekly Labs. This course is an introductory class targeted to persons who are considering purchasing a telescope, or who have a telescope and would like to learn how to use it. The class covers topics such as the different types of telescopes, telescope mounts, accessories and considerations for purchasing a telescope. It also covers basic concepts useful for amateur astronomers including what to expect from your telescope, appropriate objects for viewing, understanding the night sky, planning an observing session and techniques used for locating objects. Classes will be held via ZOOM on Tuesday evenings and will be recorded. Labs are hands-on and involve utilization of a small telescope (Bring your own, or one will be supplied). The intent of the labs is to ensure students are comfortable with using a telescope and to teach basic techniques used to locate and view various objects. Labs will be scheduled for either Friday or Saturday evenings.
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EVAC & EVAC Members Sales Summary
The following items are available for purchase from the East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC) EVAC Sales TOWA Catadioptric 6” Telescope $250 NexStar 8SE (cira 2000) $300 9” Cassegrain OTA $200 Ten Dollar Sale (Everything $10 each) – Contact Brooks for purchase Four Camp Chairs $10/each Five Equipment Cases $10/each Heavy Duty Tripod with Wedge (Celestron?) $10 Club member Sales (See sale information for contact) Note: EVAC is not responsible for equipment listed here. Celestron NexStar 8SE with many Accessories $600 (John Ball) Swarovski 8x50 Solar Binoculars $800 (Bill Dellinges) Celestron C90 Spotting Scope $160 (David Hopper) Orion X 12i 12” Dobsonian $1,300 (Brian Rucker)
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Hello, Weather permitting, I wanted to let you know that current plans are to head out to the Picketpost trailhead this Saturday 10/12 to see if I can get a glimpse of the C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshaw-ATLAS) comet. I also plan on checking out Saturn, the moon and some multiple star systems. Sunset is just about 6pm, and I want to make sure I am early enough to get a good location to photograph the comet, so I’ll probably show up about 5:30pm. The Moon will be 74% illuminated, and sets close to 1 am on Sunday morning, so it will not be good conditions for deep sky objects, However, The moon and Saturn will be well positioned for viewing, and there are always multiple star systems, and carbon stars available for viewing, so it might be a good opportunity to check them out. I will likely stay out to 10pm or 11pm. You are welcome to join me. Typically, we park on the West side of the parking lot to make sure we don’t interfere with the Astrophotographers on the North end of the lot. However, Since the moon will be out, I suspect there will be no Astrophotographers out, and I think the best position to view/photograph the comet will be the hill just north of the parking lot, so I propose we park at the North end this time. See image below DON’T FORGET YOUR BINOCULARS if you have them. Comets are generally best viewed with the naked eye or with Binoculars. Telescopes don’t have a wide enough field of view to fully enjoy viewing comets. If you plan on tying to photograph the comet, you will get best results if you place your camera on a tripod. Please be considerate! If someone has a tripod with a camera setup to photograph the comet, please do not get in front of it! Always use Red Lights When parking make sure park so you don’t have to back up to leave. I will be driving my silver Toyota 4Runner and have room for a couple more folks if anyone is interested in carpooling. My crossroads is Ray & Dobson in Chandler. Contact me if you are interested in carpooling. Respond directly to me or to (jty.Astro@...) if you would like to be kept posted on plans as they develop, I will add you to my distribution list for this event. I will likely send out at least one more email with a list of potential targets, and then a final one verifying that I will be going out (based on weather conditions) Friday night or Saturday morning. Hope to see you there. James Yoder
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October SAC Newsletter Released
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The SAC Newsletter for October has been released on the SAC website. saguaru.org SAC Newsletter Editor
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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am