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The Next Meeting of Richmond Astronomical Society is
Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 PM at the Science Museum of Virginia
(2500 West Broad St.) and online at this
To view this e-mail in your browser - .
RAS board member Betty Wilson will be presenting on how amateur astronomers can contribute to real science. The title of her presentation is, 'Science Wants You ¡ª Be a Citizen Scientist.' April is Citizen Science Month, making this presentation particularly timely. Betty will discuss the many ways citizen scientists can contribute. Please join us for her presentation!
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A number of us will be also gathering for dinner before the meeting at the Chicken Fiesta restaurant across the street from the museum about 6:00 PM.? Please join us for the meeting in person or online and for dinner, if you can.? Everyone is welcome.
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Zoom link to Tuesday's meeting
?????????? Dial in (if needed):
?????????? (301) 715-8592
?????????? Meeting ID: 880 1225 7115
?????????? Passcode: 464955
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Images by Colin Grace! RAS member Colin Grace is studying astronomy at the University of Virginia.? As a side benefit of being an astronomy student, Colin has access to some of the large telescopes at the university's Fan Mountain observatory.? He has been using the opportunity to hone his imaging and image processing skills by capturing images of a number of interesting deep sky objects.? In the animation below and to the left are some samples of Colin's recent work.? Thanks to Colin for sharing your work with us and congratulations in advance on your upcoming graduation.? Nice work Colin!? We look forward to hearing more updates from you. ?
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Spacewoman!? RAS members and friends may recall that we have enjoyed presentations by Jonathan Ward, who has authored several books about space travel.? Jonathan is also an avid astronomer and astroimager, so he fits in great with our crowd.? He recently served as co-author and creative consultant on a new film, "Spacewoman."? The movie is based on his book, "Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars," which is about and co-authored by former astronaut and Air Force pilot, Colonel Eileen Collins.? Col. Collins was the first woman to pilot a Space Shuttle and the first to serve as commander of a Space Shuttle mission.? Her story is told in the movie and in the book by Jonathan and Col. Collins.
You can learn more about the film at this link:
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More about Jonathan here:
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And you can purchase the book here:
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The next Saturday Under the Stars at Powhatan State Park will be Saturday, April 19, 8:00 PM:? If you want to catch some beautiful views of the night sky or you have a telescope you would like assistance with, please join us at Powhatan - everyone is welcome.?
This is an RAS supported event and volunteer astronomers are needed and welcome.? These events have been well-attended and we need plenty of astronomers.? Observing will be at the Trailhead / Equestrian parking area.? Volunteer astronomers are also welcome to continue to observe through the night after the public hours.? Note that the $5 parking fee applies at all times but parking fees are waived on the day of the event for volunteer astronomers who share views through their telescopes/binoculars or share their expertise.? Additional dates are May 31, July 19, September 13, and October 11.? Please send a message to president@... if you can help.?? A map to the viewing location is at this .
Milky Way image by David Amos
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Celestron 8-inch Schmidt Cassegrain telescope for sale:? Rick Connors is selling a Celestron 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope locally.? The telescope was purchased around 10-15 years ago, has been very lightly used, and is in excellent condition.? If you are interested in possibly purchasing this scope or have any questions about it, please send a message to president@... and we'll put you in touch with Rick.? His asking price for the telescope and mount is $1175.
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Explore Scientific refractor telescope for sale:?? Mark Gottlieb is selling a ED80 Classic White f/6 Air Spaced Triplet with Hoya FCD100 optics.
Features:
Integrated Dew Shield;
480mm focal length;
2.5" HEX Focuser;
2 extension tubes;
Integrated Vixen-Style Dovetail
Explore Scientific 2N1 Hybrid Finder Scope Base installed on scope;
99% Reflective 2" Diagonal.
All in original packing and boxes.
Everything in like new condition.
$650.00 + shipping from 24139
If you are interested, please contact Mark directly at mgottmusik@....
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Refractor telescope and mount for sale:? There is a William Optics Z81 APO on an iOptron CEM40 mount for sale in the Williamsburg area.?
Specifications:? William Optics ZenithStar 81mm f/6.9 Doublet Apo Refractor with Soft Case & Flat6AIII Field Flattener
FL 559mm, 0.8 flatterer/reducer, f/6.9 without reducer and f/5.5 with reducer, weight 7.8 lbs.? $800
iOptron CEM40 Equatorial Mount with iPolar, Hard Case and 1.75" LiteRoc Tripod with 11 lb. counter weight.? $2100
All equipment is in good working condition.
If you are interested in possibly purchasing the scope and contacting the owner, please send a message to president@... and we will put you in touch with the seller.
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 RAS Outreach Events
(These are RAS-suppprted events, volunteer astronomers are needed for each, please send a message to president@... if you can help).?
Science Museum of Virginia, Friday, May 9, 7:00 PM (Science After Dark)
Powhatan State Park, April 19, 8:00 PM
Powhatan State Park, May 31, 8:00 PM (end time 11:00 PM)
Powhatan State Park, July 19, 8:30 PM (end time 11:00 PM)
Powhatan State Park, September 13, 8:00 PM
Powhatan State Park, Paw Paw Festival, September 20 - Daytime event, setup at 9:00 AM; event at 11:00 AM
Powhatan State Park, October 11, 7:00 PM
James River State Park, June 21, 9:00 PM
James River State Park, July 12, 9:00 PM
James River State Park, August 16, 9:00 PM
James River State Park, November 14, 6:00 PM (James River Star Party!)
James River State Park, November 15, 6:00 PM (James River Star Party!)
Staunton River State Park, October 24, 8:00 PM (Staunton River Star Party public night)
Powhatan State Park - member / guest only events (weather permitting).? These events are limited to current members and their individually invited guests.? All events are sunset to sunrise.
Apr 26, May 24, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 23, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 22. Dec 20
Remember!? Half the park is after dark!
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Regional Star Parties
Texas Star Party, April 20 ¨C 27, Prude Guest Ranch, Near McDonald Observatory, Big Bend Region, Texas.?
Crystal Coast Star Party, April 25-26, Cape Lookout National Seashore ¨C an International Dark Sky Park.? Keynote speaker -? Nagin Cox, Tactical Mission Lead on the NASA Mars Perseverance Rover.?
South Jersey Astronomy Club Star Party, April 24-27, Belleplain State Forest, NJ,
Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, Astronomy Day, May 3,
Night Owl Star Party, Spruce Knob, West Virginia, May 23-27:? Space is limited, more info at
Cherry Springs Star Party, June 19-22, Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport, Pennsylvania.?
York County Star Party #1, June 25-29, Susquehannock State Park (central PA).?
Green Bank Star Quest, June 25-28, Green Bank Observatory, Green Bank, West Virginia:?? .
AstroCon 2025, June 25-28, Ruby's Inn, near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah).? Hosted by the Astronomical League, there will be talks and workshops given during the day and nightly dark-sky observing will be offered at Rainbow Point.? /.
Stellafane, July 24-27, Springfield, Vermont.?
West Virginia Astrophotography Association Annual Conference, July 25-27, Blackwater Falls State Park, WV.?
Almost Heaven Star Party, date TBD, Spruce Knob Mountain Center in Circleville, WV.?
Black Forest Star Party, date to be announced, Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport, Pennsylvania:??
Mega Meet at Pulpit Rock, June 27-29, rain date August 8-10, Pulpit Rock, PA,
Stars Over the Staunton, September 19-21, A new event at Staunton River State Park, activities day and night, festival open to the public
York County Star Party #2, September 17-21, Susquehannock State Park (central PA).?
KVAS Blackwater Falls Astronomy Weekend, September 18-20, Blackwater Falls State Park, WV,
Northern Virginia Astronomy Star Gaze, TBD, C.M. Crockett Park, Midland, VA.?
Staunton River Star Party, October 20 ¨C 26, Staunton River State Park, near South Boston, Virginia:? One of the best star parties in the East - outstanding park, dark skies, marvelous hosts, very much worth the trip!? More information as it becomes available at this link:? .
James River Star Party, November 14-15, James River State Park, near Gladstone, Virginia:? Two-night star party; the public is invited to visit for a couple evening hours on both nights.? To register for the party or if you have questions, send an e-mail to president@....? There is no charge for participating astronomers to attend and camp; astronomers are expected to share views of the sky or their expertise with our public visitors.
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Staunton River State Park:? There are scheduled public observing events on the days at this .? It's a good idea to check with the park before attending any observing event to make sure of the weather conditions and event status.? With park permission, requested at least 48 hours in advance, you can observe the stars any night at Staunton River State Park, but check with the park staff first:? 434-572-4623; StauntonRiver@....? Staunton River State Park is an International Dark Sky Park and is a beautiful location as well.?
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James River State Park:? June 21, August 16, November 14-15 (James River Star Party). More astronomy events at this .? It's a good idea to check with the park before attending any observing event to make sure of the weather conditions and event status.? With park permission, requested in advance, you can observe the stars any night at James River State Park, but check with the park staff first:? 434-933-4355; Email: JamesRiver@....
Shenandoah National Park
The Charlottesville Astronomical Society supports events at the Big Meadows area.? Please see the list of CAS events below.
Shenandoah Night Sky Festival, 2025 date to be announced.
Blue Ridge Astronomy Club
blueridgeastro@...
Check web site above for more info and new events!
Bowling Green Astronomy Outreach Group
Observing events are posted on Facebook when the weather allows at this link:
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Charlottesville Astronomical Society
All events listed below at Big Meadows Lodge, Skyline Drive, RAS astronomers are welcome to help out
May 16 - 8:30 Jupiter? Mars, M13
May 30 - 9:00 19% Moon, Mars, M13, 57 Ring, MW
Jun 13 - 9:00 Mars, M13, MW, M57
Jun 27 - 9:00 8% Moon & Mercury? Mars, M13
Jul 18 - 9:00 Mars, M13, MW, M57
Aug 01 - 8:45 Mars, 55% Moon
Aug 11/12 - 7:45 Mars? Moonrise 9:41 Saturn 10:10 Perseids, Venus/Jupiter 3:45am
Aug 29 - 7:15 38% Moon, MW, Saturn 9pm
Sep 12 - 7:00 MW, 64% Moon at 10:23
Sep 26 - 6:45 EDT 23% Moon, Saturn
Oct 10 - 7:00 EST Saturn, M31, Double Cluster
Oct 24 - 6:45 10% Moon? Saturn, Jupiter at midnight.
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Rappahannock Astronomy Club
Caledon State Park events, King George County, 2025 dates at this link
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Crewe Astronomy Club
Patrick Henry Star Party, April 26, 8:00 PM
James River State Park, May 24, 8:30 PM
Sailor's Creek State Park, August 16, 8:00 PM
James River State Park, August 30, 8:00 PM (Native American Celebration)
Patrick Henry Star Party, September 13, 7:30 PM
High Bridge State Park, September 27, 7:00 PM
James River State Park, October 18 (Roof Top Rally)
Bear Creek Lake State Park, October 25, 7:00 PM
James River State Park, November 14-15 (James River Star Party)
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UVA McCormick Observatory Public Nights
Leander McCormick Observatory is open on the?FIRST and THIRD Friday nights?of every month (except holidays) year round. Each visit is from 9:00-11:00 p.m. during daylight saving time (mid-March to early November) and 7:00-9:00 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time (early November to mid-March).
Randolph Macon Keeble Observatory Public Nights
Instagram: /
The Keeble Observatory is open Thursday evenings during the semester for public viewing under the direction of Astrophysics students. No RSVP is required; however, each viewing is weather-dependent, so please visit the Keeble Observatory to confirm that the weather is cooperating prior to visiting.
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Joining RAS!? We are a very frugal, all volunteer organization, but we do have insurance costs, observatory maintenance, Dark Sky International dues, Astronomical League dues, and costs associated with our various outreach efforts.?
Many thanks to those that have already paid for this year and years past.? If you want to join, you can pay by check, PayPal or credit card using the information at this .?
If you have any questions about membership, please send us a message at membership@....
When you join RAS:
? > You are automatically a member of the Astronomical League,
? > You are eligible for Astronomical League observing programs,
? > You receive the quarterly Astronomical League publication,
? > You are invited to member-only observing events
? > You can use our library and loaner telescope equipment, and
? > You support astronomy outreach and help us provide positive
???? experiences for school age children and adults
(Image of Saturn by Randy Tatum)
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Scott Busby
Myron Wasiuta
Brian Barbre
