[Cmas] CMAS Star Party on Saturday, February 12

[Central Maine Astronomical Society]

The Central Maine Astronomical Society is pleased to remind members of the first in a new generation of star parties. The club's elected officers have listened to your preferences and hope we've hit on the right formula to rejuvenate the club. Please read about it in the listing below, then RSVP to help your club plan for what we hope will be larger crowds. If you will not attend, please tell us whether you're sorry to miss us, but the dates or location did not work, or --true confessions!-- the evening's activities still do not sound interesting to you (and, if possible, suggest something you'd prefer). 

Your club is committed to attracting astronomers of all levels. Everyone looks forward to seeing you on Saturday. Bring your friends!  

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"Hidden in Plain Sight"

Stargazing with The Central Maine Astronomical Society

Public Invited

Saturday, February 12, 2011, 7:00pm -- Midnight

Galaxy Quest Observatory
84 Vancycle Road
Lincolnville‎ ME‎ 04849

Maine is blessed with dark skies that are beautiful for everyone and a boon to amateur astronomers. Hidden in plain site are large objects that are too faint to see with the unaided eye, but are truly beautiful with the right telescopes and binoculars. 

If the weather is clear, an enormous 18" Dobsonian telescope will reveal faint galaxies and nebulae normally invisible to ordinary telescopes. 

If the weather is cloudy, enjoy a presentation about astrophotography, to learn how long exposures reveal still fainter, more distant objects. Follow that with a presentation by a professional electrical engineer about how preserving Maine's dark skies could boost tourism while reducing our electric bills and the need for new generating capacity. 

Whatever the weather, learn about Constellation of the Month! Cancellation would be only if a snow storm were expected to make travel difficult. 

We'll set up the right number of telescopes according to the size of the crowd, so please:

RSVP
MaineAstro at gmail.com
(207) 619-CMAS
(207) 619-2627

Dress warmly for outdoor observing (as one might for ice fishing or snow mobiling), yet thaw out in a heated room at the observatory. 

If you have binoculars, bring them. We'll show you how they are ideal for stargazing. 

If you live within 90 minutes of Lincolnville, you are closer to this star party than astronomers from cities elsewhere in the Eastern United States are to their dark-sky observing sites. 

Learn more about The Central Maine Astronomical Society and Maine's dark skies:

www.maineastro.com
www.starlightfestival.org

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Thank you, and

Clear skies!

Jon Silverman
Vice President of Public Affairs
Central Maine Astronomical Society

www.maineastro.com
MaineAstro at gmail.com
207/619-CMAS; 207/619-2627

* Public star parties at observatories in Whitefield, Lincolnville, and Damariscotta
* Presentations at schools, clubs, and civic organizations
* Technical and legislative aid in preserving dark skies
* Assistance to beginners
* Fellowship for experts

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