Star Party at Brower Observatory
Saturday, December 29, 2018, 5:30pm (earlier setup welcome)
Rain Date: Saturday, January 5, 2019
341 Route 126, Whitefield, ME 04353
A Happy New Year to all! Creature Double Feature: Occasionally, due to the dates of the new moons, CMAS gets to meet twice in one month, as occurs with this last star party of both December and 2018.
You’ve heard this one before: Some forecasts say that, after the current storm blows away, we’ll be left with the gloriously clear skies that are an unmistakeable invitation to astronomizing. Others say that the clouds shall not blow away until far too late. So, the usual drill: If the weather beckons tomorrow, Saturday, December 29, 2018, the early birds may be found assembling for a star party at Brower Observatory as early as 5:30pm, or even earlier, if anyone has a complicated setup. Those with lives outside of astronomy (is there such a thing?!) are welcome to appear later, but remember that part of the thrill, at this time of year, is starting early so we can end early, so avoid arriving too late. With actual temperatures expected to be in the twenties and apparent temperatures in the teens, the dome may be quite comfortable, with enough of us crowded inside. Watch your “In” box, or check the Web site, for confirmation as the astronomizing hour approaches.
Brower has been receiving a series of upgrades. If you have not yet observed through CMAS’s new Morpheus wide-angle, high eye-relief eyepieces, you are in for a treat! Unlike eyepieces that force the observer to align the eye just so, any close-enough position yields a better view than was possible before. If you have not yet stepped up to the eyepiece in the dome without pausing to center the object, you’ll love the replaced Right Ascension drive motor. And, if you’re tired of groping around in the dark to find your place in line, the new, red lights washing the dome’s floor will be a revelation. Join us at Brower Observatory, the Mauna Kea of Maine—if the Gods of the Clouds so allow!
