Members Observing Night Friday November 29, 2024 - 4:45 PM

Members  Observing Night 

Friday November  29, 2024   Gates Open at 4:45 PM 

Due to the Early Winter Sunsets and Road Construction congestion in Glenpool we will open later at 7:00 PM   New Time 4:45 PM

Don will be there early to open up.   The later time time will allow people to get home from work, eat and arrive after the rush hour.

This will be WELL AFTER DARK so Follow the Directions below and drive carefully.

    See link to a direction map below  

We try to reserve Observatory nights nearest the New Moon for our members.  This allows our members to work on their various observing projects, do some astrophotography, share ideas and help each other with their goals. You can bring along family or a friend if they want to observe with you.  The gates will open at 4:45 PM.   Winter evenings can be cold.  A warm coat, hat, gloves are essential to enjoy you evening.   Our classroom will be moderately heated for you to step in and warm up a bit.  Its a good idea to bring a warm drink and snack along.  

Now that we have returned to Central "Starlight" Time, Sunset is at 5:08 PM and it gets dark quickly after it sets.  Venus is our bright evening star shining in the SW.  Venus will continue to be our evening "star" throughout the winter and early spring. Early in the evening we may be able to see Mercury before it sets.    Saturn is still well placed for viewing.  Take time to view its nearly edge on rings.   Saturn is currently traveling through the water jar of the constellation Aquarius. The planet Neptune is nearby and visible in moderate telescopes..   Bright Jupiter is rising in NE.  It is closest to Earth on December 7th.  This is a good time to observe the solar system's largest planet along with its brighter moons. The  Milky Way lingers in the NW sky for an hour or so after sunset.  The constellations of  Andromeda, Pegasus, Cassiopeia and Perseus a well placed overhead.   The M 31 Andromeda galaxy is nearly overhead the grand Orion nebula M 42 will be visible later in the evening.  Comet c/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS )  that was a popular sight this fall and may be still visible in your telescope if you hunt diligently for it. 

PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE before leaving FOR CHANGES DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS   

 If the Friday session is cancelled due to weather, we will try again on Saturday evening  but at an earlier time just before sunset.   Check Website to confirm

As a member you may bring family members or a friend that wants to observe with you but not large groups. Please keep minor family members within your observing area with a supervising adult.

To develop your observing skills, you may want to consider trying to earn one of the over 40 well designed observing certificates from the Astronomical League. Check out some of their Observing Programs

If you are not currently a member you may try one of our RSVP guest nights or you can easily join. Simply go to the JOIN section on our website. Submit the forms online or mail in your membership dues. Click here to Join our Club If you like you may can print off your application or image it as proof of your new membership but we will welcome you without it.
 

Location

ACT OBSERVATORY directions -  Follow our map directions  DO NOT USE GPS

MOSTLY PAVED ROADS – Hwy 75 to 201st St S – through Mounds OK

Most DIRECT ROUTE – Hwy 75 to 241st St S – some coarse gravel & dirt roads