“Experience the Universe at Charlie Elliott”

Directions to Charlie Elliott

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Meeting and Observing

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 6:30 p.m.

The History of Apollo and the Future of Artemis

Our Program — Fifty years after the last American set foot on the moon during the Apollo missions, a renewed strategic focus on lunar exploration has resulted in the Artemis missions.  Join us on Saturday August 3rd, 2024 as Jo Welsh revisits the historic achievements of Apollo and the advancements of Artemis as she gives us an overview and comparison of the two missions and the advancements that are driving Artemis.  Jo Welsh came to Atlanta thanks to a small tech startup and is currently serving as the Program Coordinator for the Atlanta Astronomy Club and is interested in all things space, including exploration and observation with her reflector telescope.  We’re still working on getting her sucked in to astrophotography…stay tuned for updates!

Meeting Agenda — Opening remarks and general introductions, then “What’s Up” in the sky this (and part of next) month by Observing Supervisor Dennis Ruzeski followed by any questions/comments from those who wish to share any of their own observing experiences. The scheduled presentation will follow.

Weather-permitting, we’ll then head out to the nearby Jon Wood Astronomy Field; all are invited to bring your own telescopes or binoculars. Sunset on our meeting night will be at 8:33 p.m. and the Elliott Trail main gate for incoming traffic closes to new entry at 7 p.m.  If you are not a member and plan to arrive after 7 p.m., please make arrangements with a club member for access.

Directions to the Aquatics Building at Charlie Elliott

1. (From Atlanta) Head east on I-20 to exit 98,
2. Turn right at the top of the ramp to head south on Hwy 11,
3. Continue south through Mansfield on Hwy 11,
4. Turn left off Hwy 11 onto Marben Farm Road (entrance road to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center),
5. Proceed past Elliott Trail (on the right),
6. Turn right onto Murder Creek Church Rd. NOTE: The road is extremely full of pot holes, so be aware.
7. Proceed to the Aquatics Building on the left with parking adjacent to the building.

Observing on Jon Wood Astronomy Field

• Plan to treat this outing like you would a camping trip and be prepared. Dress appropriately for the weather and the environment, bring snacks and drinks if needed, and plan to take your trash with you.
• After pulling up the dirt driveway from Elliot Trail and onto the astronomy field, please orient your vehicle to face the field exit gate so as not to cause problems with headlights when leaving.
• There is a regularly serviced Porta Potty on the field.
• As stated above, the main gate on Elliott Trail closes to new entry by vehicle at 7 p.m., but will automatically open for exiting traffic at all times. If you are not a member and plan to arrive after 7 p.m., please make arrangements with a club member for access.
• Please refrain from using white lights on the field. Red flashlights are cheap and easy to find at your favorite store. They’re even cheaper to make with a spare flashlight and red nail-polish on the lens.
• For more information about Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, please visit the Charlie Elliott website.

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Our Monthly Meetings and Public Observing Nights

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All Charlie Elliott Astronomy events are free and open to the public and you don’t have to be a member to attend our meetings or join us on Jon Wood Astronomy Field. However, we would encourage you to consider a yearly paid membership for less than the cost of a couple of pizzas. Your membership dues allow us to continue our science outreach programs in area schools and youth organizations, merit badge programs with area Scout Troops, and allow us to maintain the facilities on Jon Wood Astronomy Field. To become a member, you can fill out our Membership Form or contact an officer. March is membership renewal month. If you are renewing your membership, no form is necessary.

The Charlie Elliott Chapter is a member of the Night Sky Network Click on the banner below to request an outreach event.

Charlie Elliott Astronomy, serving the Atlanta area and East Middle Georgia, is a chapter of the Atlanta Astronomy Club, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to promoting the public knowledge of and interest in astronomy. Donations support our outreach programs, equipment expense, and educational materials.

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