“Experience the Universe at Charlie Elliott”

Directions to Charlie Elliott

Charlie Elliott Astronomy on May 8, 2021:

An IN-PERSON Meeting with Amy Astro &

Same-Day Observing at CEWC

Amy has been a fixture at our meetings, observing field gatherings and potluck dinners for quite a while. While she initially “chased the Milky Way and landscapes” (her words), it was the Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017 that got her interested in deep space astrophotography that autumn. Her Amy Astro YouTube videos have been going strong for almost 2 years now.  And besides frequently contributing to Amateur Astrophotography Magazine, Amy has also been the guest on several podcasts and livestreams with Explore Scientific, Woodland Telescope, OPT and The Night Sky. She resides in Augusta with her family and an array of astronomy gear, which includes (at the time of this writing) a Sky Watcher EQ6-R mount, an Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet APO refractor telescope, a ZWO ASI1600MM monochrome camera, a NiteCrawler Focuser Rotator, and a PegasusAstro Powerbox (and more might be just around the corner). Amy says that when she’s not home or at work as an instrument designer with a local engineering firm also in Augusta, she can be found at the Deerlick Astronomy Village.

“All of the Above”

Observing Supervisor David Whalen will be on hand to discuss what you can see and image in the night sky this month.  His presentation — complete with PowerPoint and audio! — will cover observing targets ranging from our own solar system to distant galaxies. And yes, questions are encouraged!

As for the Election . . .

The current slate of officers includes incumbent Mike Shaw as chapter director, incumbent Dave Whalen as observing supervisor and Dennis Ruzeski as candidate for recording secretary. There are also a number of volunteer coordinator positions, too. Descriptions and more information can be found at http://ceastronomy.org/blog/home/officers If you are interested in any of these positions, contact Mike Shaw at director@CEastronomy.org or just be at the May 8 meeting and make yourself known.

To reach the meeting location, take Hwy 11, then turn onto Marben Farm Rd. (the entrance to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center) and follow it to Murder Creek Church Rd. (You will pass Elliott Trail on the right.) Turn right onto Murder Creek Church Rd. and follow it until you reach the Aquatics Building on the left.

Observing on the Jon Wood Astronomy Field

With our in-person meeting wrapping up by probably 8 p.m., we plan for observing at the Jon Wood Astronomy Field (which is on the right, shortly after turning onto Elliott Trail from Marben Farm Rd). As always, this event is free.

According to the Sky Safari astronomy app, sunset at our location near Mansfield, Georgia, will be at 7:23 p.m., so those with scopes and related equipment to set up should plan on an earlier arrival. In consideration of any astro-imagers, astronomical dusk ends at 8:57 p.m. Note that Daylight Saving Time is now in effect.

NOTE: It is your own responsibility to monitor the weather forecast for your own comfort and safety. Be advised to dress appropriately and have extra clothing on hand should it also be needed. There are no inside bathroom facilities, running water, electricity or warm-up buildings at this location. There is, however, a “porta-potty” at the edge of the observing field that is regularly serviced.

Also, this will be an INFORMAL gathering  and will NOT include any club business or activities. Just observing.

Note that the Elliott Trail automatic road gate closes for incoming traffic at 5 p.m. Afterwards, a five-digit combination must be entered on a keypad near the gate for it to open. That combination is available only to dues-paying Club members. Therefore, non-Club members planning to join us on the observing field should enter the park before 5 p.m. Club members who may arrive after 5 p.m. and do not have the gate combination should contact a club officer at least 24 hours prior to their visit to obtain the gate combination.

The gate opens automatically for exiting traffic as you approach it to leave, no matter what time it is.

Covid Requirements

IMPORTANT! Face masks are recommended at ALL CE astronomy in-person events and we remind all attendees that the CDC’s 6-foot social distancing requirement remains in effect — even on the Jon Wood Astronomy Field. Note also that NO refreshments are served, so bring your own.

More About the Charlie Elliott Astronomy Club

Check out the Charlie Elliott Astronomy Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ceastronomy . There you’ll find a welcoming group of people sharing ideas and tips as well as organizing ad-hoc observing and imaging sessions on the Jon Wood Astronomy Field.

For those not familiar with the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, go to https://georgiawildlife.com/charlie-elliott-wildlife-center

The CEWC phone is 770-784-3059, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Workshops

If you have an idea for a 15 to 20-minute pre-meeting presentation about something you’ve learned or a project you’re working on, contact Steve Siedentop or Ken Poshedly.

Downloads from the Last Meeting

Our Monthly Meetings and Public Observing Nights

View our Full Calendar of all meetings & outreach events

It’s easy to become a member of Charlie Elliott Astronomy!

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Membership Form
Pay dues with PayPal

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.

.

---