Join us for our next mtg & observing night on Oct 9, 2021



“Experience the Universe at Charlie Elliott”

Directions to Charlie Elliott

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Meeting &

Observing Session on October 9

(September 7, 2021) Though attended by perhaps only a dozen or so intrepid souls, our September 4 observing session proved to be fairly rewarding, as shown in images by various folks, including our own Dennis Ruzeski of a beautiful transit by the Jovian moon Io and its shadow crossing Jupiter — this despite the atmospheric seeing conditions being rather poor (clear, but turbulent). Look for Dennis’s Jupiter image in the Charlie Elliott Astronomy Facebook group.

Now we’re planning once more for another in-person meeting at the Charlie Elliott Campbell Aquatics Building, this time at 5 p.m., on Saturday, October 9 . After the meeting (and weather-permitting), we’ll head over to the Jon Wood Astronomy Field.

As for the meeting itself, so you bought a telescope…

Now what?  What can you see with it?  What kind is it?  How many eyepieces do you need?  Do you need a Barlow?  What’s a Barlow??  What do I need to take pictures with it?  Oh boy…

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Program Coordinator Steve Siedentop will be on hand this time to give a presentation for new observers and hopeful astrophotographers and cover the basics of telescopes, mounts and the observing equipment that goes along with them. He will also cover the basics of astrophotography and discuss what you can and canNOT expect to do with different types of equipment.

Steve has been a member of Charlie Elliott Astronomy since 2010 and has served in various capacities as an officer since 2012.  He is an avid observer and is actively pursuing multiple Astronomical League programs at any given time.  (One day, he might actually finish one.)  He has also been imaging since 2012 and cycles back and forth between imaging and observing, and finds observing to be therapeutic when his astrophotography gear doesn’t do what it’s told.

Whether you’re a seasoned observer, an experienced imager or a frustrated newcomer to the hobby, you’ll find Steve’s presentation entertaining, engaging and, if he does it right, you may actually learn something!

Due to the strong resurgence of the Covid Delta variant, our meeting plans may change, so check back here before heading out.

Sunset is at 7:55 p.m. and “dark dark” is at 9:21 p.m.

Directions: The Campbell Aquatics Building is located inside the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on Murder Creek Church Rd. The CEWC itself is just south of Mansfield, Georgia. Take Hwy 11, then turn onto Marben Farm Rd. (the entrance to the CEWC); continue past Elliott Trail (on the right) then turn right onto Murder Creek Church  Rd. For more details, phone 770-784-3059 BEFORE 4:30 p.m. (when the office closes). Masks are optional for those who are vaccinated.  If you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask and kindly maintain a safe distance from others in accordance with the latest CDC guidelines.
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The Jon Wood Astronomy Field is also located inside the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. From the Aquatics Building location, follow Murder Creek Church Rd back to Marben Farm Rd, then turn left. Turn left once more onto Elliott Trail and the Astronomy Field dirt driveway will be on the right. No headlights or white flashlights.

From Hwy 11, follow Marben Farm Rd., then turn right onto Elliott Trail and the Astronomy Field dirt driveway will be on the right. No headlights or white flashlights.

Observing on the Jon Wood Astronomy Field

A Few Items to Note…

  • 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 garbage with you.  There is a regularly serviced Porta-Potty on Jon Wood Astronomy Field available for use during the observing session.
  • The main gate on Elliott Trail closes to new entry at 7 p.m. and will automatically open at any time for exiting traffic.  If you plan to observe on Jon Wood Astronomy Field, please arrive before 7 p.m. or make arrangements with a club member for access.
  • Masks are optional for those that are vaccinated.  If you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask and kindly maintain a safe distance from others in accordance with the latest CDC guidelines.

Covid Requirements

IMPORTANT! Masks are optional for those that are vaccinated.  If you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask and kindly observe the latest CDC guidelines regarding social distancing.

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

Skymap

Our Monthly Meetings and Public Observing Nights

The status of in-person meetings will be announced monthly as the COVID situation changes. Visit the “Our Calendar” tab at the top of the page for our 2020-2021 meeting, observing, and outreach schedule. Start times vary throught the year so please check back for details.

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.
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Want to help with our Outreach?

Register here to become a Charlie Elliott Astronomy outreach member

Want to know a little more about us?

Meet the Charlie Elliott Chapter Officers for 2019-2020

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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