Charlie Elliott Astronomy

“Experience the Universe at Charlie Elliott”

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Potluck Dinner & Observing

June 17 at 7 p.m.

This Month — Come for the food, stay for the stars! Join us at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Campbell Aquatics Building for our quarterly potluck! If you’ve already been to one of our potlucks, you’re probably already looking forward to the good food and company that these events have become known for. Please note that besides your donations of the usual comfort foods like banana pudding, mac & cheese, barbecue, and so forth, we’ll also need help with set-up and clean-up.

Also note that by agreement of the current officers, we’ve postponed the annual election for officers until this evening so as to have a more representative crowd of club members.

Our potlucks are only as good as we make them. And while it’s not required, it’s a good idea to know who’s bringing what, so if possible, please click on the link below to sign up and help out!

https://bit.ly/CEpotluckRSVP

Meeting Agenda — First, we’ll have opening remarks and general introductions by CE Astronomy Chapter Director Steve Siedentop for the benefit of newcomers. Following that will be a vote for the next set of officers, including Chapter Director, Observing Supervisor and Chapter Secretary; nominations from the floor will be accepted prior to the actual vote that evening. Next will be announcement of the voting results and then DINNER!

We’ll also feature a presentation of what’s up in the sky this (and part of next) month by former Observing Supervisor Dave Whalen (current Observing Supervisor Dennis Ruzeski cannot be with us this evening). And we’re also open to those who wish to share any of their own observing experiences or ask questions.

After dinner (and weather-permitting), we’ll caravan (by car) to the nearby Jon Wood Astronomy Field; all are invited to bring your own telescopes or binoculars — or at least your interest in astronomy. Sunset on our meeting night will be at 8:49 p.m. and the Elliott Trail sliding gate for incoming traffic closes at 7 p.m., so those not attending the potluck dinner meeting must be sure to be on the observing field before 7 p.m. The sooner, the better. Club members already have the Elliott Trail gate lock digital combination. The gate opens automatically for all exiting traffic no matter what time it is.

Location, Location, Location — To find the Campbell Aquatics Building:

Head to Mansfield on Hwy 11,
Turn off Hwy 11 onto Marben Farm Road (just south of Mansfield),
Go past Elliott Trail (it will be on the right),
Turn right onto Murder Creek Church Road,
Go past the camping sites on your left to the Campbell Aquatics Building a bit further up the road on the left.

About Us — The Charlie Elliott Astronomy Club is a chapter of the Atlanta Astronomy Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization chartered by the state of Georgia in October 1963; donations of funds or items to the Charlie Elliott chapter or the AAC itself are tax-deductible. As such, our meetings and observing sessions are free and open to the public, though membership is invited. Please return here daily for any further updates.

Observing on the Jon Wood Astronomy Field

Please refrain from using white lights on the observing field to preserve night vision. Red lights are readily available at department and sporting goods stores in the Atlanta area. As stated above all are invited, however, to bring their own telescopes or binoculars or at least their interest in astronomy.

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.

The main gate on Elliott Trail closes to new entry at 7 p.m., but will automatically open for exiting traffic at all times. Therefore, if you plan to observe on the Jon Wood Astronomy Field, please arrive before 7 p.m. or else make arrangements with a club member for access.

For more information about Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/charlie-elliott-wildlife-center

Downloads from the Last Meeting

Skymap

Our Monthly Meetings and Public Observing Nights

Our monthly meetings and public observing nights are free and open to the public. Our meeting, observing, and outreach schedule is updated as-needed and can be reached by clicking on the “Our Calendar” tab at the top of this page. Start times vary throughout the year so please check back frequently for details.

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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.

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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.