NCKAS - Schedule of Events 2007

North Central Kansas Astronomical Society

NCKAS 2007 Schedule of events

Public Viewing Sessions
Kansas State University
Special Events

Watch this page for the latest updates, announcements , and weather updates to the viewing events. Please note that we will not cancel a scheduled event for clouds or weather before 5:00 PM the day of the scheduled event unless absolutely necessary. Predicting the weather is almost impossible and there will be times when an event will be held that is completely clouded out. There will be other times when an event will be cancelled and it will completely clear off by the time of the event. We will do the best we can. Current upcoming events that look good weather-wise will be in GREEN. Viewing sessions where the weather is starting to deteriorate, and caution is warranted, will be in YELLOW. Then worse to MAGENTA. Last, dates that will almost certainly be cancelled, or have been cancelled will be in RED. (Some browsers may have difficulty with this color scheme). This site will be updated with all information pertinent to the scheduled event and we strongly suggest you look at this site before you leave to the scheduled event. The page will automatically reload every 30 seconds.

Public Viewing Sessions:

Welcome everyone! These viewing sessions open to the general public. Maps can be found to our viewing locations. Watch the weather page as close as you can! You can download a list of the objects in two formats, a CSV text spreadsheet which can be opened in almost any spreadsheet application, and a NexStar Observation List file. This software is a free download for Windows users.

January - No observing sessions scheduled
February - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- *** Cancelled*** Feb. 17th 7:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - *** Cancelled***
- *** Cancelled***Feb. 24th 7:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - *** Cancelled***
March - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Mar. 17th 8:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site - All public and KSUAC events are combined - Messier Marathon! That's right all 100+ Messier objects in one night. We will even be imaging as many as we can. And post our images on the website. Come join in the all-nighter if weather permits.
April - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** Apr. 21 - 8:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site ***Cancelled. - Due to high wind.
May - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- May 19th 9:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Spring is the time for Galaxies, and we will be hunting plenty. From Ursa Major through Coma Berenices and on into Virgo. Some stops will be M51, M63, M64, M100, M101. Some double stars in these constellations as well. Our Carbon Star of the month: V Hydrae, arguably the reddest star in the entire sky!
June - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- June 16th 9:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - We are still hunting spring galaxies. Some of our targets include the Whirlpool, Pinwheel , Sunflower and Black-Eye galaxies. Globular Clusters M3 and M5. Some wonderful double stars in Canes Venatici, Corona Borealis and Virgo. Our Carbon Star of the month is in the North Crown, Corona Borealis, called V CRB.
July - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- July 14th 9:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Some of summer's best are out this time of year. The glorious Milky Way is clearly visible stretching from the northern sky to the southern horizon. Wonderful targets abound in this swath of our galaxies Cygnus arm. M6, 7, 8, 11, 16,17,20,24, 27, 51 to name a few will be on the agenda. Albireo in Cygnus is on of the most beautiful double stars in the entire sky. Our Carbon Star of the month is T Lyrae.
- July 18th 10:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - We will be looking at some of summer's best tonight and this will probably be the last chance to view with our visiting REU students.
August - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- At this time, there are no scheduled events for August.
September - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Sept. 8th - 8:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Some of summer's best are out this time of year. The glorious Milky Way is clearly visible stretching from the northern sky to the southern horizon. Wonderful targets abound in this swath of our galaxies Cygnus arm. M6, 7, 8, 11, 16,17,20,24, 27, 51 to name a few will be on the agenda. Albireo in Cygnus is on of the most beautiful double stars in the entire sky. Our Carbon Star of the month is V Aquilae.
October - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** Oct. 13th - 8:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - The Fall constellations of Aquarius, Pegasus, Andromeda and Cassiopeia are visible for this month. Some of Autumn's best Globular and Open Clusters are some of the objects we'll visit. The Great Andromeda Galaxy is a wonderful binocular and low power target this time of year. Some of late summer's highlights are still visible too and M8, M17, M11 and M22 are on our list of targets. S Cephei is our Carbon Star of the month.***Cancelled***
November - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- *** Cancelled *** Nov. 10th - 7:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Comet 17/P Holmes (featured on the NCKAS Home Page) will be our main target tonight. This is a must see event. Other targets include M57, M2, M15, NGC 457 and M31 the Great Andromeda Galaxy. Some amazing double stars in Cygnus, Andromeda and Cassiopeia. M45 the Pleiades open cluster in Taurus is to the east as well and the famous double-cluster, h and Chi in Perseus. Our Cabon Star of the Month is S Cephei again. *** Cancelled ***
December - - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** Dec. 8th - 7:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Some of the fall targets are still visible which include M57, M2, M15, NGC 457, M31 the Great Andromeda Galaxy and the dim Helix Nebula. Some amazing double stars in Cygnus, Andromeda and Cassiopeia. M45 the Pleiades open cluster in Taurus is to the east and the famous double-cluster, h and Chi in Perseus. Our Cabon Star of the Month is S Cephei again for the 4th month running! ***Cancelled***

Here are some observing tips:

Please dress appropriately. It can get very cold at the events, even in summer! You can always shed layers, but once you're cold, it can be hard to get warm again in the night-time air.
Be aware that the viewing sights will not have any amenities at all! Bathrooms, shelters and seating accommodations will not be provided. Bring something to drink if you plan to stay awhile. Something warm in the winter, cool in the summer. At the very least bring some water to keep hydrated. Alcohol will not be tolerated. All viewing session areas are NON-SMOKING. Not only will this bother your fellow viewer, but the smoke can damage the delicate instruments and optics and contribute to litter at the sites and be an extreme fire hazard.
Shut off your headlights as soon as safe and reasonable. Better to arrive before the event time while it's still light out. Please do not let your headlights shine on the star gazing party if you can help it. It takes over 30 minutes to re-adjust night vision. Please don't blast everyone with your headlights when you leave. However, be as safe as you can. If you need help driving in or out, just ask, someone can help you navigate. Many newer cars have their headlights on when you start your car. Please be aware of this and try to not shine your lights in the eyes of the astronomers. Night vision adaptation can be destroyed equally by bright white flash lights and even bright cell phone lights. Please be aware of this and be courteous. It can take up to an hour to regain the dark adaptation lost!
Please do not allow children to run around or play next to the party and delicate instruments. This kicks up dust and can damage the delicate instruments... Children will be children, and we love to have them at the viewings. They can play away from the party and equipment.
Bring your telescope or binoculars if you have them. We are glad to help out in any way and appreciate the extra help and equipment.
Bring your questions and an open mind. We will be looking at some incredible objects, not all of which are easily seen, especially in the heavily light polluted skies of Manhattan. Observational Astronomy is a skill that you can develop over time. Don't be discouraged if you just can't see some of the objects. Remember, we're nuts about this stuff and have been doing it a long time...

Kansas State University Phys 191 and Phys 102 Class Sessions:

These sessions are for pre-arranged group sessions and are not open to the general public. Maps can be found to our viewing locations. Watch the weather page as close as you can!

February - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- *** Cancelled***Feb. 16 - 7:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - *** Cancelled***
- *** Cancelled*** Feb. 23rd 7:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - *** Cancelled***
March - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- *** Cancelled *** Mar. 8th 7:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site *** Cancelled ***
- Mar 9th. 7:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site - These events are reserved for KSU Phys Students - The Orion Nebula will be the showcase for tonight as well as the planet Saturn in all it's glory. We ill be stopping by some wonderful double stars and even catch a glimpse of M81 and M82, galaxies in our own local group. Our binocular object is M45, the Pleiades in Taurus
- *** Cancelled*** Mar. 16 - 8:30 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - *** Cancelled***
- Mar. 17th 8:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site - All KSU students welcome - Messier Marathon! That's right all 100+ Messier objects in one night. We will even be imaging as many as we can. And post our images on the website. Come join in the all-nighter if weather permits.
April - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- *** Cancelled*** Apr. - 8:45 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - *** Cancelled ***
- Apr. 6 - 8:45 PM Riley Dark Sky Site -We still have a view of The Orion Nebula, as well as the planet Saturn in all it's glory. We'll be stopping by some wonderful double stars and even catch a glimpse of M81 and M82, galaxies in our own local group. More galaxies in Leo and M67 in Cancer too.
- *** Cancelled*** Apr. 11 - 9:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site ***Cancelled***
- *** Cancelled*** Apr. 12 - 9:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site ***Cancelled***
- Apr. 16 - 9:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site -We still have a view of The Orion Nebula, as well as the planet Saturn in all it's glory. We'll be stopping by some wonderful double stars and even catch a glimpse of M81 and M82, galaxies in our own local group. M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy too is visible. Also a rare Carbon Star Y CVN (La Superba). Hope for clear skies as this is our last opportunities to view this semester!
- Apr. 18 - 9:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site -We still have a view of The Orion Nebula, as well as the planet Saturn in all it's glory. We'll be stopping by some wonderful double stars and even catch a glimpse of M81 and M82, galaxies in our own local group. M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy too is visible. Also a rare Carbon Star Y CVN (La Superba). Hope for clear skies as this is our last opportunities to view this semester!
- ***Cancelled***Apr. 19 - 9:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site*** Cancelled***
- ***Cancelled*** Apr. 20 - 9:00 PM Riley Dark Sky Site -We still have a view of The Orion Nebula, as well as the planet Saturn in all it's glory. We'll be stopping by some wonderful double stars and even catch a glimpse of M81 and M82, galaxies in our own local group. M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy too in visible. Also a rare Carbon Star Y CVN (La Superba). Hope for clear skies as this is our last opportunities to view this semester!***Cancelled***
May - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- *** Cancelled*** May 9th - 9:15 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - These are our pick-up dates.***Cancelled***
- *** Cancelled*** May 10th - 9:15 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - These are our pick-up dates.*** Cancelled*** This is a late call, but this cloud mass is not moving!!!
- May 11th - 9:15 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - These are our pick-up dates.
- May 12th - 9:15 PM Riley Dark Sky Site - These are our pick-up dates.
- September - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
September - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Sep. 12th - 8:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Some of summer's best are out this time of year. The glorious Milky Way is clearly visible stretching from the northern sky to the southern horizon.
- **Cancelled*** Sep. 15th - 8:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Some of summer's best are out this time of year. The glorious Milky Way is clearly visible stretching from the northern sky to the southern horizon. ***Cancelled***
October - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Oct. 11th - 8:15pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Some of summer's best are still out this time of year. The glorious Milky Way is clearly visible stretching from the northern sky to the southern horizon. The Fall constellations of Aquarius, Pegasus, Andromeda and Cassiopeia are the visible too for this month. Some of Autumn's best Globular and Open Clusters are some of the objects we'll visit. The Great Andromeda Galaxy is a wonderful binocular and low power target this time of year. Some of late summer's highlights are still visible too and M8, M17, M11 and M22 are on our list of targets. S Cephei is our Carbon Star of the month.

Special Events Schedule:

These sessions are for special or un-foreseen events. Due to the nature of observational astronomy, notices may be posted on very short notice. Please watch this site closely! Maps can be found to our viewing locations. Watch the weather page as close as you can!

*** Cancelled *** Nov. 13th 2007 7:30pm South of Rural Water District Tower #3 - This event is reserved for Beloit USD 273 - - Comet 17/P Holmes (featured on the NCKAS Home Page) will be our main target tonight. This is a must see event. Other targets include M57, M2, M15, NGC 457 and M31 the Great Andromeda Galaxy. Some amazing double stars in Cygnus, Andromeda and Cassiopeia. M45 the Pleiades open cluster in Taurus is to the east as well and the famous double-cluster, h and Chi in Perseus. Our Cabon Star of the Month is S Cephei again. ***Cancelled***

If you wish to contact us, you can email nckas@nckas.org

This page updated: 12/08/07 09:49:01 AM