NCKAS - Schedule of Events 2009

North Central Kansas Astronomical Society

NCKAS 2009 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 - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- No observing sessions scheduled yet
February - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- February 21st 7:30 Riley Dark Sky Site - Our list of targets tonight: The amazing M42 and M43 in Orion. M1 and M45 in Taurus. M35, M36, M37 and M38 in Auriga. M81 and M82 in Ursa Major. The double stars Gamma Andromedae and Eta Cassiopeiae. The famous Double Cluster in Perseus. M31, M32 and M110 galaxies in Andromeda. Our Carbon Star of the month is R Leporis.
March - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- No observing sessions scheduled
April - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled***Apr. 25th - 8:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - M81 and M82 in Ursa Major are in prime position. The double stars HIP 35210 in Canis Major and Eta Cassiopeiae are on our list. And we have some of the spring galaxy constellations such as Leo and Virgo a little later in the night. We'll try to see NGC 2903 in Leo once it's high enough in the sky. Our Carbon Star of the month is RV Moncerotis.***Cancelled***
May - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled Due to Clouds*** May 23rd. 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! ***Cancelled Due to Clouds***
June - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** June 20th 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, V CRB.***Cancelled***
July - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- July 18th 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 galaxy's Cygnus arm. M6, 7, 8, 11, 16, 17, 20, 24, 27, 51 and 57 to name a few will be on the agenda. We will be sweeping through Canes Venatici, Boötes, Hercules, Lyra, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Cygnus. Albireo is our double start of the month, one of the most beautiful double stars in the entire sky. Our Carbon Star of the month is T Lyrae.
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. 19th - 8:45pm Riley Dark Sky Site - A number of beautiful open clusters, globular clusters, and double stars will be visible. The Great Andromeda Galaxy, M31 and it's companions are in prime viewing. And some of summer's best are still viewable. Our Carbon Star of the month is V Aquilae.
October - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Oct. 17th - 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.
November - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** Nov. 14th - 7:30pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Our 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 VX Andromedae.***Cancelled***
December - - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** Dec. 19th - 7:00pm Riley Dark Sky Site - Jupiter and Neptune are our highlights early and are at conjunction in the sky. They will be less than a 1/4 of a degree apart in Capricornus. 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 WZ Cassiopeiea. ***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 non-alcoholic 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 strictly NON-SMOKING. Not only will this bother your fellow viewers, 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 around 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 Class Sessions:

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

January - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- ***Cancelled*** Jan. 22nd 7:00 PM - Riley Dark Sky Site - Origins - A survey class for students to look at the sky from the point of view of ancient Greece, i.e., no telescopes, to try to give a sense of the early astronomical view of the universe. Then we have telescope observations to better appreciate the astronomy and the role of technology. We will have Friday, Jan. 24th as a backup date for weather.***Cancelled***
- Jan 28th 7:00 PM - Riley Dark Sky Site - Origins - A survey class for students to look at the sky from the point of view of ancient Greece, i.e., no telescopes, to try to give a sense of the early astronomical view of the universe. Then we have telescope observations to better appreciate the astronomy and the role of technology. We will have Friday, Jan. 31st as a backup date for weather.
February - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Feb. 19th 7:00 PM - Riley Dark Sky Site - Origins - A survey class for students to look at the sky from the point of view of ancient Greece, i.e., no telescopes, to try to give a sense of the early astronomical view of the universe. Then we have telescope observations to better appreciate the astronomy and the role of technology. We will have Friday, Feb. 21st as a backup date for weather.
March - Downloadable CSV (Text Spreadsheet) or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
April - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- Apr 22nd or 23rd ifcloudy 9:00 PM 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!
- Apr 23rd if 22nd is cloudy 9:00 PM 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!
May - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
June - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
- June 29th 10:00 PM - Riley Dark Sky Site - - Reserved event for a joint Phys/Bio REU. 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 galaxy's Cygnus arm. M6, 7, 8, 11, 16,17,20,24, 27, 51 and 57 to name a few will be on the agenda. Albireo in Cygnus is on of the most beautiful double stars in the entire sky. We'll visit other doubles in Hercules and Canes Venatici. Our Carbon Star will be T Lyrae.
September - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
October - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)
November - Downloadable CSV or NSOL List file of targets. (Right click and Save Target as...)

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!

Mar. 21st-22nd or 28th & 29th 2009 8:00pm Newton Kansas Outhouse Observatory - Messier Marathon time again. This year we are using Dobs and going as low-tech as possible. Bundle up! Most likely it will be brutal out there. We will be partnering with NM Tech and possibly KSUAC this year too. Keep checking in for updates!

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

This page updated: 12/12/09 02:28:41 AM