SJ Astronomy

Thinking of getting a telescope or trying to understand what you already have? To help avoid the frustration that often accompanies such an undertaking, join SJAA for an hour to learn about telescopes, including how telescopes work, their critical components, the types of telescopes that are available, and additionally useful accessories. The night sky, especially at a truly dark place, offers beautiful sights even to the naked eye. But of course when we think of astronomy, the image of a telescope is one that comes to mind. Telescopes were a great invention in the 17th century and have opened the door to a process of discovery that’s still going on today. While professional astronomers keep building larger and fancier telescopes to unlock further secrets of universe, amateur astronomers have myriad choices for portable telescopes that allow us to see what’s in our galactic neighborhood and marvel at light that’s been traveling from other galaxies for tens of millions of years. These commercially available and affordable telescopes offer performance that early astronomers could only dream of, but choosing and learning to operate such an instrument is frequently a daunting and bewildering experience. Too often, newly purchased telescopes produce more frustration than joy, only to end up collecting dust somewhere in the back of a closet. But we can do better! Don’t let your first telescope kick your butt. Note that there is no single, best telescope -- that applies to beginners and to those with experience -- and we’re not going to recommend any particular make or model. You’ll still have to make your own choices, but you’ll be better informed to do so. And we'll have a couple of telescopes set up for show-and-tell and tangible discussion. Also note that this presentation is focusing on telescopes for visual observing; it only addresses astrophotography in passing. While telescopes for visual use versus astrophotography share a lot of attributes, an introduction to photography could easily occupy a separate hour. Please refer to SJAA’s Imaging SIG for further resources in this area. It's all happening at Houge Park in San Jose. Park your car in the lot near the tennis courts (at the north end of the park off Twilight Drive) and then head towards the building adjacent to the lot (Bldg. 1). Directions: http://www.sjaa.net/viewing-locations/#Houge_Park Hope to see you there! Many of SJAA’s events, like this one, are public and free to attend, but if you’re enjoying what SJAA has to offer, consider becoming a paid member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/

Come view the heavens through a telescope at the SJAA's In Town Star Party. Bring a scope to share the views, and if you do, feel free to come early to set up. Remember, this event is free, everyone is invited, no reservations required. Just show up! http://www.sjaa.net/monthly-star-parties/ http://www.sjaa.net/learnresources/viewing-locations/#Houge_Park

Important : New registration process - please see below. SJAA is proud to partner with the Open Space Authority (OSA) to co-host a public star party at Rancho Canada Del Oro (RCDO). This site is just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose and features dark skies. It's so dark you can see the band of our Milky Way galaxy in the summer. Do not bring your own telescope (binoculars are welcomed but please no tripods). SJAA official club members will set up their telescopes to help the public get the most knowledge and enjoyment out of the truly dark Starry Night sky. This is a family friendly event, but probably best for children 5 years and older. No touching the telescopes or eyepieces. No smoking, no pets, no flash photography or imaging. Please check in at the OSA's front table and let them know you are here. If you bring a white flashlight, be sure to get it wrapped in red plastic at the front table (to help preserve everyone's night vision). Rain, heavy clouds or thick smoke cancels this event. Be sure to check here, on this Meetup page, for any changes before heading out to RCDO. Please arrive no later than 1 hour prior to ending time as the gates may be closed to allow staff to prepare to wrap up the session. VERY IMPORTANT: EVENTBRITE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Please read details below: RSVP is closed for this event because OSA requires all attendees of this event to obtain an Eventbrite ticket using the link provided below. Due to limited parking spaces, we are only allotted 25 tickets from the OSA. Once they are gone, we cannot get anymore. To register for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sjaa-starry-nights-star-party-at-rcdo-september-21st-tickets-72044630429 THERE IS NO WAIT LIST. If the tickets are already sold out, please check back occasionally for any cancellations. Only those with a ticket will be allowed entry. Each Eventbrite ticket is for ONE car. For example, if you have four people in a car, just order ONE ticket.

At our "Intro to the Night Sky" talk, learn about what's happening in the night sky in the coming month and what you can see from your own backyard in San Jose. Afterward take a walk down telescope row at our In-Town Star Party. The class and the star party are free, no reservations, just show up! It's all happening at Houge Park, in San Jose. Building # 1 is at the north end of the park, near the parking lot, and near the tennis courts, off Twilight Drive. More details and past presentations can be found here: http://www.sjaa.net/beginners-astronomy/ Directions: http://www.sjaa.net/viewing-locations/#Houge_Park Hope to see you there!