March (Messier Madness) Star Party - CANCELLED

March is when more Messier objects (those Deep Space Objects whose catalog number starts with an "M", like M42) are visible than any other month of the year. If you're there between 7 and 9 PM, something like 65 of the 110 Messier objects will have risen above the horizon. More will be on the way if you stay later. No doubt someone will have pointed a telescope at M82, the Cigar Galaxy, as shown in the featured image for this month, taken by an MHAA member from his back yard.

Telescope operators will arrive about 30 minutes early to set up. Observing begins about an hour after sunset and will probably end around 10, or whenever club members decide to leave.

You must RSVP with your car's make, model, and license plate number at least one day beforehand. This info is required by and sent to the State Park authorities because we are there after park hours. If you attend without being on the list and the police show up, the consequences can include revocation of our permit for after hours use.

If you have not been to one of our star parties before then please review our guide to star party etiquette.

A forecast of the viewing conditions can be found on the Astrospheric Sky Forecast. It shows various viewing conditions (cloud cover, transparency, darkness) as well as temperature, wind, etc. If you scroll down the page you'll find additional useful info such as sunset timing, position of the planets, and more.

Note: Late Winter viewing conditions can be very clear - but also cold. Since you will be standing around looking at the stars for a while you may feel even colder than otherwise when outdoors. Dress warmly and consider bringing extra layers in case you need them as the night goes on.

For further information, text or call Tim Denman at 845-245-5483 or Jack Chastain at 845-430-6851.

Image by Krists Auders, MHAA Member