Observations and Star Parties

BAS has planned its next observing session, due after a long time, to it's regular observing site - Hosahalli, 70 km North Bangalore.

http://www.bas.org.in/Home/venues

This is in the June New Moon period. Check the Moon Phase here:

http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/

Agenda would be to observe the large gathering of globulars, open clusters and galaxies, with an assortation of other fascinating deep-sky objects throughout the night.

The highlight of this month is the visibility of exactly all the planets. Mars and Venus conjunction (2-degrees), with the Crescent Moon form a nice photo opportunity at dawn. Neptune and Jupiter form a closer conjunction (less than 1-degree) on this date. Pluto is comfortably placed for large apertures. Uranus and Saturn are also well visible, but the rising Mercury just grazes the horizon.

The equipment would be Hosahalli Govt High School's 8" f/8 equatorial telescope. Your own equipment is also welcome. We also plan to do some astro-photography and astro-sketching.

Since this is the monsoon season, we can only hope the skies are clear. (Many times luck even runs good when under the cloudiest of skies) ;)

Those willing to join in will have to manage their own transport. Car-pooling is always welcome during observing sessions, and we will share the fuel cost.

This is one of the 2 mock-up sessions for the MM-2009 that BAS is conducting (see the Calendar section). We have prepared an order of Messier objects to be hunted right from dusk to dawn. Techniques on finding Messiers will be taught with a 8" telescope and 10x50 binoculars.

There are 26 open clusters, objects which can be easily mastered, even through a pair of binoculars. Many of the 29 globular clusters can also be seen with binoculars. Nearly all of the 40 galaxies will require a telescope. The remaining 15 objects are assorted, requiring telescopes, binoculars or even naked-eyes. We plan to cover as many objects as possible.

Those participating in the MM-2009 on 28th March, are requested to join in for this practice session on 21st March, after the pervious one on 28th February. You are most welcome to help us and yourself, by getting your own equipments.

Location : Hosahalli, 70 km North of Bangalore
Equipments : Those possessed by self and members.

Requirements for the Final Marathon:

This is one of the 2 mock-up sessions for the MM-2009 that BAS is conducting (see the Calendar section). We have prepared an order of Messier objects to be hunted right from dusk to dawn. Techniques on finding Messiers will be taught with a 8" telescope and 10x50 binoculars.

There are 26 open clusters, objects which can be easily mastered, even through a pair of binoculars. Many of the 29 globular clusters can also be seen with binoculars. Nearly all of the 40 galaxies will require a telescope. The remaining 15 objects are assorted, requiring telescopes, binoculars or even naked-eyes. We plan to cover as many objects as possible.

Those participating in the MM-2009 on 28th March, are requested to join in for this practice session on 28th February, and another one on 21st March. You are most welcome to help us and yourself, by getting your own equipments.

Location : Hosahalli, 70 km North of Bangalore
Equipments : Govt School's 8" f/8 reflector, and binoculars possessed by members.

Contact -
Amar A. Sharma
BAS Observing Cordinator
amar_universe@yahoo.com
080-26584097 (preferably 9-11 pm daily)