This page requires JavaScriptThis page requires a browser that supports JavaScript 1.1 or higher. Your browser either does not support JavaScript, or it has JavaScript support disabled. If you want to correctly view this page, please update your browser or enable JavaScript support.

ObSIG Main Page Ghost Hunt Challenge CLASS Observing Lists
Messier Marathon

ObSIG (Observing Special Interest Group)

CLASS Observing Lists

The City Lights Astronomical Society for Students’ (CLASS) Observing Lists are programs for beginners. Anyone can use them to familiarize themselves with the night sky. At the completion of each program you will receive recognition from CLASS and a nice lapel pin to wear proudly. CLICK HERE to learn more about these programs and to download the PDF.

Meeting Notes

Here are the Session Notes of our online meetings. Those that did not attend or joined after the meeting occurred should find this info very helpful. PDF

2020

Session 1 - July 22, 2020

Getting Started in Observing

Session 2 - August 19, 2020

Star Hopping and Using Star Charts

Session 3 - September 16, 2020

How to Buy a Telescope

Ghost Hunt Challenge 2020

Session 4 - October 20, 2020

Weather Resources

Session 5 - November 18, 2020

Evaluating and Selecting Astronomical Eyepieces

2021

Session 6 - January 20, 2021

Astronomical Christmas Toys

Session 7 - February 24, 2021

Observing Winter Deep Sky Objects in Lupis and Orion

Session 8 - March 17, 2021

Observing Aids and Star Atlases

Session 9 - April 21, 2021

Observing Galaxies in Leo
Using Sky Safari Astronommy Software

Session 9 - April 21, 2021

Observing Galaxies in Leo
Using Sky Safari Astronommy Software

Session 10 - May 19, 2021

Observing Spring Globular Clusters
Star Parties
Equipment Check List

Session 11 - June 16, 2021

Observing Objects in Ophiuchus, Serpens Caput, Hercules and Scorpius

Session 12 - July 21, 2021

Observing list of Objects for July/August 2021

Session 13 - August 18, 2021

Observing Sagittarius for Small Telescopes

Session 14 - September 8, 2021

Inside the Summer Triangle

Session 15 - October 13, 2021

Session 15 - The Ghost Hunt Challenge

Session 16 - November 10, 2021

Hopping Around Andromeda

Welcome to TAS Observing Special Interest Group

Is it time to start a new special interest group? We think so!

Announcing ObSIG or the Observing Special Interest Group for TAS Dallas.

If your biggest interest in astronomy lies with getting to see interesting objects through a telescope (particularly through your own telescope) then this is the group for you. We intend to create a greater interest in visual observing and hold monthly meetings to discuss our most interesting finds. Once the new group comes together we can decide on which area to concentrate our attention for the upcoming month. Perhaps, we will tackle Dennis and Chaz’s monthly list or look for objects on one of the many Astronomical League Observing programs. Then there are meteor showers, conjunctions of planets, space station sightings and many other things that the members would find exciting and bring into the discussion. Of course during the COVID 19 virus, our meetings will have to be held on line, perhaps on Zoom or Facebook.

…and don’t forget to record what you see. Just because we are having trouble with the virus does not mean you have to give up the hobby you love. The Atoka dark site is open under certain restrictions, so contact TAS secretary Frank Costanho for these details. But… you don’t have drive a hundred miles just to have fun under the stars. We are trying to find a darker place to observe closer to the city that will be safe and easily accessible. And if you do want to observe form your back yard or neighborhood park let me point out several exciting programs that you can follow right here in the city.

The Lunar Program: one of the simplest and most fun programs provided by the Astronomical League. The moon makes trouble for deep sky observers about half of every month, so why not learn basics about its craters, mares and mountains? Our guests at the public star parties will love the knowledge you learn that you can share with them.
Double Stars: most all of them can be separated with a four-inch scope from right in the city. I found this program to be relaxing and many stars have some very beautiful colors. Also, there are programs for both telescope and binoculars.
Urban Observing Program: just like it sounds, must be done from the city and suburbs. TAS member John Wagoner created it and several of our clubs members have completed it. This would be a good one for experienced people who are looking for a challenge under city lights.
Sunspotters Observing Program: I mean the sun is up every day and you don’t have to go anywhere special to see it. Of course, you need special filters/telescopes to see it safely. Do follow all safety rules. The program includes following the development and life cycle of sunspots and does ask for some sketching of what you see. The notes that I saw presented by TAS member John Dorio were fascinating.

Be on the lookout for news about ObSIG and keep looking up. Have fun. Clear skies to all.

If you would like to attend an online ObSIG meeting, send an e-Mail to:

Lloyd Lashbrook
Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas
6001 Frontier Ln. Plano, TX 75023
lblashbrook@gmail.com
972-424-1520

For more information about the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas, or to request an Information Packet and Membership Application, contact TAS at:

Apply Online to join.
E-Mail: info@texasastro.org	Regular Mail: Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas P.O. BOX 830742 Richardson, Texas 75083-0742

ObSIG Main Page Ghost Hunt Challenge CLASS Observing Lists Messier Marathon

ObSIG (Observing Special Interest Group)

ObSIG Main Page Ghost Hunt Challenge CLASS Observing Lists
Messier Marathon