SJ Astronomy

If you are new to astronomy and trying to figure out next steps but maybe not sure where to start, perhaps considering getting your own telescope, maybe we can help!

Planetarium Software Demo (Stellarium): 7:00 to 7:15
Primary Forum / Q&A Session: 7:15 to 8:15

This forum is an on-line meeting where you can chat with representatives of SJAA as well as other new astronomy enthusiasts. We'll share general tips and answer specific questions. Our goal is to give you information, so that you can make good choices for yourself and get started in a way that leads to success and joy.

You can ask any astronomy or astronomy equipment-related question, but please understand that some questions may be beyond the scope of this session. For example, we will not be able to walk through complex telescope setup procedures. If you're having specific trouble with a telescope, we'll do our best to give you tips, but we may have to refer you to further resources.

Also, if you're looking to buy binoculars or a telescope, we will not be able to give you a specific recommendation for what to get, as there is no single right answer. We will, however, give you criteria and guidelines to consider, so you can focus your own research and make an informed choice.

We will start the session by collecting the questions you want to ask. Other than that, just bring your enthusiasm for astronomy!

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 contributing member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/

Join the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) and Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (OSA) for an unforgettable night of exploring the night sky. Our knowledgeable docents, members of SJAA, will be your guides to providing valuable insights into the wonders of our universe. The viewing site, Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve, is just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose, and features darker skies than viewing from the city. It's dark enough to see the band of our Milky Way galaxy during the Summer months.

Gather with fellow space fans for an evening under the stars as we set up telescopes for an up-close experience viewing interesting objects in the nighttime sky. Connect with amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts to share in the excitement of observing the night sky in all its splendor. You may even see a meteor or satellite passing overhead. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn more about the heavens above or a seasoned stargazer seeking to deepen your knowledge, this event promises to spark curiosity and awe for the wonders of our cosmic backyard. Come join us for a star party that will leave you inspired by the beauty and science of astronomy.

THIS ACTIVITY REQUIRES REGISTRATION.

Registration for this event has a limit of approximately 85 people due to available parking space at the observing site.

If you register and then cannot attend this event, please remove your reservation, so that those on the waiting list can fill open spots.

If you are wait listed, please check back closer to the event start time to see whether you managed to get a slot that opened up.

Arrive no later than 1 hour prior to the ending time as the gates may be closed to allow Staff to prepare to wrap up the session.

After parking, please sign in at the OSA's front table and let them know you are here.

Only those registered will be allowed entry. Each entry registration is for one car. For example, if you have four people in a car, just one registration is required for your group.

The OSA is making this viewing site available for visual observing only. There are separate SJAA-sponsored astro-imaging events (see http://www.Meetup.com/SJ-Astronomy).

Some things to keep in mind:
· Do not bring your own telescope (binoculars are welcome, but please no tripods).
· This is a family friendly event, and although younger children are welcome, this activity is best suited for children aged 5 years and older.
· No touching the telescopes or eyepieces. (Maybe a focus knob, if instructed by the astronomer. It’s OK to ask).
· Dress in warm layers (it gets cold at night).
· Flashlights: To help preserve everyone's night vision, if you bring a dim white flashlight, be sure to have it wrapped in red plastic, or get it wrapped at the sign-in desk.
· Rain, heavy clouds, or thick smoke will result in cancellation of the event.
· Please check this page prior to heading to the event for latest information, such as late changes due to weather.
· No smoking and no pets.
· No flash photography.

Thank you for your interest in this event. We'll see you under the stars!!

Planning, Scheduling and Astro-Imaging with KStars
Hy Murveit

KStars is a full featured planetarium and astro-imaging program. It is free, open source, and available on Linux, Mac and Windows. Hy Murveit, one of the program's developers, will give a KStars overview, and delve into scheduling, planning and live stacking in a bit more detail. If the sky permits, there will also be a live demonstration. Check out KStars at https://kstars.kde.org/download/

************************* This is an online event *************************

The Imaging SIG meets roughly every month online to discuss topics about imaging. The SIG is open to people with absolutely no experience but want to learn what it’s all about, but experienced imagers are also more than welcome, indeed, encouraged to participate.

This event is one of several different introductions to astronomy offered by SJAA. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of amateur astronomy, starting simply and working its way up to introduce advanced concepts. You'll hear about star constellations, about types of sky objects and associated observing conditions, and about different observing tools. Through this talk, we hope you'll see astronomy as a scientific as well as a deeply reflective pursuit, full of joy and wonder.

Using the planetarium software Stellarium, we'll take the first 15 minutes to show a preview of the night sky as you'll see it during the subsequent star party. The talk will start at 6:30.

This talk will be presented by Kal Krishnan. Kal is an amateur astronomer whose passion for the cosmos began in the light-polluted skies of Mumbai with a pair of inexpensive binoculars from his father. In the 1990s, Kal rekindled his love for the stars when he acquired a used 8” Meade LX200 telescope, deepening his involvement from a visual observer to a dedicated astrophotographer. His mission now is to share the same sense of awe and excitement that has fueled his own journey and inspire others no matter the tools at their disposal.

This talk is free of charge. Just come and enjoy the show. After the talk, you can check out telescopes that will be set up as part of our In-Town Star Party. (See In Town Star Party event on Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/sj-astronomy/events/310913054/)

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/

During this event, we will ask all visitors to sign in, so that we can report attendance numbers to the city of San Jose, as San Jose has made Houge Park facilities available to SJAA to serve the public. The sign-in form will not require any detailed personal information.

Event photo: Milky Way photograph by Kal Krishnan