Date/Time

Event / Location

Description

Speaker: Various TAAA members
Title: Backyard Observatories

Amateur observatories are becoming very common. There are books on how to build them, companies that sell plans, kits to be assembled, and companies that will build a turnkey system for you. Designs include simple roll-away buildings, roll-off roofs, and domes. An observatory allows amateurs to keep their gear ready to go, and can dramatically increase your observing time and the enjoyment you get out of it.

With Tucson's excellent skies for astronomy, many of our own members have built observatories. No two are alike, and each builder faced challenges and creatively solved issues with construction and use of their observatory. Our March meeting will consist of member presentations highlighting their backyard observatories, and will provide members with valuable information to use on their own setups. We'll also be hosting weekend field trips to some of these observatories. Whether you already have an observatory, are considering building one, or just want to see what your peers are up to, you won't want to miss this one!

The TAAA will have hands-on activities for people of all ages and a few solar telescopes for safe viewing of the sun.

Astronomy Essential Lecture at 6:30pm
Speaker: Dr Mary Turner
Title: Seasonal Objects

Dr Mary Turner will present a series of objects visible in the spring sky. This will include information about objects and some mythology.

Invited Lecture at 7:30pm
Speaker: Dr Carol Locust
Title: Native American Concepts of Sky Beings

Native American tribes have concepts of the sky, all the objects in it, activities among the objects, and the relationships of Sky Beings and earth people. Many of the concepts are ancient knowledge passed from each generation to the next, knowledge that tribal members had long before modern scientist discovered them. Night Sky Beings are very important for Native cultural ceremonies, most of which are conducted according to Night Sky Being's positions in the sky.

Afternoon activities include solar viewing and hands-on activities for adults and youth. In the evening, several TAAA members will make their telescopes available for the public to view the wonders of the night sky. There is no charge for this event, but donations for the Sharing the Sky Foundation will be accepted.

Speaker: Various TAAA members
Title: Members Night

Twice a year, TAAA members have a chance to make presentations at a monthly meeting about astronomical projects they are working on. We never know what to expect, but Member's Night is always interesting. As the date gets closer, we'll have an idea of some of the topics that will be presented. These meetings are open to the public.