SCAS Hotline: (305) 661-1375

C2009R1 Comet McNaught by SCAS VP Tim Khan & Steve Van Ryn

Taken: June 12, 2010, 20-2 minute exposures thru Nikon D700 attached to Steve's TEC 140 on his Losmandy G-11 mount. Tim used the hand held programmable long exposure cable to set the exposure sequence so no computer was used. Frame calibration included darks, flats and Bias frames, which were processed with DeepSkyStacker (freeware, and works great). The images were taken from just after 4am to 5am when twilight began.

Click on the Coal Sack Logo to download the latest issue of the Official Newsletter of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society

SCAS EVENTS FOR AUGUST- SEPTEMBER 2010

SCAS Public Program

STARLIGHT FROM THE SOUTH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th, 8 p.m., Southern Cross Astros proudly present SCAS Honorary member and FIU research astronomer DR. JAMES R. WEBB describing STARLIGHT FROM THE SOUTH. An exciting program with stunning celestial images from the new FIU research telescope located at Cerro Tololo, Chile, captured by astronomers in the Physics Dept., FIU main campus.

Better known as S.A.R.A.-South (Southeastern Association of Research Astronomers is comprised of 11 universities) the new equipment will allow students to observe very dark skies in the southern hemisphere for future assignments. S.A.R.A.-North was the first FIU research telescope installed on a mountain ledge 7,000 ft. high in the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.DR. WEBB is the "creative mastermind" who was determined to establish and link both installations to the FIU Dept. of Physics on the W. Miami campus. It provides faculty and students a window to very dark skies, in north & south hemispheres, a magnificent treasure trove of near and distant objects and continuing activity across the cosmos.

DR. WEBB will also give the latest update of progress for the new FIU student observatory which finally has been approved, state-funded, and will be under construction in 2011. This is another vital link to benefit FIU students. With countless time and patience, he has forged through a decade of delays, detours and barricades, assisted by a private donation and state-matching funds, to finally reach his goal.

Bring friends, future astronomers and classmates FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th to witness STARLIGHT FROM THE SOUTH with the FIU MVP who made it all possible! SCAS free program includes lively discussions, prizes and a food buffet in CP-145, FIU Physics Building, Modesto Maidique Campus. Park in the garage SW 109Avenue/SW 8 Street. Call: SCAS Hotline for latest updates: 305-661-1375.

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SCAS Program: TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CRUISE, Friday, October 15th - FIU.

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For latest daily images of solar power by SOHO & SDO spacecraft, and colorful auroras,

www.spaceweather.com

For the Miami track of the Int'l Space Station:(visible 1 hr. prior to sunrise or after sunset)

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_States

 

SCAS SATURDAY NITE LIVE!

Weather permitting, qualified SCAS Astros will advise and assist members and public with their telescope, computer, tripod, camera problems, Saturday evenings 8 p.m. Bring equipment to the outdoor SCAS Observing deck, Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center at SW 176 Street, 1/2 mile west of Old Cutler Road.

Questions? Leave message: 305-661-1375.

 

Call SCAS Hotline: 305-661-1375 for latest SCAS events/ISS schedules/ changes.
Check the weekly SCAS Stargazer in the Saturday Miami Herald, Tropical Life.

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SAFE SOLARVIEWING continues Saturdays 10 a.m.-Noon, with SCAS Astros at the waterfall entrance to MetroZoo, 12400 SW 152 Street. You may see powerful solar activity as it occurs LIVE-- 8 1/2 minutes later!  Weather permitting.  Saturdays 9:30 a.m. call the Solar Update 305-661-1375 x 3 or visit the SCAS Solar Web Page for more information!