NOTICE – NEW LOCATION!
6:30 pm – Introductory Presentation
Title: Kitt Peak Expanded Night Programs & Docent Opportunities
Speakers: Robert Wilson is the Nighttime Programs Coordinator for Kitt Peak Visitor Center, a member of TAAA since 2000, and a former TAAA Star Party Volunteer Coordinator. Gigi Giles is the new Volunteer & Membership Coordinator for Kitt Peak Visitor Center, and also a TAAA member.
Robert Wilson will talk about the exciting new night time programs at Kitt Peak for all levels of interest and expertise in astronomy. And Gigi Giles will speak about current opportunities for enthusiastic docent volunteers to lead daily tours of Kitt Peak’s telescopes.
7:30 pm – Main Presentation
Title: A History of the MMT Observatory; 40 Years of Innovation and Discovery
Speaker: Dr. Grant Williams is an astronomer and the current Director of the MMT Observatory on Mt. Hopkins, in Arizona. He holds a B.A. in Physics from the University of Buffalo (New York) and a PhD from Clemson University (South Carolina). Dr. Williams has been employed at the MMT Observatory since 2002, and began his appointment as its Director on January 1, 2011. His main research focuses on the study of high mass stars and supernovae.
The MMT telescope, located on Arizona’s Mount Hopkins, has been in operation for nearly four decades. During this time, the MMT has been a leader in developing new techniques and technologies for large observatories. The MMT was originally built with six 1.8 meter mirrors, and began operating in 1979 as the third largest telescope in the world. As castings of large mirrors became more possible, the array of small mirrors was replaced by one 6.5 meter mirror, which saw first light in 2000. With the MMT currently celebrating 40 years of astronomical usage, Dr. Williams presents the telescopes greatest innovations, both in design and in discoveries.
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Murphy-Wilmot Library for an evening of stargazing.
Mercury Transit Across the Sun. Monday November 11, 2019 (Veterans Day). This is a school holiday and a work holiday for many. Don’t pass up this “once-in-a-lifetime event”. A Mercury Transit (passing in front of) will NOT be visible again in the U.S. until May 7, 2049. Transits occur only 13-14 times per century. A Mercury Transit is too small to see without a properly filtered solar telescope. When you observe a transit, you see a small black circle (the planet Mercury) moving across the Sun. This event is visible throughout the U.S. TAAA will have several solar telescopes to safely view the Transit at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (3482 E River Rd, River & Alvernon) on November 11 from 7:30 – 11 am (Mercury mid-transit when it is crossing the middle of the Sun is at 8:20 am Tucson time). Sunrise November 11 is 6:49 am and the Transit will already be underway. You can follow the Mercury Transit event on our Facebook page (facebook.com/tucsonastronomy) for real-time weather updates. This event requires a clear view of the Sun (no cloud cover). CAUTION: Never look at the Sun without a proper solar filter or you can damage your eyes.
TAAA Stargazing to view amazing solar system and deep sky objects. You will see planets, nebulae, star clusters, double stars, and lots more. We will have several telescopes for public viewing. Observing location is Echo Canyon Trailhead. A talk is scheduled before observing Bonita Campground Amphitheater at 6:00 pm with observing from 7 – 9 pm. Please try to use red light flashlights and minimize white light (to include cell phones) that will hinder your night vision. Chiricahua National Monument website: https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm. Weather dependent — Follow the event on the TAAA Facebook page to get weather and other updates.
Star Party-Catalina State Park
Tucson, AZ
Viewing Location: Trailhead Picnic area at end of road inside the park.
Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Catalina State Park. Star Party open to the Public. Admission cost for entrance into Catalina State Park. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have 10 telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a wide variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
Tucson, AZ (West)
Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road.
Information: Great dark skies in Western Tucson. Star Party open to the Public. Cost: FREE. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area
Tucson, AZ (West)
Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road.
Information: Great dark skies in Western Tucson. Star Party open to the Public. Cost: FREE. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We will observe Planets, Nebulae, Galaxies, Star Clusters and lots more. Great opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes. Weather dependent. For real-time updates, follow this event on the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Facebook Events Page (https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/).
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and Oracle State Park for an evening of dark-sky Stargazing. There will be other events happening as well. Check the Oracle State Park website for additional details.
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for some Solar Observing in support of the annual Spacefest Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) event at JW Marriott starr Pass. The event will go from 9 am to 4 pm but solar observing will only be in the morning. Weather dependent.
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for some Solar Observing in support of the annual Spacefest Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) event at JW Marriott starr Pass. The event will go from 9 am to 4 pm but solar observing will only be in the morning. Weather dependent.
