From March through October, the TCAA holds monthly observing sessions
that are open to the public. These "star parties" are held at our observatory at
the Sugar Grove Nature Center, a dark sky site southwest of Bloomington.
In 2018, we will hold the following observing sessions
Additional prominent sky objects such as planets, nebulae,
star clusters, and galaxies will be viewed when visible.
| Date | Featured Topic | Time |
| March 17 | March Public Observing - Orion, the Hunter | 07:30PM - 09:30PM |
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Orion, the Hunter
This constellation is so large and complex, that it is can serve as the basis for learning everything one needs to know about the field of Astronomy. Learn about this celestial marvel.
Vivian Hoette led our discussion of Orion, photography and our love and awe of astronomy during the 45 minute presentation.
The cool weather and overcast skies that only occasionally let the brightest stars shine through prevented members from setting up their scopes.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
|
| April 14 | April Public Observing - Galaxies – Deep-space Wonders | 08:00PM - 10:00PM |
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Galaxies – Deep-space Wonders
No time of year is better for observing the galaxies of deep space than spring. At this time of year, the Milky Way rings the horizon and our overhead view exposes the depths of space.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
|
| May 19 | May Public Observing - Our Magnificent Moon | 08:45PM - 10:45PM |
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Our Magnificent Moon
The moon has many regular features and changing appearances. Learn about our nearest neighbor in space, and observe the 5-day-old moon through a telescope.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
|
| June 16 | June Public Observing - Jupiter – The King of the Planets | 09:00PM - 11:00PM |
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Jupiter – The King of the Planets
The solar system’s largest planet, learn about this gas giant and its many amazing moons. Jupiter is so large it can hold as many as 1,300 planet Earths.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
|
| July 14 | July Public Observing - Saturn – The Ringed Wonder | 09:00PM - 11:00PM |
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Saturn – The Ringed Wonder
Our beautiful ringed planet is showing its glories this month. Join us in exploring the planet, its moons, and results from NASA’s decades-long Cassini mission.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
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| August 11 | August Public Observing - Perseid Meteor Shower | 08:30PM - 10:30PM |
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Perseid Meteor Shower
Earth year during the mid-August, Earth passes through the tail of Comet Swift–Tuttle and this results in a meteor show. This year’s prospects for observing are good.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
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| September 08 | September Public Observing - Mars – The Red Planet | 08:00PM - 10:11PM |
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Mars – The Red Planet
Every 25 months the Red Planet graces our evening sky. This year Mars will make its closest approach in many years, and will appear it largest in decades.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
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| October 13 | October Public Observing - Globular Clusters | 07:00PM - 09:00PM |
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Globular Clusters
These star clusters are among the very oldest star systems within the Milky Way galaxy. Today a swarm of perhaps 150 tightly-packed clusters orbit the core of our home galaxy.
In addition to our presentation, we will have a laser-guided sky tour and telescope observing.
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If you would like to arrange a special event for your group, please follow this link to Request a Special Event.