The San Juan Stargazers are continuing this summer, along with the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, to have night sky programs at Chimney Rock National Monument.
The presentation on Friday, July 5, is titled Stars and Galaxies, with the gate opening at 7:30 p.m. and the program starting at 8:30 p.m.
The location for the program at the monument is always determined by the weather, which also decides whether or not we can use telescopes. Decisions are made at the moment.
On July 12, the program is entitled Our Solar System. If we are able to use telescopes, we will be focusing on the moon. The gate will open at 7:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 8:30 p.m.
At both of these events walk-ins, without reservations, are accepted. You will need to pay at the gift shop.
On July 13, is a members-only star party. It will be at Hatcher Lake (south, off Piedra Road) and will start at 8:45 p.m. There will be a special time for people with binoculars lead by Maureen Kolomeir. People can also bring their own telescopes and we will have a few club scopes available.
July meeting and potluck
July 26 will be our July monthly meeting at the Community United Methodist Church on Lewis Street. The doors will open at 4 p.m., dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., and a program will follow.
It will be a special “thank you” meeting and potluck dinner. Those being thanked do not need to bring food.
The “thank you” guests include those people who gave a Christmas gift to the San Juan Stargazers Astronomy Club and people who have participated in more than one Night Sky Program at Chimney Rock this summer. And it can also be for anyone else who wants a little thank you for all the things needed to keep a club running. Thank you, everyone.
I have always wanted to attend a potluck that runs out of food. In the history of the universe, I don’t think that has ever happened.
This is how things will work: you must RSVP so we know how many to expect. Just send a brief email with you name and the number attending to Rwoman2000@aol.com.
The club will purchase fixings for a delicious tossed salad. Grab a bottle of salad dressing out of your fridge on your way out the door.
People will meet at 4 p.m. to make the salad. The club will also purchase cakes (various kinds) and ice cream for dessert.
Those who should bring food can make a main dish, veggie dish, potato dish or whatever. Joan will be making melt-in-your-mouth meatballs from her most recently processed grass-fed steer raised at her property on her special yummy grass.
The program will be Anderson Cooper’s whole story on the James Webb Space Telescope that aired in June. It was a great program that everyone should see. We hope to see you there.
August meeting
Our August monthly meeting, which is on Aug. 22 at the church at 6 p.m. social time with program at 7 p.m., will provide an opportunity for everyone to bring your eclipse pictures and stories to share with the club.
If you are not a member, but went to some exotic location, please feel welcome to come and share your experience.
About the Stargazers
If you would like to join the San Juan Stargazers, you will also receive Reflector Magazine, which is the publication of the National Astronomical League of which you automatically become a member.
To join both groups and get an excellent astronomy magazine, annual membership is only $25 per family. You can join the club at any of our events or you can join using PayPal on our website, sanjuanstargazers.org.
Check out our continuously changing website with new information and fabulous photos.
