General Meeting for February 10^th 2017.

Barry Sherman will be discussing Chromatic Aberration and ways to mitigate this issue in your telescope optics. Barry will also include a few sample telescopes which suffer from heavy Chromatic Aberration and other issues so that you can stay away from these types of telescopes. Bernie Venasse will then open the floor in an open forum style chat to learn what you think of the club. We would like to hear your thoughts, comments and ways to improve your club.

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The February issue of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Event Horizon newsletter is now available for download!

In this issue you’ll find…

• Cleaning the Optics on a 1975 Celestron C8
• Our Universe in a Cup of Coffee
• Tracking Vesta
• The Sky This Month
• 2017 Calendar of Events

Download the latest issue or visit the newsletters section for past issues.

Photo credit: The Moon & Venus by Chris White

General Meeting for January 13^th 2016.

Bernie Venasse will be speaking about caring for your telescope optics which includes a video from Sky and Telescope. Bernie Venasse is HAA Chairman and has been an active astronomer since the days of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. He is an active member of the British Astronomical Association, The International Dark Sky Association, the Astronomical League and Astronomers without Borders.

Kevin Salwach will also be speaking on his favourite astronauts. Kevin Salwach is an HAA Councillor-at-Large, and has been a member of the club since 2009. Also a member of the British Astronomical Association and the International Dark Sky Association, Kevin is a devoted backyard astronomer and avid naturalist. He can frequently be found exploring the night sky with his 10″ Dob from his home on the West Mountain here in Hamilton.

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The January issue of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Event Horizon newsletter is now available for download!

In this issue you’ll find…

• The Casimir Effect and Black Holes
• HAA is a Gift
• December 2016 General Meeting Summary
• The Sky This Month
• 2017 Calendar of Events
• The 2017 HAA Celestial Events Calendar

Download the latest issue or visit the newsletters section for past issues.

Photo credit: The Dumbbell Nebula (M27), by Bernd Mueller.

General Meeting for December 9^th 2016

Dr. Gord Williams will be talking about the design and construction of the observatory he made at his cottage in the Muskokas, and the challenges and victories involved. He will also share some collected stories about astronomy, and the visual treats he has observed over the years.

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The December issue of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Event Horizon newsletter is now available for download!

In this issue you’ll find…

• The Sky this Month
• Astrophysics Discussion Group Meeting Summary
• Wanted – Dead and Alive Part III
• The Twelve Days of Christmas
• Super Moon Gallery
• The 2017 HAA Celestial Events Calendar

Download the latest issue or visit the newsletters section for past issues.

Photo credit: The Ring Nebula, David T.

General Meeting for November 11^th 2016

Almost every day someone enters the store asking how to pick out a telescope and then how to use one. Experienced observers seem to struggle as well. Here are some tips on how to make your observing session fun and productive.

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The November issue of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers Event Horizon newsletter is now available for download!

In this issue you’ll find…

• The Sky this Month
• In the Shadow of the Moon; an occultation story
• Wanted – Dead and Alive Part II
• Upcoming McCallion Planetarium Shows
• The 2017 HAA Celestial Events Calendar

Download the latest issue or visit the newsletters section for past issues.

Photo credit: HAA Telescope Clinic, by John Gauvreau

The Hamilton Amateur Astronomers 2017 Celestial Calendar is now available!

This cosmic collection of club member photos is out of this world and set to blast off at the next General Meeting (Nov 11) for $15 each or two for $25. Each month includes upcoming celestial events, historical dates in astronomy, Moon phases and more to keep you informed this 2017. Packed full of beautiful astro-photos each month will inspire your own astrophotography and visual observing sessions.

All revenue generated from calendar sales goes back into the club to help support future club activities! Be sure to beam-up your calendar and don’t forget they also make excellent gifts!

Dec 19, 2016 Update: Hamilton Community News Article

Come join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers this November 19th between 1 and 4pm for our Telescope Clinic and open house! At this event you’ll find knowledgable amateur astronomers with their telescopes and gear on display and available to answer questions. This is a great opportunity if you’re thinking about getting into astronomy! Learn where to get started, the type of gear you should buy and more importantly avoid. Already an amateur astronomer? This is a great way to take your hobby to the next level and learn about more advanced topics such as CCD imaging, auto guiding and more!

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