March 2020 Event Horizon Newsletter

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

In this issue you’ll find…

• February Astrophysics Group Meeting Summary
• The Sky This Month for March 2020
• BASEF Honours Michael Jefferson
• NASA Night Sky Notes
• Upcoming McCallion Planetarium Shows
• Upcoming Events
• Plus More

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

Photo credit: Orion’s Sword and Nebula, by John Gauvreau

February 2020 Event Horizon Newsletter

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

In this issue you’ll find…

  • The Sky This Month for February 2020
  • NASA Night Sky Notes
  • Eye Candy
  • The Summer “Impromptu” Star Party
  • Upcoming McCallion Planetarium Shows
  • Upcoming Events
  • Plus More

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

Photo credit: The stars of Orion, by Sylvie Gionet

How to Enjoy Double-Star Observing

Join us on February 14th 2020 at 7:30pm – Admission is free and everyone is welcome!

Did you know that about 85% of the stars in the sky belong to multiple-star systems?

This month, our very own Bernie Venasse presents an introduction to DOUBLE STARS with emphasis on how to observe, measure and record your targets. Join him for an informative discussion about what you need to know to enjoy double-star observing.

Bernie Venasse is a former Hamilton Amateur Astronomers 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 Astronomical League, AAVSO, ALPO, and RASC.

He has received various awards from the Astronomical League including the Binocular Messier Award, Lunar Program Award, Outreach Award, Comet Observers’ Award, and three challenging Double Star Program Awards. Bernie has been awarded the prestigious Master Observer Award from the Astronomical League.

Bernie is a frequent user of the Binbrook Conservation Area site and whether he is using a solar scope, a refractor, or reflector there, on a street corner, or in a neighbourhood park, Bernie is always willing to give his time to assist a fellow astronomer.

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Show and Tell the HAA Way

Join us on January 10th 2020 at 7:30pm – Admission is free and everyone is welcome!

On Friday January 10th we will enjoy our first meeting of 2020!  In the wake of the gift giving season there are surely many new astro toys out there.  At our meeting we have several members bringing in new gear to show, and tales to tell why they are so enthused about their new acquisitions.

All members are invited to participate.  If you would like to share a story about a piece of equipment, new or old, large or small, please get in touch.  Telescopes, eyepieces, books, accessories and anything astro related is welcome.  It’s all good!  And the more participants we have the better!

Each member need only spend a couple of minutes sharing their story about their item.  To be part of this fun evening and get in the lineup just get in touch with our Chair John Gauvreau via email at “chair ‘at’ amateurastronomy.org”

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January 2020 Event Horizon Newsletter

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

In this issue you’ll find…

  • The Sky This Month for January 2020
  • A Night Under The Stars – Finally!
  • NASA Night Sky Notes
  • Eye Candy
  • Upcoming McCallion Planetarium Shows
  • Upcoming Events
  • Plus More

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

Photo credit: M42 the Orion Nebula, and the Running Man Nebula, by Mike Hamilton. 

December 2019 Event Horizon Newsletter

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

In this issue you’ll find…

• The 2019 Christmas Social
• November Astrophysics Group Meeting Summary
• The Sky This Month for December 2019
• NASA Night Sky Notes
• Eye Candy
• 2018-2019 Financial Statements
• Upcoming Events
• Plus More

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

Photo credit: Galaxy NGC 891 in Andromeda, by Matthew Mannering

An Astronomical Christmas Tale: The Star of Bethlehem

Join us on December 13th  2019 at 7:30pm – Admission is free and everyone is welcome!

HAA welcomes our very own Kevin Salwach as our guest speaker for our final meeting of 2019. There are also some 2020 calendars available so grab yours now as they also make a great stocking stuffer!

It is perhaps one of the most well known Biblical narratives. A dazzling star shining in the east, guiding the Magi towards the Nativity of Jesus Christ. It has become a centrepiece of the Nativity story, and a staple of Christmas lore. Surprisingly however, there is very little discussion of the Star of Bethlehem in the Gospels, and it’s true nature has been the topic of debate for centuries. Kevin will be discussing the many theories put forth over the years to scientifically explain what exactly the Three Wise Men were following towards Jesus’ manger two millenia ago, and whether the Star of Bethlehem was simply an astronomical phenomenon, or a miraculous sign from above in this Christmas themed talk at our December meeting.

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Fall HAA Scope Clinic and Workshop

Join us this Friday November 15 at the Hamilton Spectator building for our Fall Scope Clinic and Workshop. It will be an evening to show off your astronomy gear (or tips on fixing it) and to listen to some very informative speakers on a wide array of topics and answer all of your questions.

Some of the topics to be covered include Planispheres, the beginning astronomer, telescope expectations and much more.

The scope clinic will run from 6:00 -7:30 PM, with the workshops starting immediately after at 7:30 – 9:30.

Admission is free so bring your family and friends!

Location:
Hamilton Spectator Building
44 Frid St, Hamilton

When:
Friday, November 15th, 6:00 – 10:00pm

Food Share Donations:
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hamilton Food Share program will be collected at this meeting. Please drop off any items at the drop-box located near the entrance of the auditorium. All donations gratefully accepted and thanks to your generosity we’ve collected thousands of pounds of food since we began. Let’s keep up the great work as the need continues.

Photo credit: John Gauvreau

The 2020 Calendar is Now Available!

The Hamilton Amateur Astronomers 2020 Celestial Events Calendar is now available and it’s out of this world!

It will be available for purchase at this Friday’s meeting.  The cost is only $15 or 2 calendars for $25. It’s loaded with beautiful astrophotos from our very own members and lots of great observing info.

The calendar makes a beautiful gift and all the proceeds go back into the club to help with activities like the telescope loaner program, public observing programs and our monthly lecture series.  

So be sure to pick up your copy on Friday as they go very quickly!

November 2019 Event Horizon Newsletter

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

In this issue you’ll find…

  • October Astrophysics Group Meeting Summary
  • The Sky for November 2019
  • NASA Night Sky Notes
  • Eye Candy
  • A “Head-Up”: Upcoming and Online Shows
  • Upcoming Events
  • Plus More

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

Photo credit: The Andromeda Galaxy (M31), by Christopher Strejch