During these times, as we find ourselves distanced from family and friends, we have all had to adapt to a new way of life, with some strange new customs and unfamiliar activities.  And when there are so many more pressing and troubling matters that each of us has to deal with it seems trite to focus on a mere hobby.  And yet, my time at the telescope has always been a salve for me, lifting me from daily worries and giving me a few minutes or hours of respite.  This may be a strange, new world around us, but it remains a familiar and friendly sky above us.  Our old friends are still there, and still offer the same pleasures, peace and wonder that they always have.

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 April 2020
• When Things are Looking Down…Look Up!!
• Beta Testers Wanted
• NASA Night Sky Notes
• Eye Candy
• Plus More

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

Photo credit: The Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, by Bob Christmas. 

Today HAA is launching a new portal to help education, inform, and entertain the children in our lives as we adjust to the new normal of social distancing and remaining at home to flatten the curve.

To that end, we will be posting a daily astronomy or STEM based activity to help foster the learning process.

The new portal can be accessed here.

Unfortunately it has become clear that the only prudent action under the current circumstances is to cancel the March meeting of the HAA.  Do NOT go to the meeting location tomorrow (Friday March 13, 2020)

We know that it is disappointing, but considering the small, enclosed meeting space, demographic of our group and various other factors (as outlined by the Public Health Agency of Canada), cancelling is the only responsible course of action.  In the end, it is a small sacrifice to make in order to ensure the safety and well being of our fellow members and the community at large.

The status of the April meeting will be determined at a later date.

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

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

Join us on February 14^th 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.

Join us on January 10^th 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”

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. 

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