https://kasonline.org/observing.html

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45In the fading light of a clear evening, we watch the stars appear. One by one, they fill the night sky. Before long, the heavens will be filled
46with innumerable points of ancient light. The stars appear to be grouped into patterns: the Big Dipper, Orion the Hunter, Cygnus the
47Swan, and more.
48<br><br>
49A telescope can take us further. Craters and mountains on the Moon, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, and the rings of Saturn fill us with awe and 
50wonder. Much more distant are the deep-sky objects: star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. They all await you at the 
51<a href="http://www.naturecenter.org/" target="_blank">Kalamazoo Nature Center</a>!
52<br><br>
53The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society (KAS) invites you to witness nature’s grandest spectacle - the universe itself! From April through October,
54the KAS welcomes the general public to join us under the stars for a night of stargazing.
55<br><br>
56Telescopes of all shapes and sizes will be set up for your viewing pleasure near <a href="owl.html">Owl Observatory</a>, located on the grounds 
57of the Nature Center. The observatory itself, featuring our 16-inch <a href="ashby-telescope.html">Leonard James Ashby Telescope</a>, will 
58also be available for use.<br>
59<br>
60<div class="td-center">
61<img src="images/LJAT.jpg" class="img-borders rimage" alt="[Ashby Telescope]"></div>
62<br>
63<h2 class="title td-left">Telescope Clinic</h2>
64Do you have a telescope that you would like to learn how to operate or get help with setting up? KAS members will be on hand at the start of
65each session to give you a one-on-one tutorial. Learn how to properly assemble and balance your telescope, align the finderscope and
66computer, and choose the appropriate eyepieces. We can even help you learn how to find objects in the sky!<br>
67<br>
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83<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="smalltext2">KAS members assist guests with their telescopes.</span></div>
84<br>
85Please arrive as soon as the gates open, so we can help you set up and use your telescope before it gets too dark. Consult the schedule below for
86start times.<br>
87<br>
88<h2 class="title td-left">Constellation Workshop</h2>
89Would you like to learn how to identify bright stars and major constellations? During each observing session, one of our veteran stargazers 
90will teach participants to find those elusive patterns in the sky with a simple monthly star map, which will be provided by the KAS. A green 
91laser pointer that projects a visible beam into the sky will be used to trace out the constellations and asterisms. Just like at a planetarium - 
92only under the real night sky!<br>
93<br>
94<div class="td-center">
95<img src="images/green-laser.jpg" class="img-borders rimage" alt="[Constellation Tour]"></div>
96<br>
97<h2 class="title td-left">Red Lights at Night</h2>
98Visitors should bring a flashlight with a <span class="hilite">RED</span> light to use for the walk from the parking lot 
99to the observatory and for reading star maps. This can be as simple as covering the front of a regular flashlight with several layers of red 
100plastic. Free apps are also available for download that turn your smart phone screen <span class="hilite">RED</span>.
101No white lights or automobile lights are allowed near the observing area after dusk. Use <span class="hilite">RED</span>
102flashlights to preserve night vision, and please keep them pointed downward!<br>
103<br>
104<h2 class="title td-left">Directions to the Nature Center</h2>
105<br>
106<span style="color: black;">__</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="hilite2">From US 131:</span><br>
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108Exit at D Avenue (Exit 44) and travel approximately 4 miles east on D Avenue to North Westnedge. Turn right on North Westnedge, go approximately one
109mile, and turn left at the Kalamazoo Nature Center sign.<br>
110</div>
111<br>
112<span style="color: black;">__</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="hilite2">From Interstate 94:</span><br>
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113Exit at US 131 North (Exit 74) and follow the above directions.<br>
114</div>
115<br>
116<span style="color: black;">__</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="hilite2">From downtown Kalamazoo:</span><br>
117<div style="margin-left: 40px;">Follow
118Park Street north through downtown Kalamazoo. Park Street will turn into Business Loop 131. Follow the sign to the right directing you to
119North Westnedge Avenue and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Follow North Westnedge approximately 3 miles and turn right at the Kalamazoo Nature
120Center sign, just past E Avenue.<br>
121</div>
122<br>
123<h2 class="title td-left">Rules of Conduct</h2>
124Public Observing Sessions are held to promote astronomy and for your enjoyment of the sky. In order to ensure safety, protect equipment, and enhance
125everyone's enjoyment, we ask that you follow the Code of Conduct:
126
127	<ul><li>Pets are not permitted on the Nature Center grounds.</li></ul>
128	<ul><li>Smoking, vaping, and alcoholic beverages are never permitted within the Kalamazoo Nature Center.</li></ul>
129	<ul><li>Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.</li></ul>
130	<ul><li>Aerosol bug spray repellent may only be applied away from the telescopes. (Sprays produce a fine mist that can settle on optical surfaces and is very difficult to clean.)</li></ul>
131	<ul><li>Remove any trash and keep the premises clean.</li></ul>
132<br>
133
134<h2 class="title td-left">Observing Field</h2>
135Once you reach the Nature Center, you'll drive past the main gate to the parking lot at the end of the long driveway. (Look for our
136signs to guide your way.) Only members or visitors with heavy equipment and handicapped individuals are allowed to drive down the dirt service road
137leading to the observing field and observatory. All others must park in the main lot and walk down (north) the service road towards the
138observatory. This rule will be strictly enforced as the space around the observing area is limited.<br>
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163<h2 class="title td-left">Admission</h2>
164The KAS does not charge for its Public Observing Sessions. However, the Kalamazoo Nature Center does reserve the right to collect an admission fee. They have not chosen to 
165do so for the past several years. KAS and KNC members are always guaranteed free admission with their membership cards.<br>
166<br>
167<h2 class="title td-left">Gallery</h2>
168You can view images from past sessions in the <a href="gallery/observing/index.html">Observing Session Gallery</a>.<br>
169<br>
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172<h2><a href="files/KASOS2026.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Schedule & Brochure</a></h2>
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