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Annular Solar Eclipse - May 20th

The Local Group will be set up at Central Park in Santa Clarita for the Annular Solar Elipse that is beginning at 5:24 PDT on Sunday May 20th. This eclipse will last two hours and end around 7:42 PDT. Since sunset is at 7:52, we will miss the last part due to horizon obstructions but we'll be there 'till we can't see it anymore. Some folks may stay around and set up some scopes for some evening stargazing as well.

Public Please Note: The Local Group will be setting up special telescopes designed to safely look at the sun. These scopes have very special filters that block out most of the sun's brilliant light. They offer a spectaular view of the sun and the eclipse promises to be fantastic. Once again, these are special scopes. NEVER look directly at the sun with any type of optical device, camera, binoculars or telescope! You will be blinded instantly and permanently!

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Transit of Venus - June 5th 3pm PST 'till Sunset

This is the last transit of the planet Venus across the face of the sun for the next 100 years! Join the Local Group for this special event. We are still trying to find the best venue for this so stay tuned as we get closer to this fantastic opportunity.

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Public Star Party! - Vasquez Rocks - June 30th

Once again we are going to attempt to host a public star party at one of our favorite locations. We really need to figure this chicken swinging thing out because the last few have been rained out! What, the chickens are used to MAKE it rain?!! Doh! Ok, this time, no chickens folks!

Sunset is scheduled for 8:08 PM and we need to be out of the park by 11:30 PM.

Astronomy club members - You know the drill, members with solar scopes come out early...we may bring out some pizza and the Antelope Valley club has been invited to join us.

Vasquez Star Party Etiquite: Please try to come out before it gets dark as those headlight are really blinding. Park with your car facing away from the telescopes so you don't wipe everyone out when you leave. Flashlights are ok but keep their use to a minimum and always pointed down. We'll have enough moonlight and you'll be surprised how well you can see if your eyes are allowed to adjust to the dark.

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----- Past Events -----

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College of the Canyons Star Party - May 4th, 7:00 PM

The Local Group will join the folks from College of the Canyons at their Spring Star Party taking place on Friday, May 4th, at 7:00 pm (setup at 5:30). The public is invited to attend this awsome event. It takes place at the Canyon Country campus located at 17200 Sierra Hwy., Santa Clarita.

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Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House/ LGSCV General Meeting- May 12th

Placerita Canyon Nature Center will be hosting their annual open house on Saturday, May 12th. The Local Group will be there with Solar Scopes beginning at 10:00 am. In the evening the Local Group will be having their May meeting starting at 5:00 pm with a real quick session of nighttime viewing beginning around 7:30pm. The gates get locked at 9:00 pm sharp so look fast!

Members: There are rumors of something special at this meeting so don't miss it!

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Astronomy Day - Placerita Nature Center, Saturday, April 28

The Local Group will be holding our spring Astronomy Day activities at Placerita Canyon Nature Center on April 28th beginning at 1pm. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about our wonderful universe. The schedule is as follows:

1:00 pm SOLAR OBSERVING
Observe the sun safely through a solar telescope. Solar telescopes will be set up outside the Nature Center.

3:30 pm Special Guest Speaker, Mark Wallace

Mark Wallace is a Mission Design Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. In his 12 years with the Lab, he has helped develop concepts for robotic and human missions for Venus, the Earth, Moon, Mars, asteroids, comets, and beyond. He was recently the lead Mission Designer for a Venus lander concept and is currently a member of the operations team for the two GRAIL lunar orbiters, Ebb and Flow.

4:30 pm WHY CAN'T I FIND ANYTHING WITH MY NEW TELESCOPE?
with Jim Van Winkle
Jim will discuss the classic mistakes and problems that people encounter with their new telescopes. Topics covered will be telescope setup, finder scopes, focusing, aiming and what to expect when you look through the eyepiece.

7:00 – 8:30 pm TELESCOPE VIEWING (weather permitting)
See the Moon, Venus, Mars and Saturn and much more. Telescopes will be set up for the evening in the parking lot.

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