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The KAS is one of
the most active organizations in West Michigan.
We hold a wide variety of entertaining
and educational events throughout the community. Below is a
schedule of all of our upcoming activities. This page is
updated regularly, so please visit often. Unless noted
otherwise, all KAS activities are open to the general public.
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Observing Session
Saturday, March 13 @
7:00 pm
| Kiwanis Conservation Area |
The work of comet-hunter and nebulae cataloger
Charles Messier comes alive in March of each year as amateur
astronomers
participate in a one night search for all of the objects in his catalog
of
nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. By a quirk of fate, we are
fortunate
that most of the objects Messier and Méchain took 24 years to
discover
can be
observed in one night around the time of the vernal
equinox. Members are
encouraged to bring a good pair of binoculars or a telescope and
participate in
this one night race across the sky.
Please Note: This
session is for KAS Members and their guests
only. If you'd like to attend then JOIN
the KAS today! Our
regular pubic sessions will resume in April.
Full Moon Theater
Saturday, March 27 @ 7:00 pm
| WMU Main Campus - 1110 Rood Hall
Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the completion of his
3-year-long contract with Lunar Industries, mining Earth's primary
source of energy on the dark side of the moon. Alone with only the
base's vigilant computer Gerty (voiced by Oscar-Winner Kevin Spacey,
1999 Best Actor, American
Beauty) as his sole companion,
Bell's extended isolation has taken its toll. His only link to the
outside world comes from satellite messages from his wife and young
daughter. He longs to return home, but a
terrible accident on the lunar surface leads to a disturbing discovery
that contributes to his growing sense of paranoia and dislocation so
many miles away from home. Moon is an engrossing, intelligent sci-fi
thriller that ranks with genre classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Admission is FREE! The KAS will provide the popcorn and soft drinks. You just need to show up and have a great time!
Directions:
Head north up the Howard Street hill from the intersection of Howard
and Stadium Drive. Turn right onto W. Michigan Ave. and then go
left at the round-a-bout. Turn right into the employee/student
parking lot. Parking is perfectly safe and free for anyone all
day on Saturday. Rood Hall is located just past Everett Tower.
General
Meeting
Friday, April 9 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
Carl
Sagan said it best: “We are made of star stuff”. Stars are born, live their lives and
die. The most massive stars die in
cataclysmic explosions called supernova. During this process they spread their
newly-made elements across the Galaxy where they’re later used in a new
generation of stars. The Sun, its
planets, and YOU are made from recycled star stuff. Join us as Will Millar talks about the death
stages of medium and high mass stars and how these end stages create the
chemical elements used to make living organisms.
About the
Speaker:
Will Millar teaches astronomy at Grand Rapids Community
College and is the author of The Amateur
Astronomer’s Introduction to the Celestial Sphere. Mr. Millar is also a member
of both the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society and Grand Rapids Amateur
Astronomical Association.
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, April 10 @ 8:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a spring
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the night include Venus, Saturn, the Great Nebula in Orion, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, April 17 @ 8:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a spring
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include Venus, Saturn, open clusters of Auriga, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Kingman Star Party
Saturday, April 17 @ 8:00 pm
| Kingman Museum |
Do you have a
telescope you’ve always wanted to use, but never knew how? The
Kingman Museum in Battle Creek is hosting a star party and telescope
workshop on Saturday April 1th from 8 to 11 pm. The Kalamazoo
Astronomical Society will set up telescopes and show visitors how
telescopes work and how they are made. There will be several
different telescopes on hand; some of which were made by KAS
members. There will also be a live shows in the planetarium.
You’re encouraged to bring your own telescopes, lawn chairs, and
snacks.
Astronomy Day
Saturday, April 24 @ TBA
| Location(s) TBA
Details on our biggest outreach event of the year will be announced soon. Keep your eye on our special Astronomy Day website...
General
Meeting
Friday, May 7 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
Most stars will end their lives as white dwarfs. Understanding
these stars is important to building our knowledge of stellar
evolution. Furthermore, white dwarf stars are valuable tracers of
evolution of the galaxy. These stars present opportunities to study the
physics of matter under extreme conditions. Some white dwarf stars are
variable stars which pulsate. Using high-speed photometry, we're able
to probe the structure of these stars.
About the
Speaker:
Bio coming soon...
Field Trip
Saturday, May 8 @ Time TBA
| Celebration Cinema North
KAS members and invited friends will head up to Grand Rapids and enjoy Hubble 3D on the really, really big screen together. Details will appear in the May issue of Prime Focus.
Movie Details:
Experience the gripping story - full of hope, crushing disappointment,
dazzling ingenuity, bravery, and triumph - in Hubble 3D.
Vividly captured in IMAX 3D, Hubble 3D recounts the amazing journey of
the most important scientific instrument since Galileo's original
telescope and the greatest success in space since the Moon Landing - the
Hubble Space Telescope. Audiences will accompany the space walking
astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult tasks ever
undertaken in NASA's history, and will experience up close the awesome
power of the launches, the heartbreaking setbacks, and the dramatic
rescues of this most powerful story.
Hubble 3D will also reveal the cosmos as never before, allowing viewers
of all ages to explore the grandeur of the nebulae and galaxies, the
birth and death of stars, and some of the greatest mysteries of our
celestial surroundings, all in amazing IMAX 3D.
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, May 8 @ 8:30 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a spring
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include Venus, Saturn, Galaxies of the Virgo Cluster, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, May 22 @ 8:30 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a spring
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include Venus, Saturn, Double Stars of Spring, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
General
Meeting
Friday, June 4 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
Details coming soon...
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, June 5 @ 9:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a spring
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include Saturn, Grand Globular Clusters, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Kiwanis Star Party
Saturday, June 12 @ 9:00 pm
| Kiwanis Conservation Area |
The KAS and Battle
Creek Kiwanis Club of will co-host a public star party on
Saturday, June 12th. Gates open at 9:00 pm. It’ll be held
at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area on 15th Avenue, 3.6 miles north
of Turkeyville in Calhoun County. Admission is free.
The Kiwanis Area offers some excellent dark skies. We'll be able to
take full advantage of the summer Milky Way and its wealth of star
clusters and bright nebulae. As with our Public Observing Sessions at
the Nature Center, we'll offer assistance with telescopes and give a
guided tour of the night sky.
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, June 19 @ 9:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a spring
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include Saturn, the First Quarter Moon, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
General
Meeting
Friday, July 9 @ 7:00 pm
| Location TBA
Today the astronomical marketplace is flooded with telescopes and
accessories of all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. However, even with the wealth of goods now
available, there are some gadgets that can only be hand crafted. It just goes to show that necessity really is
the mother of invention and thankfully amateur astronomers are an ingenious lot. There are also some items that are far
cheaper to build yourself.
For our next meeting we invite KAS members to
trot out the results of their latest brainstorming. Please feel free to bring any previously seen
doodads, doohickeys, and devices from past Gadget Nights as well - odds are
they’ll be all-new to someone in attendance. You won't want to miss this
fun and entertaining evening.
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, July 10 @ 9:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include some Super Summer Nebulae and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, July 31 @ 9:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include the Moon, Pleasant Planetary Nebulae, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, August 7 @ 8:30 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlight of the
night includes the deep sky objects of the Summer Triangle and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
General
Meeting
Saturday, August 14 @ 6:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center
Mark your calendar. Pray
for good weather. It's time for the big social event of the year for the
KAS. So get ready to party! Here are the details:
The KAS will provide the hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers (by
order). You will be required to bring your own beverages, table service,
lawn chairs, bug spray, and a dish to pass. Condiments will be provided
by the KAS.
While dinner is cooking we will have solar observing available through KAS member telescopes. Feel
free to bring any type of outdoor games or toys to pass the time while we wait
for dinner.
Stargazers should be prepared to observe the deep sky delights of the summer
Milky Way and maybe even a few left over Perseid meteors. This gathering
will take place rain or shine, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws
our way!
Please Note: This event is for KAS Members and their guests
only. The Public Observing Session following the picnic is open to the public. If you'd like to attend then JOIN the KAS today!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, August 14 @ 8:30 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include the Waxing Crescent Moon, left over Perseid Meteors, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, September 4 @ 8:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include Jupiter, some Overwhelming Open Clusters, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
Observing Session Page | Observing Brochure | Nature Center Directions
General
Meeting
Friday, September 10 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
Details coming soon...
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Kiwanis Star Party
Saturday, September 11 @ 8:00 pm
| Kiwanis Conservation Area |
The KAS and Battle Creek Kiwanis Club of will co-host a public star
party on Saturday, September 11th. Gates open at 8:00 pm. It’ll be held at
the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area on 15th Avenue, 3.6 miles north of
Turkeyville in Calhoun County. Admission is free.
The Kiwanis Area offers some excellent dark skies. We'll be able to
take full advantage of the summer Milky Way and its wealth of star
clusters and bright nebulae. As with our Public Observing Sessions at
the Nature Center, we'll offer assistance with telescopes and give a
guided tour of the night sky.
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, September 18 @ 8:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include the Waxing Gibbous Moon, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
General
Meeting
Friday, October 1 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
The tradition
continues! Every October the general meeting of the Kalamazoo
Astronomical Society is devoted to astrophotography, the art of photographing
the night sky. For the past year, KAS shutterbugs have traveled to exotic
places, ascended to dizzying heights, or just hung out at the Kalamazoo Nature
Center and other locales, working the graveyard shift with their impressive
array of camera gear. Now they are ready to show their artistic wares in
a general slide show of their
best images. So come on out for what always proves
to be one of our best meetings of the year!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, October 9 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include the Waxing Crescent Moon, Jupiter, Galaxies of Autumn, and much more.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
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Public Observing Session
Saturday, October 30 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
In the fading light of a summer
evening, we watch the stars appear one by one. Before too long,
twilight's window gives way to the starry curtain, signaling the
beginning of a
night of stargazing. The KAS invites you to a pleasant evening under
nature's grandest spectacle - the universe itself. Highlights of the
night include the deep sky objects of the Great Square; an asterism made up of the constellations Pegasus and Andromeda.
Sessions will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy
or overcast. For cancellation information, please call the Nature Center
at (269) 381-1574. For all other questions please contact the KAS. Clear skies!
Friday, November 5 @ 7:00 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
Details coming soon...
Annual Meeting
Friday, December 3 @ 6:30 pm
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center
It's time for the annual KAS Holiday
Party! As usual we will be celebrating at our annual membership
meeting
on December 3rd. We are planning on starting at 6:30 pm, one half
hour earlier than usual. The evening will begin with the party
featuring several rousing rounds of BINGO with
exciting prizes. Then there will be a short business meeting
featuring
the election of the 2011 KAS officers and at-large board members.
Please Note: This event is for KAS Members and their guests
only. If you'd like to attend then JOIN the KAS today!
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