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🌌 Shoreline Astronomical Society — Mid‑Year Update Since Our January Meeting

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🌌 Shoreline Astronomical Society — Mid‑Year Update Since Our January Meeting As we move deeper into 2026, the Shoreline Astronomical Society has had an exceptionally active and inspiring season. From guest speakers and student mentorship to public outreach and upcoming summer events, here’s a comprehensive look at what we’ve been up to since January — and what’s ahead for our members and community. ⭐ Guest Speakers & Educational Programs Guy Brandenburg — National Capital Astronomers & Master Telescope Maker In April, we hosted Guy Brandenburg, a renowned telescope maker, educator, and longtime member of the National Capital Astronomers. Guy has built numerous Dobsonian telescopes, crafted mirrors, led hands‑on science programs, and taught telescope‑making workshops for decades. His talk covered everything from mirror grinding to the history of amateur telescope making, drawing on his experience presenting to groups such as NOVAC, HAL, and the University of Maryland.  Brya...
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JANUARY 2026 - Club Updates

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  It's January in New England.  Which means, unless you're an astrophotographer, you may not be observing as much as you like, given the recent cold weather.  While progress on observing lists may be slow or even at a standstill, this time of year is perfect for preparing observing resolutions for the upcoming year.  Here are some of mine: 1.  Organizing Eyepieces and Accessory Gear:   I find the biggest barrier to observing is having my stuff scattered (often the result of not returning items to their place after a few observing sessions).  I will strive to get my eyepieces, charts, batteries, and scopes closer together to make deployment that much easier! 2.  Commit to completing one Astronomical League Observing List:   I've started several, but have not finished one!  The AL Observing List Award Program is a great way to keep motivated throughout the year and observe objects you may not have considered before.   3.  I...
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October - November 2025 Updates

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  IOTMN 2025 - Telescopes and astronomers ready for the public - Photo Credit - Neal Lewis 2025 Thank you to all the SAS, ASNH, and TAAS members who helped make our International Observe the Moon Night a success! More than 14 telescopes and binocular setups were trained on the Moon, Saturn, and other astronomical delights, with attendance from the public exceeding 25 individuals.   Our last club meeting on October 9th was well attended at Deer Lake Outdoor Center, where we got straight to observing before the Moon rose above the trees. Next up is the Meigs Point Nature Center 's Family Astronomy Night on October 24th, 7-9PM.  This is a fun event and the last in this years series. Our next club meeting is scheduled for November 13th at the Deer Lake Outdoor Center (see our Membership and Meeting Link for more details).  
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Upcoming Events - Fall 2025

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Summer is wrapping up, and that means longer (and hopefully clearer) nights to observe! Upcoming Events 1. October 4th - International Observe the Moon Night - Meet us at Salt Meadow Park in Madison CT (8-10 PM)   2.  October 9th - Shoreline Astronomical Society Club Meeting and Observation Session at Deer Lake Outdoor Center (7-9 PM) 3. October 24th - Family Astronomy Night at Meigs Point Nature Center (7-9 PM) Free Resources Check out Star Hopper’s Guide to the Universe, its Free! Astronomical League Navigating the Night Sky JOIN/DONATE Join us or Donate - More information at  https://shorelineastronomicalsociety.blogspot.com/p/join-us.html
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MAY 17th 2025 - SALT MEADOW PARK PUBLIC STAR PARTY RECAP

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Despite the touch-and-go weather, we had a great time last night at Salt Meadow Park. We had 14 Astronomers with their gear set up and managed to do some observing in between the clouds.   If you missed last night there are some opportunities to visit with us again soon.   May 31st - Family Astronomy Night at Meigs Point Nature Center July 26th - Salt Meadow Park Public Star Party Check our calendar at https://shorelineastronomicalsociety.blogspot.com/.../cal... for more events through the summer. Thanks to members of SAS, TAASCT and ASNH for supporting this event! Photo credits - Neal Lewis 2025 Event information at the link below: https://shorelineastronomicalsociety.blogspot.com/p/salt-meadow-public-star-parties-2025.html  
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APRIL 2025 UPDATES

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 APRIL 2025 UPDATES Club Secretary Lee P. Presenting on his image processing workflow This spring feels like it's no hurry this year.  Many of our nights have been clouded or rained out which can only be attributed to all the new telescope and observing accessories purchased by club members at the North East Astronomy Forum (NEAF) earlier this month!   All joking aside here are some updates from the club we wanted to share with you all. 1. We had a spectacular presentation on astroimaging processing from club secretary Lee Polikoff.  The second in our astroimaging series.  Stay tuned for a cell phone astrophotography presentation in early summer. 2. Come visit us at the Deer Lake Outdoor Center Earth Day Event, Saturday April 26th 10AM-4PM 3. We're proud to announce our Salt Meadow Public Star Parties for 2025!  See  https://shorelineastronomicalsociety.blogspot.com/p/salt-meadow-public-star-parties-2025.html for more information on this series o...
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MARCH 2025 Updates

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  Country School STEAM Glow Fest 2025 - Main Sequence Activity Photo Credit: Anders Derblom 2025 March has been challenging in a meteorological sense.  Many nights or activities have been clouded out. The March 13/14th Lunar Eclipse was clouded out for the Connecticut coastline, and one of our outreaches ended abruptly with a rain squall that came through unexpectedly.  Members of the Shoreline Astronomical Society (SAS) have had some clear spots and have done observing on their own.  Many members were able to spot the partial solar eclipse on March 29th early in the morning!   I was able to sneak out in the yard a few nights this month and make a little progress on the Astronomical League's Carbon star program using a new 127mm refractor that I cobbled together. Some big news for the club and its members include: Jim Mazur earning his Astronomical League Outreach Award Laurie Averill earning both the basic level and stellar levels of the AL Outreach Award ...
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