The Toledo Astronomical Association has relocated its two large telescopes to Pioneer Scout Reservation to enjoy the relatively dark skies that the Reservation offers.  These scopes consist of a 25” Newtonian Reflector that is in a Dobsonian mount.  The other is a 12” equatorially mounted compound reflector with a long focal length.   The 25” scope is particularly good at viewing deep space objects such as nebulas and galaxies because of its large light gathering capacity. The scope is generally used at a relatively low level of magnification to permit viewing the entire object. It does not have tracking capacity and requires use of a large ladder.  During summer camp it is used relatively infrequently.

The 12” is an extremely good scope for observing the planets and the moon.  It is more than adequate for some of the larger deep space features.  The equatorial mount permits the tracking and makes the scope easier to use for groups.  During summer camp it is usually in use at every viewing session.  During summer camp viewing are conducted from Sunday through Thursday nights from 10:00 Pm until 11:00 PM.  Both Scopes are located north of the Council Ring. 

The Association encourages viewing by Scouts and similar groups. A request needs to be made in advance, preferably a month in advance. Because the members of the Association are all volunteers, it is not always possible to accommodate a request.

The Association and the Camp sponsor Star Parties where there will be multiple scopes for viewing. The next scheduled star party is October 2008. There is a per attendee charge for a star party this star party. The fee ncludes two meals and a patch.

For further information please contact Frank Merritt or The Astronomy Club.

A star party is an overnight event where individuals gather to observe together. The Toledo Astronomical Association and Erie Shores Council held their first joint star party in September 2001. This party featured presentations on travel to observe total Solar Eclipses by Don Murad, Physics Teacher at Sylvania Southview High school and an Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Toledo as well as a lecture on how to make a comet by a graduate student at the University of Toledo. Viewing commenced about 9:00 PM and continued until until the clouds rolled in about 4:00 AM. Most observers retired to their tents after a brief shower about 2:00 AM although a few individuals continue to observe until Jupiter was visible. In addition to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the moon, observers viewed M51, the Ring Nebula in Lyra, various Miesner Objects in Sagittarius, several double stars some sun spots. For those who were tired of viewing, videos with a space theme were shown continuously in the dinning hall. The approximately 70 in attendance had a wonderful time.  This has continued every year and the 2007 star party featured some of the clearest stars ever experienced in this part of the Country.  Join us for the 2008 Fall Star Party.  Another star party is held in January of each year to permit viewing some of the winter deep sky features.
 
If you are intrested contact the Scout Office. 419-241-7283 / 800-241-7293

For more information about the Toledo Astronomical Association visit their website www.toledoastronomy.org