BEGIN:VCALENDAR PRODID:-//Meetup Inc//RemoteApi//EN VERSION:2.0 METHOD:PUBLISH CALSCALE:GREGORIAN X-ORIGINAL-URL:http://meetup.warrenastro.org/calendar/10694673/ical/Stargat e+Observatory+Open+House/ X-WR-CALNAME:Events - Stargate Observatory Open House BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Stargate Observatory Open House DESCRIPTION:Warren Astronomical Society\n\nWe are participating in a multi- club event at Island Lake Recreational Area this evening. If you can atten d that event\, we strongly recommend it. We will have a few members out at Stargate because we're obligated to\, but it will be pretty sparse.\n\nIt' s our mostly-monthly public open house: you get to use our equipment and ou r volunteers' knowledge to see what's out there in the sky tonight. \n\nWe usually stay as long as the skies are clear and there are interested obser vers - usually around midnight\, but on nice nights even later. \n\nYou do n't have to stay the whole time - though we ask that you aim your headlight s away from the observing field in case you have to leave early. Feel free to email us if you have any questions.\n\nWe only require a few things for your safety and enjoyment:\nAstronomical twilight will begin around 10 PM\ , so please plan to be at the observatory earlier. Be careful with headlig hts on your way in\, especially after sundown. Make sure to turn the dome lights off if possible\, and park your car facing away from the observing f ield if you have running lights.\nPlease don't use white light flashlights when others are observing. Others will have flashlights\, but if you'd lik e to bring your own\, you can easily make a red-light flashlight that will help you get around in the dark and is safe for night vision. I make reaso nably decent ones with a red marker and an index card*\, but you can read o ther ideas here. \nNo alcoholic beverages are permitted.\n\nOther advice to help you make the most of your evening:\nWeather\, especially in Michigan\ , is unpredictable. We are always (some might say irrationally) hopeful\, but if there's a solid chance of an extended downpour we are not likely to do any observing! If you're not sure about the weather\, call Bob Berta\, Marty Kunz\, or Jonathan Kade to check if the open house has been canceled. \nObserving is an outside activity\, so dress accordingly - a little warmer than the temperature would indicate. Even in the summer\, it can get surp risingly chilly at night. Like any other activity\, the key to lasting is layers\, layers\, layers! In the wintertime and early spring\, plan to wea r at least two layers of every garment: socks\, pants\, and a shirt. Core temperature is important too\, so pay extra attention to keeping your torso warm - an insulated vest can work wonders. \n\nImportantly\, the Camp Rot ary grounds have full-service public restrooms\, with warm running water an d other modern conveniences.\n\nIf there's something specific you'd like to see\, we'll do our best to make it happen. We have safe\, filtered solar telescopes to look at the sun in amazing detail before it gets dark\; if yo u're interested in seeing our local star\, let us know and we'll try to mak e a solar telescope available. \n\n* Take a cheap drugstore flashlight - p referably not too bright to start with. The omnipresent Eveready $1 plasti c flashlight works well. Screw off the plastic cap and pop out the clear pl astic "lens" (aka bezel). You can paint the bezel with translucent nail po lish\, use a red permanent marker\, or red cellophane. For better light bl ocking\, you can trace the disk on a sheet of white paper or an index card. Cut out the disk of paper\, line it up with the bezel\, and screw the cap back on.\n\nRay\, MI 48096 - USA\n\nSaturday\, August 29 at 8:00 PM\n\nPh oto: http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/6/7/5/event_9762613.jpe g\n\nAttending: 17\n\nDetails: http://meetup.warrenastro.org/calendar/10694 673/ LAST-MODIFIED:20090915T003151Z UID:event_10694673@meetup.com CLASS:PUBLIC CREATED:20090620T143644Z DTSTAMP:20100321T151850Z DTSTART:20090830T000000Z DTEND:20090830T020000Z GEO:42.51;-83.06 LOCATION:Stargate Observatory @ Camp Rotary in Wolcott Mill Metropark - 205 05 29 Mile Rd\, (1.8 miles east of Romeo Plank Rd) - Ray\, MI 48096 - USA URL:http://meetup.warrenastro.org/calendar/10694673/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR