Helps and advice
Binoculars are an excellent way to view the night skies. But how to aim and hold them steady? Here's a how-to (PDF) detailing construction of a binocular mount by CAA member J. Kay.
New telescope owner? Now What? -- here's a little advice on getting started.
How to make a comet. Our recipe for a comet composition ... a demonstration suitable for school age children and older.
CAA Email news list
Join our members-only list and post messages for all other CAA List subscribers to read and respond to. Ask questions, invite others to an informal observing session, be informed when The Observer is posted to our Web site, keep in touch! Use the form just below to submit your request -- all requests subject to approval; CAA members in good standing only! You will need to register with Topica.com in order to participate.
Observing aids
Dark Sky Finder -- A Google Maps mashup depicting map locations with sky brightness overlay. A good way to seek out and find dark-sky observing prospects.
Messier Marathon (PDF) -- A table listing the Messier objects: their catalog numbers, names, descriptions, and locations. Also available as an Excel worksheet.
Moon Map -- An online (printable) photograph of the full Moon with major features keyed and named. Also lists the manned lunar landing sites by date and location. There's even a downloadable version for your Palm computing device!
Sidereal Time -- Knowing the local "star time" can be of great help in locating celestial objects. This calculator, at the US Naval Observatory, will calculate current local sidreal time based upon your observing location.
Tonight's Sky -- A presentation of the HubbleSite, this brief presentation provides a tour of the highlights of the month's astronomical attractions. Great for new or casual astronomers, an excellent resource for experts to recommend. Well produced.
Viewing Log Sheet -- Record your observations using this form (PDF).
Imaging
RegiStax -- Well-respected and widely-used, this (free!) software allows selection and combining of multiple video or web-cam frames to produce high-quality images.
Telescope loan policy
Our policy is to loan certain club-owned telescopes to our members. To borrow a telescope, a club member must be up-to-date with club dues and agree to abide by this policy: Telescopes are loaned out on a first come, first served basis. Telescopes are loaned for a period of two months, however, if no other member requests the loaned out telescope, a member can continue to use it until someone else requests it or the person wishes to return it. At the end of the loan period, the person borrowing the telescope agrees to return it to the club at a normally scheduled general meeting. Please notify a club officer prior to returning a telescope as size impacts transportation requirements. Telescopes are loaned through club officers, board members, or the Observatory Director in order to track the telescopes and train individuals in their use. Wear and tear of telescopes beyond normal use is the responsibility of the person borrowing the telescope and such person agrees to make restitution to the club. Note that misuse may impact future use of club telescopes and equipment. The club will publish a list of telescopes available, the member borrowing it, and the loan and due dates. This information is published in the Observer and posted on our club web site to help track the equipment as well as notify all members of its availability.
Note: All individuals require training prior to accepting a telescope. Telescopes identified with an asterisk (*) require demonstrated skill prior to the telescope being loaned. Use of telescopes is at the user's own risk.
Metroparks permits
CAA members who are interested in observing in the Cleveland and/or Medina metroparks after normal park hours may pick up copies of the CAA blanket permits from the CAA secretary. Please leave your name as you pick up your copy of our permit. Those using copies of our permits must notify the park rangers at least 24 hours in advance of their intent to be in the park observing the stars, as is stated on the permit. Park rules and regulations are listed on the reverse side of each permit copy. Members must have a copy of the permit with them on site. If several members are going to the same site at the same time, one member must have contacted the rangers and have a copy of the permit on site.
Cleveland metroparks areas covered by our permit:
- Frostville Museum Field -- Rocky River
- Lewis Road Riding Ring -- Rocky River
- Wolf Picnic Area -Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
- Meadows Picnic Area -- Brecksville
- Top 0' Ledges Picnic Area -- Hinckley
Medina metroparks areas covered by our permit:
- Letha House Barn
Those wishing to view in park areas not covered by our permits may contact the parks directly and arrange for their own permit. If a group of members wishes to observe in an area not covered by our permits, one may contact the CAA and we will contact the metroparks about extending the use of our blanket permit.
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