In addition to a brief talk about the Texas Star Party changes, Club member and Author, Dave Cox, will present about his new book READY! SET! IMAGE! Dave will take us on a project that has fundamentally changed the way amateur astronomers and astrophotographers observe and image the gems of the Cosmos. Built on the solid foundation of Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA), this cutting-edge technology simplifies the many processes used to view and image nebulae, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects. This new way of doing complex procedures has led to what is universally known as Smart Telescope Technology (STT), making the basic processes of EAA accessible to everyone.
The Smart Telescopes highlighted in this book contain essentially the same features as traditional EAA telescopes, but incorporate those features into a compact design that greatly simplifies and automates the processes. Now, for the first time, anyone, regardless of age, disability, or skill level, can enjoy the journey to the stars, and beyond.
Major areas covered by this book include: a brief description of light (photons) that are emitted or reflected from sources such as stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial phenomena; the Universe as an ordered system; the history and evolution of the telescope from Galileo’s crude refractor of 1609 to present day computer-based telescopes; Artificial Intelligence and the future of smart telescopes; preparing for, planning and executing an astrophotography imaging session; myths, modes, and methods useful to the amateur astronomer; and outreach opportunities.
Also included in this book are detailed specifications for all smart telescopes currently on the market, as well as basic setup and operating guides for each.
Our February program (Friday the 13th Edition) will be a presentation by club member, Tom McDonough. Tom’s presentation will be titled, “An Introduction to the Astronomical League’s Observing Programs.”
What are the Astronomical League’s Observing Programs and how can you participate? The Astronomical League provides many different Observing Programs designed to provide a direction for your observations and to provide a goal. The Observing Programs have certificates and pins to recognize the observers’ accomplishments and for demonstrating their observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects.
Tom’s presentation will address the needs of beginner and advanced amateur astronomers alike. How to select a program? How to gather resources? How to make and record observations? How to submit observations?
As examples, Tom will discuss the following awards:
Intermediate Level: Herschel/II, Planetary Nebula, Asteroid
Advanced Level: Dark Nebula, Galaxy Groups, Radio Astronomy
2026 Membership Renewal Heads Up
April 1 begins the Club membership year. If you have not already, you should have received your renewal reminder via email, it was sent out on Feb 9th.
We are not planning to bring much Club merchandise. If you would like us to bring something please let me know what you would like and what size. I will bring those items.
This post may be updated as we get closer.
Our Planetarium Director, Waylon Troyer has offered to take us into the new LOVE Planetarium and update us on the happenings in Astronomy for 2025/What’s to Come in 2026.
Title: Two Years of Space on One Big Dome
Abstract: A lot of things can happen in just a single year of astronomy. 2025 was full of unexpected discoveries, new ways to explore, and more than a few “once-in-a-lifetime” astronomical events. So much happened, in fact, that you might have missed a few things! A fly-by from an interstellar visitor, aurorae as far south as Texas, and a brand-new observatory opening its eyes for the first time are just a handful of the exciting things from last year that can be explored in the planetarium. But the show doesn’t end there. It turns out that 2026 has even more astronomy and space news in store. We can take a peek at what Artemis II and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope have in store, follow JUICE and EuropaClipper as they rendezvous with Earth for a boost, and see what Europe will get up to when BepiColombo arrives at Mercury at the end of the year. Two years of exciting science all packed into one planetarium show. That’s a pretty good deal!
Check back HERE for more information as we get closer to the 13th. This program is for OKCAC Members. If you are bringing guests, please list below. There is only room for 119 persons in the Planetarium. Since this is the beginning of Spring Break, we are not anticipating a problem.
OKCAC Meeting Program for Friday, April 10th - 7 PM
Topic: Black Mesa State Park - newly designated as a Dark Sky International State Park: History and Invite!
Presenter: PollyAnna Kiker, Park Manager
Check back for updates.
FYI - The Dark Sky International status will be celebrated the weekend of April 17th/18th at BMSP near Kenton, OK. If you are interested in participating as an OKCAC Volunteer that weekend, please contact me at eileen.grzybowski@okcastroclub.com Campsite will be provided for participants.
Eileen Grzybowski
We have the Club meeting this Friday Apr 10th and we are not planning to bring much Club merchandise. If you would like us to bring something please let me know what you would like and what size. I will bring those items.
