Yeah, it was super fun and informative for everyone. A good night even considering the wind. I blew even harder after everyone left and this morning while I was leaving.
We need to buy a vacuum cleaner for CRO and spray mop. The floor needs to be cleaned badly. I’d like to start polishing it with floor polish to give it a shine and protective coat. I’ll look into a machine. Hopefully, we can get a purchase approved by the board.
Thx so much for this great, informative and motivating section on member night at CRO. I must renew my membership to catch the next one.
Keep looking up
I have a friend that is interested in accompanying me. Just wanted to make sure that was alright and if he needed to sign a waiver of any kind? Thanks!
Guest are welcome 
Awesome! Andy, I also have your Canon connector to get back to you. Haven’t been able to make it out there to get it back to you lol.
All good, good to hear from you.
I’ll be there. I’m hoping to bring my wife, daughter, and two friends out with me too, should be a fun night!
My wife (Parissa) and I were sad to miss the meeting last night, but we’re looking forward to CRO tonight! Looks like some great late-winter observing.
Other than the cold looking to be a perfect night.
Can’t wait to see everyone out there
The forecasts I use all say it will be clear, calm and a bit cold. Perfect viewing weather! And great for the Messier Marathon!
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend tonight. 
Everyone enjoy! And to remember to follow Dave’s advice and dress for 20 deg colder than it is! You’re not moving much, not generating heat from activity, so it will feel colder! Anyone who has ever stood guard duty knows this well!
I’m planning on getting to CRO about an hour before Sunset. If anyone would like to get some training on the C14 telescope please try and get there about then so we can be done before Sunset. First object to look at it Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks which will be setting shortly after Sunset. It is just below and to the left of the Andromeda Galaxy.
Looking at the security camera it is completely clear and the grounds have dried out. It will be cold so make sure to bring several layers of clothes.
Messier Marathon 2024
We will award club certificates for participants in the Messier Marathon at CRO tonight.
We’ll have four categories:
Manual Telescope
Go-to Telescope
Binoculars
EAA
In each category we’ll have 3 levels of accomplishment:
50% (55 objects observed)
90% (99 objects observed)
100% (110 objects observed)
To receive a OKCAC certificate submit your observation sheet to: observingcoordinator@okcastroclub.com. Certificates will be handed out at the meeting following the submission.
The club rules are simple. Observations must be completed in one night. Record your observations on an observation sheet (doesn’t matter which one you choose). Submit your observation sheet to the email address above. You must indicate at the top of the sheet what category you completed. For EAA observations, you must record an image of the Messier object, in addition to completing the observation sheet. Those should be posted on an online site for everyone to view and enjoy!
Observation sheets are available at CRO, though I’d recommend finding one online that you like, downloading and printing it before you go out. There are numerous sheets online you can find and print.
I am unable to come tonight, Thank you Dave, for volunteering to open CRO an before sunset so folks can set up and be ready when the first objects are visible at sunset.
CRO is open. Skies are clear. We have 6 here already.
It was a fantastic night at CRO. All of the top pads were full, and many, many happy observations and images taken. Even the 30in scope was in use, with some quick work on the dome shutter that got it working! Good seeing you all.
Thanks for the fun night everyone! Got some time on 12P/Pons-Brooks with my mirrorless camera and lens, and enjoyed all the beautiful star clusters with my binoculars for the Messier Marathon.
And then Andy suggested trying out one of the club’s refractors (an 80mm triplet, I think) and the astro-modded Canon Rebel T3i on M42. I’m glad he did (thanks Andy!) Less than 30 minutes of integration with that setup produced the data below. Blows away hours of stock camera data from within OKC.
Forgive the dust spots, I didn’t get around to calibration frames.
Was glad I made it even for only a few hours. Had to get up early on Sunday and the time change didn’t help matters.
It was a great night! Lots of good Astronomy happening of all kinds. Well done everyone
Member night at CRO on Saturday, Apr 6th.
Sunset is at 8:01pm and the moon rises at 6:36am.
If you’re planning to come out, please post on here that you are going.
Not sure anyone will make it out to this one with members heading out for the Eclipse.
Non-CRO members, please ensure that a CRO member will be opening the observatory before you head out there! Most of the regulars for Member Night will be traveling to the path of totality.
If any CRO member is planning on going out for this, please post on here about what time you’ll open it! Thanks!
DO NOT GO TO CRO IF YOU DON’T SEE A POST THAT IT WILL BE OPEN!
If it’s open how do I get there, IE directions? I know I’ve seen a map or directions somewhere.
De
