Author: russell

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The NEKAAL Observer Posts to YGroup

Previously I often missed when a new post was made to the NEKAAL Observer. It does show up on the front page of nekaal.org and you can also probably subscribe with the observer software itself, but I was wanting another way to announce.

The NEKAAL Observer will now post a message to the Yahoo group when a new post is made.

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Dark Clues to the Universe

With 200 billion stars in our own galaxy, you might expect the night sky to be lit up like daylight. If you live in a big city, it just might be—but not because of starlight. But just why is it so dark at night? It took astronomers a very long time to figure it out.

Hubble image of Galaxy NGC 4414
Credit: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

Read all about it here…

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Demons invade Farpoint!

Farpoint has had some unwanted guests as of late. Our paper plates and toothpicks have been ravaged. Signs of their demonic presence are left all over the floor. They have even managed to get inside the printer and ruin the printer paper. These mice sure are a pain.

Eric has deduced that they probably get in through the cable hole that allows us to run cable to the Tombaugh. That hole has been filled with metal mesh. Hopefully that will end the invasion but remember to cleanup before leaving Farpoint so we don’t attract more of these horrible creatures.

Original Image attributions:
George Shuklin (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Schoch, cropped by User:Jomegat [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

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April 28th General Meeting at Farpoint

Most of the time we meet at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library, however this month we’ll be meeting at Farpoint Observatory.

Several knowledgeable club members will be prepared to show and explain many of the astronomy and telescope basics to get you started. The club has a 14″ Meade, 8″ Meade, the 27″ Tombaugh, and binoculars. Many other members are bringing their telescopes as well. Have always wanted to know how to operate a telescope you own or one of the clubs telescopes? Are you interested in learning constellations, using a plane-sphere, or star chart? Do you want to see different telescopes to get an idea what would be best for you? Are you interested in seeing how use a astronomy CCD camera? Have you always wanted to know something a fellow member knows but have not had the opportunity to ask? If you answered yes to any of these questions I hope to see you April 28th 7:00pm at Farpoint Observatory, rain or shine.