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Observation Scheduling |
In order to share our love of the night skies and the wonder of exploring our corner of the universe with our own eyes, the Louisville Astronomical Society offers a selection of observing opportunities. Our organization’s mission statement: "The purpose of the LAS shall be to develop and promote interest in Astronomy among the people of the greater Louisville area." We seek to accomplish this mission in two primary ways. First, we provide our members with the opportunity to enhance and extend their observing skills and to pursue their personal observing/photography/imaging goals at a dark site. Second, through a variety of programs, we attempt to expose both the general public of the greater Louisville area and specific groups/organizations to the wonders of the night sky.
The LAS provides several forums in furtherance of these goals. These are outlined below. If you wish to schedule an event please provide the following information to president@louisville-astro.org:
- Contact name, address, phone number, and e-mail (if available).
- Name of the group/event/organization/individual for whom the observation will be held.
- Requested date and (start/end) times. In general, LAS recommends a start time within an hour or so of sunset. LAS members would require access to the sight approximately sixty minutes prior to sunset in order to have ample time for equipment set-up.
- Location of the proposed observation.
- Number of people expected to attend the observation.
- Any special requirements/requests.
- Group Observation at your site
The LAS conducts a number of group observations each year. These can involve anywhere from two or three telescopes up to a dozen or more depending on the size of the requesting group. Examples are scout packs, school classes, civic organizations, etc. We try our best to accommodate every request that we can. These events are generally free of charge provided that the requesting group is a non-profit or public entity. Otherwise an honorarium may be requested. LAS is a registered 501(c) non-profit organization. All donations/honoraria are fully tax deductible.
The LAS reserves one Saturday night each month at its private dark site for group/public activities. Other nights may be made available in some circumstances. In general, these observations will include use of the observatory and its facilities, the front observing field, and a staff of LAS astronomers.
In general, these observations will be conceived and organized by the LAS. Some observations will be held at public venues (e.g., parks) while others may be held at the LAS’s site. These will involve either invitations to the general public or a potentially large segment of the public. Nonetheless, the LAS is willing to entertain proposals. What’s your idea?
The LAS will conduct an observation at your location in exchange for a suggested donation. The appropriate honorarium is determined on a case-by-case basis and will primarily depend on the site’s distance from Louisville and the number of astronomers needed. Private observations are available to individuals, businesses, professional organizations, etc. LAS is a registered 501(c) non-profit organization. All donations/honoraria are fully tax deductible.
Observations are scheduled once or twice monthly at our dark site on the Saturday evening(s) closest to the new moon. The dates are published in our club newsletter and on the web site (www.louisville-astro.org). These observations are limited to LAS members, their guests, prospective members, or other interested individuals. (Some dates are split with public/group events held in the front field, with the back field reserved for LAS members and their guests.) Interested individuals are welcome to attend the observations on dates posted on the web site. However, we would appreciate if you let us know that you are coming. Please do not show up at these observations unannounced with a large contingent. (Groups should schedule an event as described above.) These evenings allow LAS members to pursue their personal observing goals without undue distraction. Although it is likely that several astronomers in attendance will be happy to spend time with you (chatting, allowing you to look through their scope, etc.), a substantial number may be involved with their own pursuits and may have limited time and attention to devote to other activities. Therefore, though it is quite likely that you will find LAS members willing and able to spend time with you, be aware that this may not always be the case. Many of these same members dedicate considerable time and resources to making astronomy accessible to the general public. However, this is their time for enjoying the hobby they love. Please respect it.
On all dates not listed on the web site or previously scheduled, use of the club’s dark site is limited to LAS members and their guests.
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