Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit

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If you're interested in satellites or astronomy, you've come to the right place! Our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to observe satellites such as the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle, spectacular events such as the dazzlingly bright flares from Iridium satellites as well as a wealth of other spaceflight and astronomical information, detailed star charts showing the track through the heavens.

AU Events Events Calendar

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Here are the AU events scheduled so far. Events are subject to change, so to get the latest information on schedules, or directions, just contact Chuck at 964-8201 or macpuzl@west.net

A Look Forward in the year to come

September 2010

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 7 PM Monthly AU meeting in Farrand Hall at SBMNH.
See a quick planetarium show, then hear a talk by Wayne Rosing, head honcho at LCOGT.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, SETUP 8 PM
Telescopes for campers at Cachuma Lake Campground. We set up on the grassy field at Dakota Plains.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, SETUP 6:30 PM
Telescopes for Montecito Country Club. Contact Chuck if you're coming, for directions and to provide them with a count.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 6 PM
Monthly AU planning meeting at SBMNH, in the classroom next to Javier's office.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 7:30 PM
Monthly Public Star Party at SBMNH, next to Palmer Observatory.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, SETUP 7 PM
Monthly Public Telescope Night at Westmont College, at their new observatory adjacent to the baseball field.
If you're not at the AU campout, please help out at Westmont if you can.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 (AFTERNOON) THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 (MORNING)
Annual AU campout at the Mohawk Shores group campsite at Cachuma Lake. The Saturday dinner will be a catered event at 5:30 PM.
The number of cars we are permitted to have with the site is limited, so carpool or come early if you can.
If we run out of permits, and you have to pay at the entrance gate, keep your receipt for reimbursement from the AU.
Saturday is also International Observe the Moon Night.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, SETUP 7 PM
Telescope Tuesday at the Camino Real Marketplace. We set up in the plaza between Borders and the theater.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, SETUP 6:30 PM
Telescopes for Starry Nights at the Biltmore, on their Monte Vista Lawn. Contact Chuck for details if you haven't come before.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 8:13 PM PDT
Autumnal Equinox - It's Fall!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, SETUP 7 PM
Telescopes for children from Los Olivos School at the Sedgwick Reserve, at the end of Brinkerhoff Avenue in the Santa Ynez Valley.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, SETUP 7 PM
Telescopes for campers at Carpentaria State Beach. We set up on the grass across from their ranger office, just to the right before the main entrance.

AU Campout Cruises
Be sure to reserve a place if you want to take the Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruises on Saturday (10 AM to Noon and 3 PM to 5 PM) or Sunday (10 AM to Noon - meet at the marina 30 minutes before)!
Climb aboard the "Osprey" for a 2-hour lake tour with a Santa Barbara County Park Naturalist. The cruise takes a look at area wildlife, wildflowers, and resident birds along the shore.
Reservations: (805) 686-5050 weekdays, (805) 686-5055 weekends. $15/adults; $7/child 4-12 years old; please, no children under 4.

Hasta nebula - Chuck
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