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Las Cruces Clear Sky Clock
Las Cruces Clear Sky Clock

Comet C/2022 E3 'ZTF' (Bob Kimball)
  
The Next ASLC Meeting is:
Friday, March 22, 2024 @ 7:00 pm (MDT)

Speaker: Tim Kostelecky
Presentation:
Confessions of a Reluctant Astro-imager

Location: Meetings are now being held at the Mesilla Valley Radio Club 'Shack' (6609 Jefferson Ln, Las Cruces) and via ZOOM. Zoom Link for the meeting: tba

Contact the Club President for additional information

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Upcoming Observing Opportunities:

ASLC MoonGaze
Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces
April 13, 2024

Dark Sky Observing @ Leasburg Dam SP
(ASLC Observatory at LDSP)
March 30, 2024

Dark Sky Observing @ Rockhound SP
(Rockhound SP)
April 5, 2024

Dark Sky Observing @ City of Rocks SP
(Gene & Elizabeth Simon Observatory)
April 6, 2024


   Quick Links


Welcome!

M31Greetings from the professional and amateur astronomers who comprise the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces (ASLC). The club was formed in 1951 by a group of dedicated astronomers including Clyde Tombaugh, who had discovered Pluto just 21 years earlier. For over 70 years, we've been sharing a little bit of the universe with our community under our beautiful Southern New Mexico skies.

The club has a variety of ongoing observing, education and public outreach programs. We host a public Moongaze and a dark sky observing event each month. We offer beginning astronomy education and support countless star parties for schools, scouts and various organizations. We also hold a meeting each month which includes a featured presentation.

To learn more about our society, please click here or select from the tabs above or the 'Quick Links' on the left.


The Clyde W. Tombaugh Lecture Series

ClydeAs part of our monthly meetings, the ASLC features a presentation by an astronomy enthusiast willing to share their expertise. Speakers are often astronomy professionals, researchers, students or leaders in the astronomy/space industries. The lecture series also gives ASLC members an opportunity to highlight their knowledge and experience; ASLC is fortunate to have several individuals who are doing exciting work. Topics vary from observing basics to optics systems, space tourism, cosmology... Join us for our next informative presentation (details below). Individuals interested in participating in the series should please contact the Club President.

The next Tombaugh Series presentation is Friday, March 22 - 7:00 pm (MDT)

Blue MoonScheduled Speaker: Tim Kostelecky(ASLC)

Presentation Title:Confessions of a Reluctant Astro-imager

Summary: Tim Kostelecky has been a visual amateur astronomer for more decades than can counted on one hand.  His resistance to delving into astrophotography has been mainly due to a couple of considerations:  Cost and complexity.  Not to mention Tim’s always been of the opinion that there’s a certain harmony with the universe that is best conveyed directly — photons to retina.  But recently the cost and complexity barriers to imaging have come down, and it's time to explore that mysterious world of the astro-imagers.  Will Tim be converted?  In this presentation, he will examine this transition and how it can actually benefit his visual endeavors.

Brief Bio: Currently president of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces, Tim has been involved with outreach programs in astronomy since his college days, extending to volunteer stints at observatories in both Colorado and Washington state.  Educated as a biologist/chemist, he retired from a 46-year career as a brewing & hops chemist — a pursuit that took him to breweries around to globe to provide education, training, and technical support.  So, cheers to clear skies.

Meetings are also streamed via ZOOM. Zoom link: tba

Did you miss a recent presentation? Since July 2020, ASLC has recorded and archived mp4 videos of our Tombaugh Series Lecturers' presentations. Click here to see what's available.


Walter H. Haas Observatory Dedication

ASLC recently dedicated its observatory located at Leasburg Dam State Park in honor of the late Walter H. Haas, who among other notable achievements founded The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO). Mary Alba, Walter's daughter, recently recorded some thoughts about her father and the dedicating of the observatory in his honor. You can listen to her interview here.


Planning a Visit to Southern New Mexico's Dark Skies?

Southern New MexicoIf you're considering a trip to the 'Land of Enchantment', please check out our visitor's guide for astronomy fans interested in visiting southern New Mexico. The majority of the state enjoys Bortle 0 or 1 skies, so finding nearby quality dark skies is something we (almost) take for granted. Several dark sky observing/imaging sites and space tourism locations are highlighted, and further described on the visitor's guide page.

There's also an email link in case you have additional astronomy-related questions about the area.

Nearly half of New Mexico is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Dispersed camping for up to 14 days is permitted pretty much anywhere on undeveloped BLM land unless specifically prohibited. Please check current fire conditions before lighting a campfire, and dispose of all trash and human waste properly. More info here.

Last Update: 17 March, 2024 22:43

Astronomical League  
The Astronomical Society of Las Cruces is a member of the Astronomical League

International DarkSky Association  
ASLC supports the eradication of light pollution by its participation in the International DarkSky Association

International DarkSky Association  
ASLC supports the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (founded by ASLC co-founder, the late Walter Haas)

` `` © 2021 Rich Richins