Author: Emilyann Kerr

Being a BAA member comes with many perks, and one of the better ones is being able to take advantage of our telescope loaner program. Over the years we have acquired a variety of scopes that have a permanent home at the observatory and can be temporarily loaned to members. Want to test a telescope of a similar type or brand before you buy? Maybe you’ve got a telescope already, but want to try something new?  Members who have been active for a period of 3 months may borrow — all you need to do is get in touch and make a request! Initial loan periods are for two months. A valid government issued ID is required with up to date contact information. 

 

Here are some pictures of the loaners, along with some info below about each. Click on any photo to enlarge it:

[UNAVAILABLE – CURRENTLY ON LOAN – earliest available date is Jan. 2021]

Celestron NexStar SE 6 – This is a computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain compound scope that was graciously donated to the club by the family of a former member. Its mirror diameter is 6 inches. What really makes this scope stand out as a loaner is that it is a “Go-To” scope — meaning that you can tell the telescope where to go in the sky using the number pad. A great choice for a beginning member.

Meade LX 200 – This is another Schmidt-Cassegrain Go-To scope, and is on a German equatorial mount. Its mirror diameter is 10 inches, which makes it a better option if you are looking to explore deep-sky objects. If you wanted to learn about equatorial mounts and had a bit of existing experience with telescopes, this would be a good one to borrow.

Homemade Custom BAA Dobsonian – This is a custom, handmade scope that was graciously donated to us and features a handsome wooden frame. Its mirror size is (estimated to be) 6 inches.

Celestron Starhopper Dobsonian – This is a Celestron Starhopper 10 inch reflector on a Dobsonian mount. This is a wonderful scope to use with deep-sky objects, but be warned, it’s big. You’ll need to take it home in a vehicle that can fit it. As with all telescopes, think about the time and effort it will take to transport the equipment when considering your decision to borrow or buy.

Konusuper 120 – This is a refractor telescope with a 120mm/4.7 inch mirror. Refractors, especially like this one, are great to use if you live in more of an urban area and would like to view planets, double stars, or the Moon. However, keep in mind that this scope is on a German equatorial (GEM) mount like the LX 200 above, and may be suited for members who have some existing experience or are willing to devote some time to learning/setup.

Meade 395 – This is a refractor telescope with a 90mm/3.5 inch mirror. Like the Konusuper and LX 200, this is on a GEM mount too.

Any scopes catch your eye? Reach out to Ernie Jacobs in the member forums and mention which one you’d like to borrow. We are actively loaning telescopes despite COVID-19. Any member wishing to borrow will need to meet social distance and mask wearing measures when meeting at the BAA observatory for equipment pickup. All borrowed telescopes are disinfected when returned, and left for a period of time before the next member may borrow.

There’s no better time to take advantage of our program and your membership!

Hi all,

This past Saturday (September 26th) the BAA participated in NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, a yearly celebration that aims to unite lunar observers to enjoy of one of Earth’s best known astronomical sights. Like all of our current public events, this was simultaneously livestreamed through Zoom to our Facebook and Youtube pages. If you wish to watch the stream, you can do so below:

https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloAstronomy/videos/637438593482542/

 

Dennis kicked off the program with a sweet activity for young astronomers at home (I won’t spoil it, watch for yourself!) and then gave a presentation on humanity’s history with our moon, as well as what may lie for us beyond. Paul M. from Penn Dixie also provided a wonderful introduction to the Moon and answered some interesting questions (When do lunar eclipses happen? What’s a supermoon?) in his talk:

 

 

 

 

 

Then, we moved into the mostly observational section of our event, with BAA members demonstrating live views. Dan, who was out at the observatory broadcasting live from our club scope, gave us a wide-field view. Pat C. was able to show and discuss some of the historical Apollo landing sites (and also speak a little bit about why you can’t see the flag on the moon!) Feel free to click to get a closer look:

Our president Mike showed a unique way to experience the Moon through touch — by having it 3D printed! And I ended up getting some images of the Moon myself through my smartphone camera with a NexYZ phone mount. We also discussed individual features, including the Tycho and Clavius craters, and a mysterious monthly apparition called the X:

 

 

Last but certainly not least, here are some awesome images from Phil, taken as a video with with his Dobsonian telescope. Definitely click on these to get up close! If you listen to the Facebook presentation, you should be able to pick out some areas that we mentioned:

 

 

Overall, it was an awesome time with something for everyone. Hopefully we will be able to hold this again next year, but with in-person visitation at our observatory or another public location. Regardless, enjoy the images and stream, and keep looking up! 

 

 

 

Hi all,

Hard to believe we’re already in August. Not only are the nights growing longer from the Summer Solstice (finally!) but we are about ready to have some more BAA club meetings. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the remainder of our monthly meetings will be held online, instead of our usual spot at Buffalo State. However, the change to Zoom gives us an opportunity to change up the format. We’re currently looking for interesting presentations from members that could be held during the online meetings.

• What did you do this summer with regards to astronomy?
• Have you started any cool astronomical projects?
• Have you learned anything interesting about astronomy recently that could be shared with your fellow members?

If these questions apply to you, please email Mike Humphrey and mention what you would like to present. It would be optimal if you have a computer and could show a Powerpoint presentation or Word document with the content of your talk during the Zoom meeting.

Our next online club meeting will be September 11 — information on how to join will be posted closer to the meeting date. I hope that in the meantime some excellent and informative presentations are developed. See you then!

—

Emilyann