Lots of new folks

[Akarsh Simha]

It’s exciting to see so many new and newish folks on the list and also old folks reviving their interest in the hobby.

I’ve been thinking for a while that we should at some time meet for a “beginner’s clinic” because I suspect a lot of people lurking on the list are simply hesitant about getting out due to the long list of dark sky etiquette and things like that, so maybe a chill weekday evening session at a very local observing site with no rules (or very simple ones like go to this website and get this permit) and the idea is for the more experienced folks to help beginners with equipment queries, dark sky etiquette for real observing runs, in-person discussion about getting to dark places, protecting equipment etc.

But but but we’re all very busy and would love to squeeze all of the time we get for this hobby in our pursuit of it. I haven’t been able to as yet commit myself to the idea. I felt I should nevertheless throw it out there to see how many new people want it and how many experienced people want to help with something like this

I know SJAA has QuickSTARt, in fact run by our amazing Jonathan Lawton. However this is different — it’s not about the mechanics of using your telescope or starhopping, but more about the mechanics of getting out to places for observing.

[Ted Hauter]

I can help with anything Celestron. 

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[Jaimie Henderson]

That sounds fun, Akarsh! I'd personally be interested in participating, schedule permitting.

Jaimie

[Surya Rao]

Akarsh,

I am not exactly new to TAC, but I would be interested as well. 

Surya

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[Jonathan Lawton]

Great idea, Akarsh!  Observing somewhere other than one's backyard for the first time can be a bit intimidating.  It would be fantastic to have an event specifically geared toward helping folks get comfortable with setting up at our local sites.

Not to hijack your post, but since you mentioned QuickSTARt, I'll just mention I'll be starting a session next week.  Target audience is folks who have little / no experience using a telescope and would like to change that.  Two meetings: one at the SJAA hall at Houge Park and one at a local dark site.  After the second session, you can borrow the telescope for around 2 months to practice yourself.  No charge, other than a current SJAA membership ($20/yr).  If anyone's interested, please feel free to drop me a line: <quick...@sjaa.net>

Jonathan

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[Malgorzata G]

Yeah that would be great and I am interested as well. 

Best,

Mal

On Friday, August 29, 2025, Jonathan Lawton <jan...@gmail.com> wrote:

Great idea, Akarsh!  Observing somewhere other than one's backyard for the first time can be a bit intimidating.  It would be fantastic to have an event specifically geared toward helping folks get comfortable with setting up at our local sites.

Not to hijack your post, but since you mentioned QuickSTARt, I'll just mention I'll be starting a session next week.  Target audience is folks who have little / no experience using a telescope and would like to change that.  Two meetings: one at the SJAA hall at Houge Park and one at a local dark site.  After the second session, you can borrow the telescope for around 2 months to practice yourself.  No charge, other than a current SJAA membership ($20/yr).  If anyone's interested, please feel free to drop me a line: <quick...@sjaa.net>

Jonathan

On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 7:56 AM Surya Rao <surya...@gmail.com> wrote:

Akarsh,

I am not exactly new to TAC, but I would be interested as well. 

Surya

On Fri, Aug 29, 2025, 7:45 AM Jaimie Henderson <jaimie.h...@gmail.com> wrote:

That sounds fun, Akarsh! I'd personally be interested in participating, schedule permitting.

Jaimie

On Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12:08:55 AM UTC-7 akars...@gmail.com wrote:

It’s exciting to see so many new and newish folks on the list and also old folks reviving their interest in the hobby.

I’ve been thinking for a while that we should at some time meet for a “beginner’s clinic” because I suspect a lot of people lurking on the list are simply hesitant about getting out due to the long list of dark sky etiquette and things like that, so maybe a chill weekday evening session at a very local observing site with no rules (or very simple ones like go to this website and get this permit) and the idea is for the more experienced folks to help beginners with equipment queries, dark sky etiquette for real observing runs, in-person discussion about getting to dark places, protecting equipment etc.

But but but we’re all very busy and would love to squeeze all of the time we get for this hobby in our pursuit of it. I haven’t been able to as yet commit myself to the idea. I felt I should nevertheless throw it out there to see how many new people want it and how many experienced people want to help with something like this

I know SJAA has QuickSTARt, in fact run by our amazing Jonathan Lawton. However this is different — it’s not about the mechanics of using your telescope or starhopping, but more about the mechanics of getting out to places for observing.

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[Raymond Wong]

Ditto what Jamie H said.  

Cheers, 73s, Clear Skies and Clear Blocks,

Ray

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[Rod Brown]

Up here in Nevada County, our club just scheduled a combination potluck social and beginner observing session at the home of one of our board members, with just this goal in mind.

[Akarsh Simha]

How about we pencil in the idea of meeting on Friday the 12th September at Montebello? I'd also be more comfortable if some experienced folks are able to make it to provide backup in case I cannot make it or whatever

Regards

Akarsh

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[David Kirjassoff]

Sounds good to me!

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 29, 2025, at 3:58 PM, Akarsh Simha <akars...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Akarsh Simha]

Hi folks

Unfortunately, I was traveling until Wednesday and I couldn't figure out the permitting logistics. I'll work on doing so now, so that we can do this another time. It could even be during full moon, which might be a better option given that regulars aren't in the "rush" to plan and get equipment ready for the new moon. Meanwhile if someone wants help with CalStar logistics I'm sure we'll all be able to help online.

Regards

Akarsh

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