# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Beginner Observing session
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 06 Jun, 2026 at 08:00 pm
- **Event Description**: Join us this Saturday June 6th at 8:00pm for the next MAS Beginner Group outdoor observing session of 2026.  It will be held at Metcalf Field at Belwin Conservancy, near Afton.   Sunset will be at 8:54pm that evening.

This event is weather dependent.  If Friday June 5th looks like the better night for observing we may move this event up one day.  So if you are planning to attend, please drop an e-mail to Suresh at sureshks1@msn.com so he can keep you informed of any changes due to weather.  
There is no charge to attend an MAS Beginner group event, and you do not need to be an MAS member to attend -- everyone is welcome, including children.  The purpose is to help beginners learn about the night sky, and to learn how to set up and use a telescope. Volunteers from the MAS will be on hand to answer your questions and to show you objects thru their own telescopes.  We typically have around 30-50 attendees and 25-30 telescopes of all types set up across the field. 
Bringing a telescope to the event is optional, but if you have one, bring it!!  If you need help with learning how to set up and use it, we are happy to help.  There is AC power available at Metcalf Field via two power poles on the east and north sides of the field.  So if you need power to run your telescope or other equipment, just bring an extension cord so you can connect.
As the sky darkens, Jupiter and Venus will make a striking pair in the western sky, just 3° apart.  Europa and Ganymede, two of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, will be close to each other to the west of Jupiter. Around 10:15pm, as Jupiter nears the western tree line, the Great Red Spot will just be rotating into view along Jupiter's eastern limb.  The Moon won't rise until close to 1:00am.  When it does it will be illuminated 62% and will appear as a waning gibbous.  
Without the bright Moon in the sky we will be able to peruse the many Springtime deep-sky wonders.  Spring is galaxy season, as we are peering away from the Milky Way and out into intergalactic space.  Galaxy clusters in Leo, Canes Venatici and Ursa Major will be high overhead as nighttime falls.  We'll start out viewing the Leo Triplet, Whirlpool, Pinwheel, Bode’s and Cigar galaxies, and go from there.  The Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters will also be high up along the meridian after dusk.  And several of the sky’s finest globular clusters will also be visible during the evening, including M3, M4, M5, M13, M22 and M92.  By 11:00pm, the Summer Milky Way will be visible in the southeast, and we will view its many nebulae and clusters in Serpens, Scorpio and Sagittarius, and higher up in the sky in Cygnus.

We will once again have the goodie table!!!  Feel free to bring something to share, such as cookies or other treats.  This is totally optional, and no one should feel obligated to do so.

If you are planning to join us, please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Also, bring extra clothing / jackets / hats / mittens as temps can still dip, even as we are near summer.  

Directions to Metcalf Field: (see this Google Maps link): https://goo.gl/maps/UNkt67YPWg4qAjuP6
Metcalf Field GPS Coordinates: 44.93734 N / 92.82157 W

For more information on Metcalf Field, see here: http://www.mnastro.org/facilities/metcalf/

Driving Directions: Head east past Woodbury on I-94 to the Manning exit (exit 253). Turn south and then take the first left onto Hudson Road S. Continue east about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Indian Trail. Check your odometer here, and then travel 1.1 miles. You'll see an unmarked chain-link gate on the right side. This is the entrance to Metcalf field. Enter the dirt path and park on the left side.  There will be 2 small reflectors on poles and a larger white MAS sign marking the entrance.  If you have a telescope with you, you can also park on the right (north side) of the field.

If you haven't been to Metcalf Field, it can be a little difficult to locate the entrance.  So please plan on arriving in daylight.

We will take one last look at the weather forecasts on Thursday afternoon June 5th, and we'll make the final Go/No Go weather call that evening.  

We always need volunteers to help out at these Beginner events.  So if you'd like to help out at this or any future events, please let us know!  

We hope to see you there!!
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/afton/beginner-observing-session/200030189324455
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Afton
- **state**: MN
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 795 Indian Trl S, Afton, MN 55001-9704, United States
- **lat**: 44.93853
- **long**: -92.82188
- **full address**: 795 Indian Trl S, Afton, MN 55001-9704, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Beginner Observing session
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/9ab7393b3d2a79b423c279c4d0f043e92b21425e2db29f7f792c9e8b76a114a8-rimg-w1200-h675-dc04112c-gmir?v=1780607454

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Beginner Observing session being held?
  - **A:** Beginner Observing session takes place on Sat, 06 Jun, 2026 at 08:00 pm to Sat, 06 Jun, 2026 at 08:00 pm at 795 Indian Trl S, Afton, MN 55001-9704, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Beginner Observing session?
  - **A:** Beginner Observing session is organized by Minnesota Astronomical Society.

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