# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Beginner Observing session
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 01 Aug, 2026 at 08:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: Join us this Saturday July 18th 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.

As of now, the weather forecasts are looking good for Saturday evening.  But this event is weather dependent. We may move this event up a day to Friday July 17th at 8:00pm if that is forecasted to be the better night for observing.  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 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 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.

We will start on the Moon this night.  It will be 27% illuminated, and will be situated in the western sky in Virgo.  We will peruse the many craters, rills and lava regions, particularly along the terminator (day/night line).  The Moon will set just after 11:00pm.

Once the Moon sets we will peruse the many deep-sky wonders of summer.  The galaxies of Springtime will be getting lower in the western sky.  In its place the Summer Milky Way will stretch from the northeast, high overhead and then down towards the south. We will find some of its many treasures, including nebulae such as the Lagoon, Trifid, Swan, Eagle and Veil nebulas.  We'll locate some of the finer open clusters too, such as the Wild Duck, M24, M6/M7.  Several of the sky’s finest globular clusters will also be visible during the evening, including M3, M4, M5, M13, M22 and M92.  

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 at night, even during the summertime.  

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'll make the final Go/No Go weather call during the evening of July 16th.  

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

We hope to see you there!!
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/afton/beginner-observing-session/200030441410703
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 39

## 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/events10/banners/dbb96fe634c0b3c2c990631b662ba805c30dc2122d961c10362508d149bf96e1-rimg-w1200-h675-dc04112c-gmir?v=1784750403

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Beginner Observing session being held?
  - **A:** Beginner Observing session takes place on Sat, 01 Aug, 2026 at 08:00 pm to Sat, 01 Aug, 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.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Beginner Observing session is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Afton, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Beginner Observing session sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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