During the warmer months from April through October, The Indiana Astronomical
Society holds a monthly star gaze at the McCloud Nature Park in northwest Hendricks
County (driving directions below). This
event is designed for the beginning amateur astronomer and is open to the public.
Emphasis is on actual observing with telescopes furnished by both the IAS and the
Park to help beginners find their way around the night sky and, in particular, how
to find those faint, but interesting, objects.
Other topics may include discussions of types of equipment used and the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you have a telescope that you have questions about, bring it along and ask for help. Don't forget to bring the manual! This stargaze is attended by experienced IAS members to help you with your questions or equipment.
Each session is announced on the McCloud website and in the IAS newsletter IAS News and Views, along with the starting time. Meetings generally begin thirty minutes prior to sunset on the Saturday closest to the 1st Quarter Moon (see schedule in our calendar). After the classroom session in the shelter house is complete, we will move to the observing field (weather permitting). Wander around and ask questions about the sky!
- McCloud Nature Park web site.
- Astronomy weather conditions at McCloud.
- Driving directions to the park.