southern maine astronomers
Upcoming Events
Outreach and other public events
You can also see our events calendar on the NASA's Night Sky Network!
SMA Regular Club Meeting (ZOOM Only)
Thursday, Jan 7, 2021, 7 p.m. Social "half-hour" starts at 6:30pm.
Please join us for our first meeting of the year. Our main event will be a discussion about observing from telescope basics, set up and alignment, to binocular observing, to use of setting circles, to cell phone imaging, to utilizing all the observing aids in Night Sky Network … and more. We welcome comments from all attendees on tips they’ve learned over the years to make observing more enjoyable and productive. The evening will conclude with Russ Pinizzotto’s tour or everyone’s favorite constellation – ORION. The formal meeting begins at 7 p.m. but the zoom window opens at 6:30 p.m. for socializing. Hope you can join us!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85991086487
SMA Regular Club Meeting (ZOOM Only)
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, 7pm. Social "half-hour" starts at 6:30pm.
Our December meeting will feature the return of Dr. Aileen Yingst, a planetary geologist, this time speaking on the Dawn Mission to asteroids Ceres and Vesta. Previously, Dr. Yingst spoke to us about the Curiosity Mission on Mars where she remains one of the co-principal investigators on use of the suite of instruments on Curiosity’s robotic arm. Dr. Yingst has been very involved in the Dawn Mission and I’m sure will give a detailed and informative talk on these fascinating asteroids that couldn’t be more different from each other yet occupying prominent positions in the Asteroid Belt. (If you’ve never been to the new Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel, ME, you should take the trip. They have a whole room dedicated to meteorites and quite a collection of meteorites that emanated from Vesta.)Our meeting will also feature a visit to the constellation Perseus by Russ Pinizzotto. So, please join us at 6:30 for some holiday socializing, with the formal meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m.Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81740952073See LessSMA Regular Club Meeting (ZOOM Only)
Thursday, Nov 5, 2020, 7pm. Social "half-hour" starts at 6:30pm.
Speaker - Sarah Betti - Formation of Exoplanets in Circumstellar Disks
Sarah will be talking about how we both detect exoplanets that have already formed, and how we probe their formation mechanisms, through both direct and indirect detections of proto-planets within circumstellar disks. Understanding how these planets form is essential to understanding and characterizing the variety of planets we have discovered, and our theory of star and planet formation
Star Tour - Russ Pinizzotto's celestial romp!
Gallery
Photos & videos from members.
Membership
Support your local club and become a member of Southern Maine Astronomers!
Annual Membership Fee10.00 - 1,000.00SMA annual membership fee. This includes a membership to the Night Sky Network and a membership to the Astronomical League, which entitles you to receive the quarterly Reflector magazine.
All memberships are annual and aligned with the calendar year, not to the time of purchase.SelectQuantityCommittees
We've got a top notch team! While each of these committees is staffed by Club Directors, any member can join and assist these committees in their club objectives. We welcome participation! Support your Club!
Membership
This committee is focused on increasing membership and improving member experience.
Purview includes club meetings, greeting members and guests, following up with new people, providing refreshments. It will be the point of contact for club clothing and such. This committee will coordinate with the Program Committee to ensure we are offering speakers and topics that square with the needs and desires of members. It will also liaise with other clubs, including student organizations, and encourage developments between clubs.
Director Members: Bob Dodge, Al DiSabatino, Scott Lovejoy
Outreach
Acting as the point of contact for the public, for things like star parties, speakers, etc., and for coordinating the club’s response.
This committee responds to groups looking for star parties and such events; would determine if it’s a request the club can accommodate; would organize club members willing to attend/staff the event. This committee also provides formal notice to news organizations and public bulletin boards and other third parties of club meetings and events.
Director Members: Ron Thompson, Ara Jerahian, James Shields,
Program
Planning for meetings, finding speakers, coordinating publicity.
This Committee seeks speakers in contemporary topics of astronomy and space exploration that are of interest to the membership. The Committee ensures other engaging content to appeal to beginners as well as seasoned amateurs to improve their knowledge of the night sky, telescope equipment, observing techniques and astrophotography.
Director Members: George Bokinsky, Rowan Goebel-Bain
Equipment
Managing club equipment, purchased and donated, to fulfill the club's outreach and educational mission.
Club assets include purchased and donated equipment. This committee determines what best suits club needs and then seeks to sell or otherwise dispose of excess equipment with funds received used to support the club. This committee also manages the Club's Equipment Lending Program that makes more sophisticated equipment available to club members for use.
Director Members: Kirk Rogers, Forrest Sumner
Dark Sky Advocacy
Liaising with Dark Sky Maine, IDA, and other groups interested in controlling light pollution.
Advocating for dark sky-friendly zoning and other regulations to control and reduce light pollution. This Committee hope to develop a recognition program for organizations and municipalities who undertake improvements in light pollution control.
Director Member: Rob Burgess, Club Member: Paul Howell
Finance
This Committee is responsible for administration of club finances.
Responsibilities include management and reconcilement of club finances and bank statements, tax filings, club insurances, etc. Recently, the club decided to undertake fundraising. This new venture will examine club short and long term goals and then find sources and develop strategies to support those goals, including the establishment of an endowment fund.
Director Members: Ron Thompson, All Directors
Fundraising Subcommittee: Rob Burgess, Bob Dodge, Ron Thompson, Club Member Russ Pinozzotto
Affiliations
