September Meeting, Potluck, and Observing
Greetings! — Come for the food, stay for the stars! Join us at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st, 2023, at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Campbell Aquatics Building for our quarterly potluck! If you’ve already been to one of our potlucks, you’re probably already looking forward to the good food and company that these events have become known for. Please note that besides your donations of the usual comfort foods like banana pudding, mac & cheese, barbecue, and so forth, we’ll also need help with set-up and clean-up.
Our potlucks are only as good as we make them. And while it’s not required, it’s a good idea to know who’s bringing what, so if possible, please click on the link below to sign up and help out!!
Potluck Sign Up
Meeting Agenda — Opening remarks and general introductions, then “What’s Up” in the sky this (and part of next) month by Observing Supervisor Dennis Ruzeski followed by any questions/comments from those who wish to share any of their own observing experiences. The scheduled presentation will follow.
Weather-permitting, we’ll then head out to the nearby Jon Wood Astronomy Field; all are invited to bring your own telescopes or binoculars. Sunset on our meeting night will be at 8:01 p.m.and the Elliott Trail main gate for incoming traffic closes to new entry at 7 p.m.  If you are not a member and plan to arrive after 7 p.m., please make arrangements with a club member for access.
Directions to the Aquatics Building at Charlie Elliott

1. (From Atlanta) Head east on I-20 to exit 98,
2. Turn right at the top of the ramp to head south on Hwy 11,
3. Continue south through Mansfield on Hwy 11,
4. Turn left off Hwy 11 onto Marben Farm Road (entrance road to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center),
5. Proceed past Elliott Trail (on the right),
6. Turn right onto Murder Creek Church Rd. NOTE: The road is extremely full of pot holes, so be aware.
7. Proceed to the Aquatics Building on the left with parking adjacent to the building.

Observing on Jon Wood Astronomy Field
A few items to note:

• Plan to treat this outing like you would a camping trip and be prepared. Dress appropriately for the weather and the environment, bring snacks and drinks if needed, and plan to take your trash with you.
• After pulling up the dirt driveway from Elliot Trail and onto the astronomy field, please orient your vehicle to face the field exit gate so as not to cause problems with headlights when leaving.
• There is a regularly serviced Porta Potty on the field.
• As stated above, the main gate on Elliott Trail closes to new entry by vehicle at 7 p.m., but will automatically open for exiting traffic at all times. If you are not a member and plan to arrive after 7 p.m., please make arrangements with a club member for access.
• Please refrain from using white lights on the field. Red flashlights are cheap and easy to find at your favorite store. They’re even cheaper to make with a spare flashlight and red nail-polish on the lens.
• For more information about Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, please visit the Charlie Elliott website.

Thank you!
Tyler S. Middlebrooks

On the New Moon weekend every month, the CEAstronomy Chapter holds a meeting 2 hours before sunset, followed by observing (weather permitting).
Observing times posted here are for sunset. We request that you arrive and are set up BEFORE this time to prevent your lights from disturbing the other observers. 
The gate to the observing field is locked by CEWC at dusk which varies by the season. 
PLEASE NOTE: Times & locations may vary. Check website before you go!
For more information, go to http://ceastronomy.org/blog/home.