Upcoming Events
The 2013 Public Observing Dates are now available. Download a flyer with all of the dates and times 1.0MB pdf)
CAA Public Observing Dates
A young observer peers through the CAA's vintage Celestron 16 telescope.
The CAA hosts at least 12 Saturday Public Observing events featuring a guest speaker that is followed—weather permitting—by celestial viewings through telescopes at the facility. During viewing hours, society members will be available to answer questions and provide everyone with an opportunity to look through the Society's telescopes and those of our members.
Public observing events are held in the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center at the Palisades-Dows Observatory and Preserve through a generous agreement with the Linn County Conservation Department. For directions, please visit our maps page or download a pdf version (276 kB.)
The Cedar Amateur Astronomers, Inc. is a participating member of NASA's Night Sky Network.
The 2013 Public Event Schedule
The list of presentation topics and speakers will be updated as it becomes available.
March 9, 7:30 p.m.
The Sun in the Year of Solar Maximum
Presenter: Professor Steven Spangler, The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
April 13, 8 p.m.
Things That Go Bump in the Night: Near-Earth Objects and Other Small Bodies in the Solar System
Presenter: Brent Studer, Kirkwood Community College
Near-Earth objects pose a potential threat to Earth, but are also excellent targets for exploration. Tonight's talk will describe the different properties of these objects, what we've learned about them, the hazards they pose, and the potential for exploring them. An overview of upcoming celestial attractions such as Comet ISON will be discussed as well. Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
May 11, 8:30 p.m.
The Cosmic Wall: Looking Back to the Beginning of the Universe
Presenter: Professor Bill Peterson, The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
June 8, 9 p.m.
Topic to be announced later
Presenter: To be announced later
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
June 15, 8:30 p.m.
The Moon
Presenter: Doug Slauson, Cedar Amateur Astronomers
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
July 6, 9 p.m.
Topic to be announced later
Presenter: To be announced later
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
July 20, 3 – 6 p.m.
The Sun
Presenter: To be announced
Weather permitting, solar observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
August 3, 8 p.m.
Topic to be announced later
Presenter: Professor Randall McEntaffer, The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
August 24, 8 p.m.
Topic to be announced later
Presenter: Professor Cornelia Lang, The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
September 7, 7:30 p.m.
Topic: The Big Bang
Presenter: Professor Ken Gayley, The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
October 5, 7:30 pm.
Topic to be announced later
Presenter: To be announced later
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
November 2, 7:30 p.m.
Topic to be announced later
Presenter: To be announced later
Weather permitting, observing through CAA telescopes will follow the presentation.
2013 NCRAL Convention
Plan on attending the Astronomical League's North Central Region convention in 2013. Check this page for more information as it becomes available.
