The Amateur Astronomers Group is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The majority of our members are from South Central New Mexico. We are comprised of amateur astronomers with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. Our group primarily supports Oliver Lee State Park with their astronomy events and other local outreach opportunities. The membership ranges from beginners to highly advanced individuals conducting scientific research. We welcome everyone, especially families and youngsters. Telescopes NOT required. Best of all membership is FREE!


CURRENT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
and the
Amateur Astronomers Group


Schedule of Night Sky Programs 2013

For information call: 575-437-8284

Program Name: Callisto and Arcus
Date(s): June 8, 2013 Time: 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: The Amateur Astronomers Group will be sponsoring a summer sky tour. Learn the constellations Ursa Major and Bootes, which are linked by the myths of Callisto and Arcus. Come early and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown.


Program Name: Scorpio
Date(s): July 27, 2013 Time: 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: The Amateur Astronomers Group will be sponsoring a summer sky tour. Scorpio dominates the southern sky in July. One of the largest and oldest constellations it dates back to Babylonian origins. Saturn will also be prominent in nearby Virgo as Venus sets in the early evening sky. Come early and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Fee: Day-use fee required. For information call: 575-437-8284.


Program Name: Venus, the Crescent Moon and Saturn
Date(s): August 10, 2013 Time: 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: The Amateur Astronomers Group will be sponsoring a tour of the summer night sky. Venus, the Crescent Moon and Saturn create an alignment within the constellation Virgo at sunset. Come early and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Fee: Day-use fee required. For information call: 575-437-8284.


Program Name: Sagittarius and the Milky Way
Date(s): September 7, 2013 Time: 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: The Amateur Astronomers Group will sponsor an evening under the stars. Ever wonder why our galaxy is called the Milky Way? Come learn some fun facts and stories about the Milky Way. This bright band of stars stretches from Sagittarius in the southwest to Perseus in the northeast but only represents about one half of our galaxy. Fee: Day-use fee required. For information call 505-437-8284.


Program Name: The Summer Triangle
Date(s): October 5, 2013 Time: 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: Celebrate Astronomy Day (Part 2) with the Amateur Astronomers Group with a tour of the early fall night sky. The constellations of the Summer Triangle reign supreme, while the Milky Way dominates the night sky. Come early and enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Fee: Day-use fee required. For information call: 575-437-8284.


Program Name: The Beaver Moon.
Month: November 16, 2013 Time: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: Enjoy the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown. Watch the moonrise over the Sacramento escarpment. The Beaver Moon takes its name from the Algonquin, who set their winter beaver traps before the water ways froze. Dress warmly, arrive early and enjoy stories about the moon. Fee: Day-use fee required. For information call: 575-437-8284.


Program Name: Celestial Cycles: Winter Solstice.
Month: December 21, 2013 Time: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Location: Group Shelter
Description: While enjoying the beauty of Dog Canyon at sundown, learn about celestial cycles and how early cultures used the night sky to time their daily lives. Often celebrated as Yule, Winter Solstice started at 10:11 am this morning, and marks the longest night of the year. Dress warmly, while you view the stars and constellations in the dark skies over Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. Fee: Day-use fee required. For information call: 575-437-8284.




OTHER EVENTS

in south-central New Mexico
with the
Amateur Astronomers Group


Schedule of Programs 2013


Program Name: Astronomy for Kids
Month: June 2013 Location: NMSU-A
Description: The AAG is teaming up with the NMSU-A Community Education department to provide a science-based astronomy course for kids. Stay tuned for details here or at the NMSU-A Community Education website.

Program Name: Comet ISON Star Party
Month: Fall 2013: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm Location: TBD
Description: Comets can be fickle, but Comet ISON is being billed as "The Comet of the Century". Join the AAG to view the comet as its makes its trek into the inner solar system. Stay tuned for details.

Program Name: Tularosa Public Library Star Party
Month: TBD: 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm Location: Tularosa Community Center
Description: The Tularosa Public Library will be sponsoring tour of the nightime sky. See galaxies, star clusters and nebulas. To be scheduled.

Other programs are in works - check back on this page for the latest updates !!


Keep watching for a Scope Orientation Progam!





Check out which constellations are currently up in the sky with the AAG SkyViewer