Charlie Elliott Astronomy
Latitude: 33° 28' 09"N Longitude: 83° 44' 06"W Elevation: 300m
Charlie Elliott Cloud Forecast
Potluck, Meeting, and Observing December 14th, 2024 3:30 p.m.
Come for the food, stay for the moon and planets! Join us at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Campbell Aquatics Building for our quarterly potluck! I know...it's a full moon. But, sometimes you have to be flexible when the moon doesn't cooperate with holidays. 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 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 please click on the link below to sign up and help out! If you can't bring something, bring yourself. We always need help with setup and clean up.
Sunset will be at 5:28 p.m. and the main gate closes to new entry at 7:00 p.m. If you are not a member and plan to arrive after 7:00 p.m., please make arrangements with a member for entry.
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 drive 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 Wildlife Center website.
Directions to the Meeting Location
(From Atlanta) Head east on I-20 to exit 98,
Turn right at the top of the ramp to head south on Hwy 11,
Continue south through Mansfield on Hwy 11,
Turn left off Hwy 11 onto Marben Farm Road (entrance road to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center),
Continue past Elliott Trail (on your right),
Turn right onto Murder Creek Road.
Continue approximately 0.7 mile to the Campbell Aquatics Building. Parking is adjacent to the building.
CEA Image of the Month
Congratulations to Joseph Hazan for his mosaic of the California Nebula (NGC 1499)!
Membership
All Charlie Elliott Astronomy events are free and open to the public and you don’t have to be a member to attend our meetings or join us on Jon Wood Astronomy Field. However, we would encourage you to consider a yearly paid membership for less than the cost of a couple of pizzas.
Your membership dues allow us to continue our science outreach programs in area schools and youth organizations, merit badge programs with area Scout troops, and allow us to maintain the facilities on Jon Wood Astronomy Field. As a member, you will be provided gate codes enabling drive-up access to Jon Wood Astronomy field at any time for observing, imaging, or just enjoying the stars.
To become a member, complete our Membership Form. March is membership renewal month. If you are renewing your membership, visit the AAC Renewals page.
Jon Wood Astronomy Field
John Wood Astronomy Field is a multi-use field at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Management Area and is open to the public on meeting nights. We have made arrangements with the kind folks at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Management Area so that members may access the field at any time. Gate codes will be provided upon request. Confirmation of active membership is required. Please note, gate codes are changed annually and must be requested annually.
Request Access to Jon Wood Astronomy Field
Contact Us
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