TSA Telescope Clinic

In partnership with Buttonwood Nature Center

Have a telescope but not sure how to use it—or how to get the best views from it? Join members of the Tri-State Astronomers (TSA) for a hands-on Telescope Clinic designed to help you get comfortable with your equipment and ready for observing.

📅 Date & Time

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location

Church of the Apostles
Waynesboro, PA

🔭 What to Expect

One-on-one assistance with experienced TSA members
Help with setup, alignment, and basic operation
Tips for observing, accessories, and troubleshooting
Suitable for beginners and experienced observers alike

To ensure quality instruction, advance registration is required. Each participant will receive a 1-hour individual session.

🧰 What to Bring

Your telescope
All accessories and spare parts
The telescope manual (if available)

✉️ Registration & Information

Advance registration is required.
Please contact maryclaire@ButtonwoodNatureCenter.org or call 717-762-0373 to reserve your session.

✨CANCELED A Magical (and Free!) Family Night Out ✨

Looking for something different to do with the family? Join the Tri-State Astronomers (TSA) for a nighttime Star Party at Poor House Farm Park!

On March 7, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, our members will have their telescopes set up for the public to peek through. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids (and adults!) to see Jupiter, distant galaxies, and sparkling nebulas up close. 🔭✨

Quick Details for your Calendar:

Cost: Completely FREE!
Ages: Fun for all ages—from toddlers to grandparents.
Weather: This event is "clear skies only." If it's cloudy, we will have to cancel, so check back here before you head out!
Comfort: Please dress extra warmly! Evenings in the park can be much colder than you think. 🧥🧣

Come make some memories under the stars with us. We can't wait to see you there!

🌌 Amblebrook Astronomy & Stargazing Club Presents

Guest Speaker: Roxanne Kamin

Member of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg (ASH)

Join the AA&SC for an afternoon with a true veteran of the skies. From building NASA optical hardware to chasing "occultations" across four continents, Roxanne Kamin brings a lifetime of celestial expertise to Amblebrook.

Event Logistics

Date: May 9th, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Rock Creek Clubhouse Community Hall
- 250 Amblebrook Boulevard, Gettysburg, PA

RSVP Required

To ensure your spot, please reach out to Kathleen Marcink at: KathleenMarcink731@yahoo.com

About the Speaker

Roxanne’s background bridges the gap between professional aerospace engineering and dedicated amateur astronomy. Her work includes:

NASA Missions: Building and testing mission-critical optical hardware.
Citizen Science: Active member of the International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA).
What is an Occultation? It is a citizen science effort where observers time the dimming of a star as a celestial object passes in front of it. For asteroids, this data allows scientists to precisely calculate the asteroid's size and shape.
Leadership: Past President of the Astronomical League and member of several regional societies (Harrisburg, Howard, and Westminster).
2026 Circuit: Featured speaker at the historic Stellafane Convention and the Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF).

✨ Under the Stars: A Public Star Party at Fox Haven Farm ✨

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we peer into the deep reaches of the universe! Fox Haven Farm, in partnership with the TriState Astronomers, invites you and your family to explore the wonders of the late summer night sky.

🗓️ When & Where

Date: Saturday, September 5th
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson, MD

🔭 The Experience

The TriState Astronomers will have professional telescopes stationed to provide crystal-clear views of the cosmos, including:

Distant Galaxies and swirling Nebulae
Star Clusters, Asterisms, and Double Stars

🧺 Make an Evening of It

The picnic area opens at 7:30 PM. Feel free to bring blankets and snacks to enjoy as the sun goes down and the stars emerge.

⚠️ Important Details

Admission: This is a FREE public event!
Weather Permitting: This event is subject to clear skies.
What to Bring: To protect the night vision of all guests, only red-light flashlights are permitted. (Pro-tip: You can make one by covering a standard flashlight with red cellophane or a red balloon!)

🌌 Stargazing Etiquette

To ensure the best possible viewing experience for everyone, please adhere to the following:

No White Light: Please refrain from using standard flashlights, phone screens, or camera flashes in the telescope area.
Watch Your Step: Move carefully around the equipment and allow your eyes 15–20 minutes to fully adjust to the dark.

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