Welcome
“Sharing the Universe With the Valley for more than 50 Years”
Log-in to our website and become a subscriber. It is free and completely private. When you subscribe, you will receive our club e-mails informing you about or activities. The TAA is made up of people that love astronomy. We hold monthly meetings and observing sessions at the Arthur Pursell Observatory in Tulare, California. We hope that you will become a member and join us in our astronomical journeys. Note you must provide valid address and phone number to be subscribed to our site. All personal information is private and secure.
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Upcoming TAA Public Events
Wednesday
July 14
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
No Meeting this Month
Wednesday
August 11
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
No Meeting this Month
Wednesday
September 8
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
No Meeting this Month
No event found!
Major Astronomical Events
Celestial Events Calendar
NASA Image of the Day
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
What's Up Monthly Video
Link To Video Source Page
It’s hard to watch such an important and historical asset as the Tulare Astronomical Association and Purcell Observatory slip away because of a general lack of interest. The TAA has been here since the 1960’s sharing the night sky with hundreds and hundreds of county residents and beyond since that time. But public interest seems to have all but evaporated. I have been a member for over 13 years now and the TAA has been a constant source of astronomical enjoyment, learning, and comradarie for me, helping me grow in my favorite hobby. I think this is true for many more amateur astronomers as well. So, it is hard to imagine how residents of the county would let this go. Though COVID has kept people away (and rightfully so), I hope people will step up now and support the observatory with new and renewed memberships and robust participation in club meetings and star parties. THe TAA has a universe to offer. Come see for yourself😊
I will be attending next month. I'm in Missouri until the end of month. I plan on bringing my granddaughters.
I was really surprised at the high turn out a couple of yesrs ago when we made it out with my family. It is truly a treasure. However, I'm not aware we had any recent events. My sense is that people are really eager to get out and enjoy our area, now that things are a little more normal. I look forward to the next event. FYI: I feel most people around here don't even know these organizations, FB page, events exist. I'd encourage an article in the newspaper, or other promotion to bring about awareness in the communities near the Observatory.
Very Interesting meeting last night, June 9th, with demonstrations by two members assembling various telescopes and showing many optional additions to make viewing easier. Next meeting after the break for hot weather will be at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2021.
I have been a member for several years. The Tulare Club has everything it needs to be successful; parking/dark space for scopes/toilets/club building/an observatory/knowledgeable leaders &members/informative web-site. That being said, we are lacking in our advertising & out-reach programs, people need to know we are here, especially now after being restricted due to a virus.
Maybe I could shoot some nice drone footage of the place for fun and share it to spread the word around.
Have there been events? I have not seen anything come up. Is there a TAA instagram I can follow? I will look on website to make sure my email is registered.
Id like to receive emails as well Mykeylykesit@yahoo.com
Sally & I, got up early to have coffee & enjoy the eclipse. Very peaceful, had a good time just setting on the front lawn. The pictures have two very different exposure time settings. Hope everyone was able to enjoy the eclipse.
I got out my Celestron for the kiddos and I was surprised we didn't the red blood moon we were promised. This is California. Who do we sue? 🤣😂🤣
Greetings Don! Good pics
Great Shots Don!!
Wow. Those pics are awesome. Thank you for sharing!
When do we get to play again? I'm a noob and need help getting the most out of my new mount 🙂
You better play, real quick. It looks like fire season is starting. Nothing like smoke to ruin the night sky.
My setup... celestron 127EQ on svbony alt azimuth mount and carbon fiber tripod, canon EOS RP prime focus to MS surface for monitoring/recording.. phone mount so my phone can guide me.. to do is figure out how to mount my electric focuser 🙂
looks like your ready for some SKY time.
I have no idea what I’m doing, but I have two telescopes and a hand full of lenses. I’m a hands on learner, and it’s about to be trial by fire. Hopefully tonight I’m successful. When all this covid crap is over, I’d love to get some training from some of you experts in here.
Not sure about your lenses, but the dobsonian reflector looks like a good one! What is the aperture of the primary?
Get the "SKY SAFARI" app for your phone, it will show you the night sky. The sky moves with your phone, so its really easy to pin point objects. There are several similar apps available, they all work about the same. Mainly just practice & have fun.
Agree with Don. Sky Safari is a great tool. Get the plus version
makes casual observing possible. Was going to mention checking the collimation, each time you assemble your truss tube telescope (the big one) if you do not already have a laser collimator you should invest in one.
A tel-rad spotter is also a nice addition to your equipment. Very easy to align your Big scope on an object. There are Star maps made to be used with the tel-rad, very accurate.
