It’s natural to be curious about the universe. Whether we casually peer through our living room window to observe the moon, or camp out in a remote area to view the stars, we have a strong impetus to connect with the world above us.
While it can be easy to find a few stars, the study of astronomy and the practice of stargazing can be ever-so complex. Words like azimuth and occultation seem rather strange, yet they are routinely used in describing stars or solar events. In addition, the coordinates used to pinpoint celestial objects seem as though they have been written in ancient Greek instead of Modern-day English.
Thankfully, star hunting newbies do have the chance to learn from astronomy buffs, so they can interpret the sky like the pros. Since 1918, the Miami Valley Astronomical Society, or MVAS for short, has been providing stargazers with the opportunity to learn more about the heavens, along with the requisite tools to view it. The first organization of its kind in the Dayton area, the founders included many notable public figures, such as former NCR president, Colonel Edward Deeds.
The MVAS currently has 130 members and is considered one of the largest astronomy clubs in the Ohio region. Aside from hosting monthly meetings, the MVAS also facilitates star gazes, lectures, and several educational outreach programs for local schools and Scout organizations.
According to Linda Weiss, the events and outreach coordinator for the MVAS, this year in particular they have skyrocketed in membership across all demographics. This has been due to the outpouring of recent astronomical events, such as the meteor that clipped Russia’s sky in February of this year, and the various meteor showers and comets that will traverse our sky soon.
Weiss recommends a pair of Oberwerk binoculars for the budding astronomer, since Oberwerk is a local company that will happily work with their 
customers to find the best tools for their experience level. “You don’t always need equipment, either,” explains Weiss. “You can see iridium flares, satellites, the International Space Station or a meteor show with the naked eye.”
To view satellites, Weiss says to look up at a pitch black sky and watch “for what appears to be a moving star.” To see the International Space Station, which is surprisingly the third brightest object in the sky (next to the sun and the moon), you can visit NASA’s website to find out when it will cross your area via email and text alerts.
Weiss noted, “The key for stargazing is getting the right equipment for your skill level and not something too advanced. Then, it’s all about having a dark sky, getting to know your objects (Smartphone apps help with that), and learning to stay up late, since many of the objects don’t rise until late at night or early in the morning.”
To garner interest in astronomy throughout the Miami Valley, the MVAS will host their annual Apollo Rendezvous from June 7th – 8th, which will be open 
to the public (although registration is required). The Rendezvous will take place at both the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the John Bryan State Park Observatory. A long list of lectures from industry professionals, vendors, observings, door prizes, and raffles will be among the activities.
When questioned about common astronomy misconceptions, Weiss was quick with her answer: you can actually look at the sun. “You just need a solar telescope or filters to do so,” she added. “There have been a lot of prominences (bright, gaseous extensions) on the sun’s surface lately, so it’s been really cool to look at them.”
For people who are curious in astronomy, joining a group, like the MVAS, is helpful for a variety of reasons: you can glean valuable insight from other astronomers, learn how to use your equipment properly, gain access to books and equipment, and attend observings with some of the most robust telescopes in the region.
There are so many ways to discover the universe these days. And thanks in part to significant advances in technology, such as apps and live telescope feeds, the universe is literally at your fingertips. However, one of the prime ways to unite with the world around us is as old-fashioned as can be: simply step outside. “Just look up,” mused Weiss. “There is so much going on in the sky, not just at night, but in the daytime, too. You don’t need expensive equipment to see or experience these things; all you need is the desire to do so.”
In addition to the annual Apollo Rendezvous, the MVAS will host “camper star gaze” events at the John Bryan State Park. These events are open to the public, and the MVAS will provide telescopes and binoculars for guests/non-members. The dates for these star gazes are May 25th, June 1st, June 22nd, July 6th, July 20th, August 17th, and August 31st. All of these events begin at dusk and are weather permitting.
EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE WHO…
ARTEMIS CENTER CAN HELP
Mardi Gras Artemis Gala 2013
Long time Dayton residents know all about the Amber Rose Restaurant in the Old North Dayton neighborhood, just north of the Great Miami River. Specializing in Eastern European cuisine, which matches the immigrants who first settled in this neighborhood, the Amber Rose is a great Old World atmosphere, and delicious food. Dishes like Turtle Soup, Cabbage Rolls, Schnitzel, and more! They describe the restaurant this way:
Charities! This donation will be given to the families of the critically ill hospitalized children. Every customer that brings in a donated item will receive 5% off of their bill. Each additional item will constitute as an added percentage off- Up to 10%. 1 ITEM=5% OFF, 3 ITEMS=8% off *Only 1 discount per check. Not valid with any other discounts.
Once a year you have an opportunity to indulge in scrumptious little bites of holiday heaven! And that time is coming up on Sat, Dec 1st from 10am – 2pm for the annual We Care Arts Cookie Walk at the 3035 Wilmington Pike headquarters. Visitors have the opportunity to stock up on holiday cookies while raising much-needed funds for the 
Local business Berns Garden Center partners with and hosts the Homefull Holiday Tree Lot with all proceeds from tree sales supporting the programs of Homefull, working to end homelessness in Dayton. Opening 11/23/12 until sell-out, the lot features a great selection of Ohio-grown Fraser and Douglas Firs and Scotch Pines. Homefull staff, volunteers and clients who worked the Homefull Micro-Farm and Community Landscaping Program will be on-site daily to help customers.
¿Tienes libros adicionales?
The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s charitable arm, the Rent Foundation, is hosting a fundraiser this Friday. The annualevent called “Nite at the Races,” and for $15 pre-sale, or $18 at the door, all of your beer, food and soft drinks are included! This popular extravaganza is open to anyone 21 years or older and promises to be a blast. Attendees are able to place cash bets and win cash on horse races shown on the video big screen! There will also be raffle tickets for sale with dozens of great prizes such as gift certificates, liquor and more. This fun filled evening will take place at the IUE-CWA Hall at 1675 Woodman Drive in Kettering , November 9th from 6:30pm – 11pm.. A” proceeds from “Nite at the Races” will benefit the Rent Foundation.
family tragedy, and need some temporary help. By partnering with the Greater Dayton Apartment Association (GDAA), the money raised will help benefit people living in those apartments communities across the Miami Valley. The Rent Foundation also financially supports the Linda Vista organization. this is a shelter for homeless women and their children, where the residents are helped to find better lives.Greater Dayton Apartment Association
Local entrepreneur Shannon Thomas was watching the tv reports on the devastation caused by Super Storm Sandy and it really got to him. He wanted to help. He realized that since his company, 
Cincinnati and Welcome To College. With the heart this young businessman has for helping others, I’d sure like to ask anyone reading this that needs shirts, to please consider doing business with Four Ambition. Whether you order 12 shirts or 5000, if you need screen printed apparel or posters, embroidery, buttons, or graphic design, please check them out. They are located at 400 Linden Ave, Studio 201 in Dayton and can be reached at (937) 239-4479
Production companies reach out to the local nonprofit 
l Treasures of the Miami Valley – How to Submit
is now open in Cincinnati near the Kenwood Mall with a gigantic selection of cameras, lenses and accessories plus a rental department including a rental studio.
Domestic Violence is a difficult issue to understand. This year, with the help of local elected officials, October has been declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Unless you’re educated on the topic, you may not understand why women stay or how serious the issue is. Why would you stay with someone hurting you? Domestic Violence is a cycle that is hard to break. A victim cannot safely leave the situation without outside support, resources, and the confidence that she can make it on her own. Many don’t know that the period of time after a woman leaves is the most lethal and dangerous time as the batterer is more enraged than ever. I’d like you to meet Annie* who called the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline several months ago. She is 35 years old, with four children, living in a local suburb with her husband of 11 years. Her husband, who had always been controlling, had recently become physically violent. Now their oldest child was beginning to act out. Annie heard that 