MSRAL 2024 conference hosted by Omaha Astronomical Society

The Mid-States Regional Astronomical League (MSRAL) Conference for 2024 is set to be an exciting event hosted by the Omaha Astronomical Society. The conference will take place at the scenic Eugene T Mahoney State Park, located near Ashland, Nebraska, just off Interstate 80 exit 426.

A permit is required to enter Mahoney State Park. Non-residents of Nebraska will be listed at the gate for entry. Nebraska residents should obtain a permit online or at local offices.

MSRAL 2024 conference hosted by the Omaha Astronomical Society from June 7-9

Keynote speaker

• Kevin Schindler, Historian at Lowell Observatory

Featured speakers

• Dr. Bharat Ratra, Cosmologist at Kansas State University
• Allison Bair, Comet Researcher at Lowell Observatory
• Diana Hannikainen, Observing Editor at Sky and Telescope
• Michael and Kendra Sibbernsen, Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project

Event details

• Start: June 7
• End: June 9
• Venue: Eugene T Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003, United States

What’s new:

• Astrophotography Contest: An astrophotography competition will be held, with winners receiving engraved medals and certificates.

Friday, June 7th:

• Registration: Open in the lodge from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
• Star-B-Q Dinner: Held at the Bur Oak Picnic Shelter, featuring a taco bar catered by OAS members.
• Star Party: At the John R. Lauritzen Golf Driving Range after dinner.

Saturday, June 8th:

• Business Meeting: Starts the day.
• Presentations: Morning and afternoon sessions.
• Lunch: Provided.
• Keynote Dinner: At 7 PM, catered by Carl’s at Mahoney.

Sunday, June 9th:

• Presentations: A couple of sessions in the morning.
• Closing: By 12 Noon.
   

This conference is a prime opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals to network, learn from speakers, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Mahoney State Park. Mark your calendars and join them for an unforgettable event! To attend the MSRAL 2024 conference, register now. For additional information, feel free to email the organizers at info@omahaastro.com. For more details about the venue, visit the Eugene T Mahoney State Park website.

MSRAL 2024 astrophotography competition

The Astronomical League's vice-president, Chuck Allen, will be conducting an astrophotography competition at this year's MSRAL Convention. Winners will receive engraved medals bearing the MSRAL logo and accompanying certificates.

Competition categories

1. Deep Sky (>500 mm focal length) excluding Solar System
2. Solar System (>500 mm focal length)
3. Rich Field (201-500 mm focal length)
4. Wide Field (0-200 mm focal length)
5. Art/Sketching

Voting process

Convention attendees will vote on the images using anonymous ballots distributed during sign-in or registration.

Registration and display instructions

• Friday Morning: Participants are encouraged to register and display their images and sketches starting on Friday morning when the convention begins.
• Saturday Morning: All entries must be displayed by 9 am.
• Voting: Takes place from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday.