MPCC hosting astrophotography class at Enders during ‘star party’ June 12

    Photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn how to capture images of astronomical objects and celestial events next month.
     The Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus will offer Astrophotography: A Night with the Stars on
Saturday, June 12, at Enders Reservoir in Chase County.
    The class will begin at 6:30 p.m. during a star party.
     “The no-moon evening will serve aspiring astrophotographers well,” said Dik Haneline, instructor for the course and former teacher at Chase County Schools.
    “The gathering will last until midnight, which will allow for the Milky Way to get vertical and expose the Galactic Core in full,” he said.
     People in close proximity to the reservoir can meet between 6 to 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot at the Imperial MPCC campus.
    For those closer to Ogallala, a carpool will leave from Ogallala’s Mid-Plains campus at 5:15 p.m.
     Haneline said arriving at Enders while there is still daylight will allow for instruction on basic setup. There may also be time to shoot some macro images before sunset.
    Haneline will continue to offer advice and help students take images of the Milky Way throughout the night.
     Participants are asked to bring the following:
    Camera, tripod, wide angle lens (such as a kit lens 18-55 mm or prime lens 8 to 35 mm with large aperture) and several charged batteries
    Appropriate attire, including boots, for a June evening in a pasture
    Snacks and drinks
    Blanket
    Bug spray
    More information about the class, cost and registration is available by calling 308-284-9830 or emailing piercem@mpcc.edu.