August Monthly Meeting

This event has been postponed to 9 August due to venue constraints at UQ for the original date (2 August).

Our meetings include brief business, a main presentation and items of astronomical news or learning from members.

Observing techniques and strategies for aging astronomers by Joe Cali

With advancing age inevitably comes deterioration in eyesight due to several age-related issues and medical conditions. Over the last 10 years, I have noted or tracked some of the deterioration in my eyes, slowing of dark adaption, reduction in pupil dilation due to age related weakening and loss of elasticity in the muscles of the iris. In this talk, I will discuss the common age-related problems that affect everybody, how they affect astronomical observing and techniques and equipment selection that can minimise their effect on observing enjoyment.

Joe Cali first joined the AAQ in 1978. After moving to Canberra, he had a long hiatus from AAQ membership, rejoining in 2011. He has been an active observer for 47 years and as such has had a front row seat to the deterioration in his own eyesight. In addition to his astrophotography interests and workshops, Joe observes frequently from his home set in Bortle 1-2 skies. He still uses the 6” f7 newtonian that he hand-made as a teenager in the 1970’s as well as a premium 18” f5.5 Dobsonian. He hosts deep sky observing nights for friends who travel to his home from Canberra and the Lachlan Valley throughout the year.

The August 2025 meeting is planned to be a face-to-face meeting; attendees can also join in online via Zoom. Details emailed to members. Guests/visitors can contact us for Zoom details at .
Visitors are welcome to join our face-to-face or online meetings.