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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Day After Full Moon Rise over Lake Michigan

A warm and bright sunny day promised a good Moon rise this evening. Chicago Astronomer Steve and I set out to observe the blood red Moon rise over the lake, and we set up right on the south lawn of the Adler Planetarium.

Here, Myself, Steve's Wife Margie and Steve prepare for a session

People always come up to the telescopes and desire a peek, and as always, time for a group shot while we have the opportunity and light.

There was still time before lunar rise at 8:52 pm, and we slewed our scopes toward Jupiter. The planet showed good band detail and the Jovian Satellites were nicely spaced out - two on each side.

Visitors started to show up and we answered questions and offered views of Jupiter. But it was almost time for Moon rise and I interrupted planet viewing to catch the event.

With the galactic ground blocks in front of us, it gave an atmosphere of being at a pre-historic Stonehenge-like site, offering our sacrifices to the Moon....

This is my favorite time of the day, as the bright washed out sky gives way to soothing cooler turquoise cavas. Stars slowly coming into view and the heat of the day dissipating. For once, I was first to spot the Moon peeking over the horizon, dark red and rising fast.

Due to normal atmospheric lensing, the Moon appeared oblong and squashed. In the third image here, I caught a boat passing by the rising moon with a five sec time exposure.

Steve suggested I try to image the Moon thru his 4" refractor, and with some jiggling and adjusting of our two tripods the results were quite pleasant...

Almost eclipse-like, the Moon put on a good display thru the scope. Not bad without the proper T-mount.

Sharing views and discussing astronomy is always fun...but we find too many people have never looked through a telescope before and are amazed at the detail thru my modest reflector. It encourages many to drag out their own scopes they put away for lack of proper instruction and guidance.

With no clouds in the sky, the Moon orb was constant and changing every minute in color and brightness as it gains altitude.

The silver Moon light dancing on the waters is quite calming and hypnotic. The images don't do it justice.

And with that, another session of the Chicago Astronomers comes to an end...till the next time.

[gimmeabeer25]

Joe, those are some great shots of the moon.

Anyhow, you should really post something a day or two ahead of time when you plan on these little star parties. I would really like to bring out my 10" dob and keep you company sometime. Only problem being is I'm coming from Rockford, and I'd need just a little notice so I could plan accordingly.

Although the sky is brighter than it is here, it would be nice to hang out at a new spot, and meet some new observing friends.

Brian

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Beer,

The Moonrise session was a spontainous moment that a fellow Chicago Astronomer and I just decided to pick up and go.

But we are planning an August Full Moonrise get together on the 28th. More on that later.

It will be great to have you join in.

[gimmeabeer25]

I'll have to get the night off of work, but I'd be glad to come join you guys. Sick day, telescope session, whats the difference ? It will actually be the first time I've observed with other people. Will you be right down by Adler as always?

Brian

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Brian,

Yes, usually we set-up by the Adler, but sometimes events at the location prevent accessibility to the area. We have some alternate Chicago Astronomer sites for back up in those cases.

But I enjoy the Adler grounds for our sessions. The ambiance is good, clear view over the lake and people just gravitate toward the scopes.