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[craig]

Hey there everybody,

My name is Craig and I'm new to your world. My girlfriend and I would like to observe the night skies and I was wondering if you talented folk could help.

We'd like to start this weekend.. Can anyone point us to a place in the Chicago or Chicago area (within an hour or so, preferably) of somewhere that might be doing something like this this weekend? We're excited to get started.

Also any tips, anything would be great.
Thanks a lot for any help!

Craig

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Craig,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer Family and thx for your first posts. Our world of amateur astronomy gladly welcomes you and your girlfriend...and soon will become your world as well.

Now in response to your three posts... I would highly recommend that you two come to the Adler on Thursday, (23 June), around sundown to join us in catching the three planet conjunction event. There, you can examine the various types of telescopes and the views they provide. We also have members bringing their own scopes as well. So this will be a great opportunity for you before you take the dive and buy a scope.

I will set up myself on other evenings for this conjunction by my usual spot by the Copernicus statue on any given clear night...(schedule and weather permitting).

Now, there is also a mini star party in Schaumberg this Saturday as well. Chicago Astronomer Becky can provide more details on this and what to expect.

Great that you are onboard!... ;D Post often, join us from time to time, and...how did you come by to find the Chicago Astronomers?

[craig]

THanks!

I found this site through the forums on Astronomy.com. Everyone highly recommended you.

Could you give me more details on the Adler planet viewing on Thursday? What time should I be there, how do I find you? I didn't see any information on the site.

Thanks

Craig

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Craig,

Be at the Adler around sundown, earlier to find better street parking. If parking is all taken, then no choice but to use the large parking lot. Fee's range from $7.00 to $13.00 depending on time of day.

Here is a graphic of the general area:

I usually set up right beside the Copernicus statue on regular clear nights, but on Thursday...the Adler crew will bring out telescopes on to the mainsteps of the planetarium for this event. That's where you will find me...or just ask any one with a name tag and ID hanging from necks.

You can also look for me by my white shirt, Adler ID and strikingly good looks... Also, look thru the Adler board here to find pictures of me to see what I look like.

I have at least three other Chicago Astronomers joining in thursday, apart from the Adler Telescope operators crew.

This should be a fun event and glad to have you part of it...

[craig]

Thank you Joe.

Because it is a special occurance, do you expect it to be packed? It sounds like a fun event. Just wondering how much actual scope time we might expect. Sounds fantastic.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Well, it depends on the media and how much they push this event. I remember during the Mars Madness of 2003, the media made this HUGE thing out of it, and I had great huge lines of people wanting to view the planet. They waited in excess of an hour to catch a 20 second peek. So many people wanted to see Mars that the police had to chase them away as we were there past park closing time. And the thing is, if they just came back a couple of days later, Mars was still as big and bright and no lines to fight with!

I don't think that this will bring on as much hoopla with the public. The one's in the know will certainly be there, but the general public won't be too concerned, unless...again, if the media builds it up. But it's fun to share astronomical knowledge with the public and foster the interest in Chicago Astronomy.

There will be plenty of scope time for all concerned. And this is not the only time or the best time to see this. The best time I think will be on Sunday and Monday evenings...where the planets will only be just 1 degree or so apart! Great stuff!... ;D I know I will be there at my spot if the weather is clear.

And it's cool that this site is "Highly recommened"...

[craig]

Yep it did. Had a few recommendations!

Another question -- which clubs and or other observing groups can you recommend. Becky PMed me about one in Schaumberg that sounded interesting / promising. Have you been?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

No, I have not been to the Schaumberg gatherings, but if things work out well this Saturday, I just might to see what is going on.

[craig]

Make you a deal: I'll go if you go! C'mon, let's do it!

[Maddad]

Welcome to the forum, craig. I'd join you in your bargain with Joe, except I'd have to drive a thousand miles or so. I live in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. If I pass though your neck of the woods though I'll look you guys up.

[craig]

C'mon! No excuses. It's all about the effort.

[Maddad]

And the gas money.

[jglover]

admin said:

Craig,

Be at the Adler around sundown, earlier to find better street parking. If parking is all taken, then no choice but to use the large parking lot. Fee's range from $7.00 to $13.00 depending on time of day.

Joe,

Do you know how late you are going to be there on Thursday? I'm thinking of driving in to work tomorrow just to avoid the 90 minutes milk run train ride home. I may toss the ED80 in the trunk tonite as well...

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

John,

I will remain at the Adler till about 10ish. At that time, we must put the Adler scopes back to bed, but that doesn't mean the nights over. Park closes at 11:00 pm just in case.

But about 10ish, Venus, Mercury and Saturn have already set, but Jupiter is still riding high. And maybe we can catch the Moon, but the Adler's dome blocks it's rise. So certainly, bring along the scope, and we will all take a picture together. Hail the Chicago Astronomers!

In regards to Schaumberg...

Now I have Becky and Craig prompting me to go and fellow C.A. member Rajasi going. You guys certainly make my decision to go easier. If my Saturday looks clear, then it's a go for me as well...

Dave, certainly look us up if ever you swing by Chicago. We will have a blast... ;D

[craig]

Translation: Joe is in!

How are the skies looking for Saturday?

[stargazer]

Just a reminder JOE and everyone else. This sat at 9:00 pm be at Schaumberg for a small starparty. I am pretty sure Craig will be there so joe you must show up. No excuses now. maybe after we can go for some coffee and talk.

Be there or be square

Becky

[jglover]

admin said:

John,

I will remain at the Adler till about 10ish. At that time, we must put the Adler scopes back to bed, but that doesn't mean the nights over. Park closes at 11:00 pm just in case.

...

In regards to Schaumberg...

Now I have Becky and Craig prompting me to go and fellow C.A. member Rajasi going. You guys certainly

Joe,

I think a good time was had by all who attended at Adler tonight, even though the lights and the wind were not as cooperative as they could have been!

I'm planning to try to head out to Schaumburg as well, if things work out on Saturday. My son has a birthday party in the early afternoon so I think we'll be through in time to head out that way. This time I'll definitely be able to bring along the scope. The more I thought about it I just did not feel comfortable leaving the OTA to sit in the car and bake all, but that won't be a problem Saturday.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Well, it looks like a Chicago Astronomer reunion at Schaumberg this Saturday.

If it works out, I'll make my grand appearance... ;D

[craig]

It's gonna happen. I can feel it.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Craig,

You seem to have a touch of raw humor and wit. You'll fit in quite nicely with the crack Chicago Astronomer crew.

Right now, my community is experiencing a massive black out, but surprisingly my block is powered.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

[stargazer]

Dont forget guys tonight at Shaumberg. Be there around 9 pm. That mans you to JOE.

[stargazer]

If t looks cloudy by you guys seing that your in the city Crag call me on the cell phone to get my cloud cover.When you guys get rain I nomally dont. Keep in touch with me today weather wise. I will turn on the phone so you can reach me. Well coffee afterwards or something or maybe ven come back is way to my field for some more obsering.

[craig]

admin said:

Craig,

You seem to have a touch of raw humor and wit. You'll fit in quite nicely with the crack Chicago Astronomer crew.

Right now, my community is experiencing a massive black out, but surprisingly my block is powered.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Haha, tomorrow'll (erm, tonight) bring you.

"Raw humor and wit" might be the best way it's been put in awhile. Glad to fit in!

[rajasi]

And I missed it. Sorry, but I have a good reason - I was packing all day and the sky was cloudy and so I got lazy... Now I wish I would have come, atleast I could have met you all.

Rajasi.