Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Apr 6, 2005 4:01:07 GMT -6
Orientation Session with Nick...
During the last Far Out Friday activity, my new pal Nick from the Adler Interpreter staff had a brief chat with me about my observation sessions that he had heard of. (My, word does get around). I confirmed that I usually hang out by the Copernicus statue with my scope and since it was forecast to be rather clear the upcoming Sunday, that perhaps he would like to join in on a session. A confirmation call on Sunday afternoon set it, and we set up some time.
Nick has a modest 60mm scope, a kind of scope that I grew up on, and I tell you, those 60mm jobs showed me the heavens with no regret...and this one proved to be just as good.
He received it as a gift, but had not really put it through it's paces. It's a Meade Polaris model, just like my 4.5" reflector! It was still light out when we set up, so I went through the basics and instructed on aligning the finder scope to the main tube. Focusing on Navy Pier, we got it in the ball park, good enough for a night of major object targeting. Waiting for darkness, Nick amused me of his worldwide travels and related adventures... ;D
Our first object would be Saturn. With my trusty Rigel QuickFinder, I located it in my eyepiece in no time, but Nick was having a bit of a time zeroing on it. So with decades of experience, I focused in on it. The image of Saturn was quite sharp and bright in his 25mm eyepiece. Quite good indeed. Although I was able to push the magnification higher on mine, his views were nothing to scoff at. I did not notice any severe abbreviation or chroma in the views either.
Under the obtrusive street lamps by the Adler, I slewed his scope to M42, The Orion Nebula. In the 60mm eye to the sky, one could easily discern the ghostly image of the nebula, including the void and the trap. In mine, the image was a bit brighter and more detailed, but the image was true and quite sharp in his.
Next came Jupiter, as it was now just over the crest of the Planetarium. A bit too low for great views, it still provided both of us good views of the banding and three of it's moons.
Nick practiced targeting the planets in his scope, while I entertained people who stopped by to take a peek. Never fails to garner a gasp when Saturn's rings are first viewed. They enjoyed Jupiter too, but Saturn is the all time favorite.
Chicago Astronomer and fellow Telescope Operator Steve stopped by to join in on the fun, but time did not permit him to bring along his SCT. But the three of us viewed thru scopes, educated the public and had a good time in this short session of the 60mm.