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[stargazer]

Last night I did a Star Party for the Girl Scouts. There was supose to be 45 girls but there was more then that. The presentation went great, some of the kids asked alot of good questions. One even asked about Sedna. About 9:15 we were treated to an Iridum Flare that was so bright. The skies were great even though we had clouds looming off the the edge of the observing field. They held out until we were done. All the girls had a blast. We heard so many 'Thanks' not only from the parents but from the kids as well. One little girl asked one of the other scope's owner that was there is all the scopes were mine.

A couple of the girls walked away asking their parents if they could learn more about Astronomy and that it was so cool to see the Stars close up.

I wold have to say the whole night was a sucess. The only problem is now my voice is kinda horse and my throaght hurts really bad.

B

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Becks,

What a cool activitiy you had with the Girl Scouts. What kinda objects did you show them , and did you take some pics of you and the group?

I have never seen an iridium flare. I bet it was cool. Did you know ahead of time of the release?

[stargazer]

Hi Joe,

We had Jupter in the beginning then moved on to the double star in the Dipper and thats pretty much where we stayed. All the girls wanted to see it. The girl Scout leader took pics and will send me some when they are done. I was told ahead of time about it. I will find the info on when they are going to be and send it off to you.

They are neat to watch.

B

[Al Degutis]

Becky,

Great job! Get them hooked!

I've been watching for your post because I'll have a small gathering in a month or two and am looking for suggestions.

My three nephews and a friend with each will be coming to spend a weekend at what we've dubbed the second annual Camp Woodstock. Last year I had the 4.5" reflector out and we looked at the moon. This year I want to do something astronomical with them and I hope to schedule it when the moon isn't so bright. Their ages are from 10 to 16 so I need to keep it interesting but fun for that age group.

I want to make it interactive with all of them, but not competitive as that can get ugly. I want to do things with and without the telescope.

Some ideas so far:
- Have then look up for 2 minutes and count the stars. Do it again 5 minutes later, and again all the way up to 20 or 30 minutes. Goal - illustrate light adapted vision.
- Have them draw what they think are constellations. Then the next day, refer to star charts to identify constellations and asterisms.

Everyone's input is appreciated. I just hope it isn't completely overcast.

Al

[stargazer]

Al,

Some of the things I would reccomend would be -

The Ring
Andromeda
the Dumbell
M13
M92
The Coat Hanger
ET


Thats just the short list. If you need more just let me know. If you need maps to these items let me know.

B