Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Aug 10, 2004 23:58:42 GMT -6
What a great Evening...
As the Monday evening drew to an end, I noticed to the southeast great towering anvil storm clouds, angry with lightning in the distance. As the sun set, they were painted deep reds and oranges and lit up internally with bolts of electricity. They invited me to look at them some more, so together starrysungazer and I went to the lakefront planetarium area to catch them.
The electrical show was quite a nice one, as they seemed to be over Indiana and the lake, while overhead...the sky was as clear as can be. The sky above was one of the most clearest and transparent skies I have ever seen in a summer. Lyra stood out prominently and the smaller triangle that Vega makes with the "double-double" was clearly visible. The entire Cygnus cross was visible as well....as I was astounded by the incredible naked eye views right from the lake!
The big dippers stars were showing as the bucket scooped up the city orange muck...pointing to Polaris shining brightly. If I had only brought my binoculars! Although a bit windy by the lakefront, I still regretted not bringing along my scope...but considering the electrical storm in the distance still raging on,,,perhaps it was a good idea not to become a lightning rod.
I was torn between watching the lightning illuminating the distant clouds and catching the clear skies above. I think the skies won out.
These are nights we all wait for and relish.