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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Adler Planetarium Public Solar Observation Session

If any Chicago Astronomer members or general public are interested, I will be conducting a public solar observational session this Friday, the 28th of January from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The observation will be conducted out on the telescope terrace and I will utilize both projection and H-Alpha filter presentations.

Hopefully it will be a clear and bright day that afternoon. Stop by if you can, it will be nice to see you.

[OEH]

Joe,
If I remember correctly the 28th was overcast. I did make it out on the 27th and it was clear - not many people - I set up at 2:00 p.m. but by then the school kids had already departed. Only one small sunspot visable. The main reason for my being there on the 27th was because I had a class there that evening "If only I had a giant telescope!". So far the class is incredible. There are only ten of in the class (that is the limit) and the first session we went over the equipment and procedures for using remote viewing on the Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico. This Friday is the follow up - we have one hour that we get to do remote viewing on the 3.5 METER telescope. We do get to take pictures and download them and I'll work on posting them over the weekend. ;D

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Oscar,

I am excited for you in taking that class you were telling me about. So cool! I anticipate the pics.

I did make the 28th of Jan solar session, but it was hazy. I brought out the solar scope, the 4" refractor and the 5" SCT to compare the views. The H-alpha scope was useless considering the high clouds, although a disk was observable, no prominences were visible, nor any sunspots.

Through the other scopes I was able to project decent images, but it was rather unimpressive, as no sunspot activity could be observed, and again...the clouds were obscuring the disk and preventing bright imaging.

On a plus note, both Chicago Astronomer members Alan and John stopped on by to say hello and commiserate. We discussed all topics astronomy, I learned a few things and it was a nice group meeting. I'm sure that our future star parties will be great times and can't wait until the weather gets warmer. I have pics to post, but until I reformat I'm holding off.

It was a nice time and encourage all to stop on by during our sessions at the Adler.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Well, I have reformatted my computer, reinstalling my programs and sorta getting back to where all is supposed to be. This is my yearly clean out!

The 28th of January solar viewing session at the Adler was a wash out, but as stated before, both Chicago Astronomers John and Alan stopped by and kept me company.

From left to right: The 4" Refractor, John, Me, Alan and the solar scope. This is taken on the telescope terrace, (which really needs to be redesigned and expanded).

It is always great to have members of the Chicago Astronomer Forum stop by, say hello and discuss astronomy.

[OscarH]

Joe,
Nice picture, just one problem. You're supposed to remove the finder when you do any solar observations - oops.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

You're supposed to remove the finder when you do any solar observations

LOL.....yes...of course. No wonder I have burn marks all over new new white shirts!

Seriously...I just tape over the finder, as I think a scope without a finder attached looks rather naked and incomplete. But in this case of the 28th, too overcast for a decent session anyway.

What about that class you took?