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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Solar Observation

29 December 2004- 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Public Served: 50 +/-

Adler Crew...

Considering the hazy skies, a decent solar observation session was doubtful, but regardless. I Decided on the 4" refractor with aperture filter, but as the high cloud cover was rather thick at times, the filter became useless. I settled on projection viewing, focused on a sheet of paper within a makeshift box, shielding the ambient light, constructed of handy Books, charts and the roll about. Using a 25mm eyepiece, I got a good image of the sun, along with a small cluster of sunspots.

Weather was tolerable and crowds were good. Most were unsure if to approach and disturb me, as they gazed through the doors. I must have seemed deep in observation and must be working on my thesis. But with encouragement from me through the glass divide, they flocked to catch a glimpse of the sun's face. At times the clouds blotted out the sun, and a few never did get to see anything, but those who stuck around and discussed astronomy were rewarded when it did break through. Some who were disappointed in not seeing the sun, went about on their Adler activities, but ran back to my spot on the terrace upon noticing the sun beams shining through the glass panels. Smiles all around!

I also used tinted eyepiece filters to display the sun in different shades. A Yellow filter for the cool sun of Earth, and a Magenta one for the hot sun of Krypton. When allowed by the clouds, I kicked up the magnification to a 12mm, zooming in on the sunspots. The crowds really enjoyed that. A solar box would be ideal for this. Let's see what I can construct.

At about 3:30 pm, the sun was no longer available for viewing and I concluded the session.

But as I was returning the equipment back to the storage area, I desired to tighten up the organization of the scopes and equipment. Rolling up my sleeves, I got to working on some order. The scopes now follow the walls, and grouped by Dobs, SCT's and Refractors. The square blue vinyl seats are off the floor and up on the shelves, freeing up much needed space for the scopes. I also hung a shelf that was on the floor, and it is now a snug place for the eyepiece box, filters and other like accessories. There is a bulletin board there that I wish to hang for notices, info and other stuff that Telescope Interpreters should be aware of. That will be on the agenda next time. Fellow Telescope Interpreter Oscar Hannig stopped by and left some work of his own. He created a nice and well put together magnification guide for our scopes and eyepieces. Often the public asks what the power is on any given scope, and Oscar felt instead of calculating mentally, we could just look at the charts. It will be included along with the eyepiece inventory. Now, there is room to herd cattle in the closet...albeit small ones.

At around 5:00 pm, I concluded my work, and tired of overhearing the space cartoon, called it an evening.

Next scheduled Volunteer time: 31 Dec' 04

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Guzmán
Telescope Interpreter
Adler Planetarium