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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Locating Toutatis in Chicago Skies.....(Or at least face the right Direction)

I really don't think that we can successfully observe Toutatis here in Chicago, but it is sure fun to point to where it is anyway! Impress your friends...make new ones!

The following are three star charts for September 24th to the 27th...after which it will be an event for southern Hemisphere astronomers. It will take a bit of time to load...please remain calm and patient.

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The first two star charts are a great courtesy of Dave Stublaski, who I found on the "Try Astronomy - Milwaukee Boards". I requested Dave to make up a couple of maps for us and he graciously did.

Dave states..."Credit should also go to SkyMap Pro and C.A. Marriott. Chris Marriot who
developed the program. I've attached two files. The "toutatis
track - Chicago" is set for 7:30 PM, a span of 25 degrees, and
goes to mag 8. The "overview" is set for 7:30 PM, a span of
45 degrees, and mag 5.5. I updated the asteroid catalog with the
latest edition available from the Central Bureau for Astronomical
Telegrams.

Good luck in your hunt..."

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The last map is one of my own to provide a broader overview, made with "Hallo Northern Sky". A small, quick, and easy program.

Thanks Dave for your help and maps.

[stargazer]

Joe and Gang,

We should be able to catch this here from my location. So if anyone wants to come out my way we can go over accross the highway and view from the field over there. I have a little darker skies then Chicago so it maybe worth a shot to try. I will confirm this with a friend of mine and let you know what he said.

B

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

That would be great to catch the rock in your 10" dob. I have never observed an asteroid first hand, and it would be quiye a treat.

Let's see what we can do, but we have limited time now to work on it.

[stargazer]

Ok Guys,

I found out last night that I can catch this asteroid in my cannon, So if you want to possiblly see it lets get together out here in the BURBS for a night of searching for it. I know of a place real close to me that we can go to. Good horizons and some light but not to bad. Let me know what you think. Next Tue it will be the brightest.

B