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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Five Years of the Chicago Astronomer Forum -

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It's been five years, (2004), since I created the Chicago Astronomer forum...and it only seems like yesterday.

It started out as just a place on the web to post my astro pics, jot down my observation session narratives and a place for my fans that I meet to gather data and share experiences.

It has grown beyond my modest expectations.

Thousands visit the Chicago Astronomer Forum via place markers, Google searches or just curiosity. My Stat reports reflect that the site receives visitors from every continent on the planet - (Except Antarctica). It constanly gets high placing on search engines, referrenced by the media and become a data bank. I enjoy looking at the past observation sessions, looking at the pics and reading the narratives.

The emails I receive from readers are nice and I have made friends throughout the world. On a local observation....many times while at a event, personal session or working at the Adler Planetarium, people ask..."Are you Joe...The Chicago Astronomer?" I am humbled by the association and recognition.

I have been in amateur astronomy since I was in single digit years, ("Borrowing" my Dad's binoculars and sweeping the night sky in my backyard.) And, with modest equipment, been sharing the night skies with the public for many years. And with my association with the Adler Planetarium as a Telescope & Observatory facilitator, have served thousands of eager individuals - peeking through telescopes and talking astronomy.

But...

I haven't been on-site regularly for awhile. Turmoil sometimes takes attention from the things one is passionate about and one must attend the situations, put out fires and tread water. Women , jobs, health, relatives, economic crisis, etc...it zaps energy like a leech. But one must not ever succumb to this and ignore what is established. The Chicago Astronomer took off like a rocket and held it's own...and is always here to serve.

(I would like to take a moment to expressively thank Chicago Astronomer member Curt Renz (Centaur) for continuing to post incredible subject matter, answering inquiries and sharing his astronomical graphics with the community while I was doing other things. He did this without being asked...and I am forever grateful..... He is a true lover of the skies, a numbers genius and a all around cool guy. )

The Chicago Astronomer continues to grow and evolve. There will be an static ancillary website to the forum soon and expanding.

I dig the Chicago Astronomer and what we all represent...and hope to be doing it for many years to come with you all.

Ain't Astronomy just too cool?

Respectfully,

Joe

[John]

Joe,

Your retrospective says so much about you and the Chicago Astronomer movement as well. I am glad to be a small part of it with you and all the rest, and most greatful to have you as a friend.

What you've created has taken on a life of its own. The Chicago Astronomer has foster family like Curt who nurture it in your brief absence, and friends and fans all around who breathe life and energy into the movement ... energy that they receive from The Chicago Astronomer's efforts, activities, and generosity.

The future of The Chicago Astronomer promises expansion, education, and enjoyment for many, many years to come. Your positive influence on all who come in contact with you, including organizations such as the Adler, CAS, the Chicago Police Dept. and all your community outreach - is something truly unique, especially in today's society.

Just as Joe Guzman is a survivor, so will The Chicago Astronomer survive and flourish. " (arms up) Yeay!!!!"

[patrickm]

Well said John!

I have only been around for a few short months, and it is very easy to see that all of you have created a special place: a forum not sponsored by a commercial organization with something to gain where you can get honest opinion along with facts, a helpful pat on the back for encouragement or empathy, and perhaps most importantly, serious astronomy talk from people who don't take themselves too seriously.

This place is worth sustaining and will be fun to watch grow.

[tibnin14]

cultured pearls

[Vinod Kumar]

Nice!!!

[merle0xz]

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