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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chicago Astronomer Star Party
Friday 09 March 2012 - 6:00 pm

Alright astro kids.....

The beginning of the regular Chicago Astronomer Public Observation season will be soon upon us - and let's start off with a easy star party this Friday...

Temps will be chilly, but and oh so cool night of planets and just after a Full Moon to enjoy. Jupiter and Venus are in nice conjunction in our western skies...with little Mercury making a brief appearance. Mars will be riding high chasing Orion. Then about 8:20 pm, the Moon will rise and soon after...beautiful Saturn.

You know you want to be part of the action!

I shall arrive on-scene by 6:00pm and remain till about 9:00pm....or so - and setting up just south of the Adler Planetarium building. Look for the scopes and red blinking lights...that'll be your urban Astronomers doing what we enjoy best.

Ain't astronomy the best?... ;D

The weather forecasts call for mostly clear skies for Friday and I'm taking full advantage of it. Saturday will be warmer...and just may conduct another session for that night.

Let's kick off the Chicago Astronomer season all proper like!

[patrickm]

Alas, I have film feat tix tonight to see Oscar nominated shorts & the Andrew Bird documentary.

Thinking about Conway tomorrow for a late nighter if my body holds up.

Have fun!

[magic612]

Isn't the CAS meeting tonight? I was planning on trying to make that, so I may just stop by for a few moments then head inside for it.

[jennifer5150]

I have a celestron 8 and don't know how to use it. Will you be at planetarium tonight to help set up beginners telescopes and give some tips?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The CAS is indeed having their Mtg this evening.

But, it will be such a clear night, I elect to set up and see my CAS Friends on the way out.

And....

I just may set-up again tomorrow night - (Saturday) for a back-to-back observation session...considering it'll be 20 degrees warmer!

And Jennifer....

Yes, please do bring your C8 scope to the session this evening, and we will help you get the best use from it...

[jeremy]

I am looking at these fantastic blue skies, and thinking I have to come out tonight! I'll see you there Joe. Unfortunately tomorrow I have dinner plans with the family, will probably do some personal viewing at home afterwards.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Excellent...!

Gonna be chilly...dress warm for some clear skies!

[erikruud]

What? No live feed?

Joe, You have to step up your game for those of us stuck at home editing video for the Drill Teams end of Season Banquet on Sunday.

Especially if you want to be president. ;D

[-=CROMAN=-]

i agree... live feed needed

[Paulie pchris00]

Live feed or not, it was a nice turnout for a chilly March night. Kudos to all who caught each of the five naked eye planets (seven if you also include the Sun and Moon, like the ancients).

[-=CROMAN=-]

Pics?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chilly night of planet watching -

Arriving at 6:00 pm, Chicago Astronomers Jeremy and Bill were already on scene, Bill with his trusty shorty refractor and Jeremy a bit later with his 10" Dob. I knew it was gonna be a chilly session and prepared with my new "Space suit" Eddie Bauer thermal coat. Kept me toasty, even with the winds off the lake. But, the cold temps sucked the power out of my batteries and pics were limited...missing out on a nice big group shot...

Jeremy had some new toys since I last saw him, including: a drummer's chair seat, a 3x 2" Barlow and a 32mm 2" eyepiece. I did not have time to test them, but I hope soon. Bill spent some time imaging...

I no longer relish cold weather astronomy, as I once did as a kid. This evening was on the cold side and by the end of the session at 10:00pm - I was beat and achy. But we had a healthy flow of visitors, fans and friends throughout the evening...

Bill, Jeremy and Paulie were all busily attending to our guests, discussing the Venus/Jupiter conjunction, orbital mechanics and sharing views through scopes. In between eager fans, I took the time to capture some planetary pics...

Mercury

Venus

Mars

Jupiter

With the cold and visitors, I had not the time for decent shots, just hand held at the eyepiece. I had intended to capture all of the five planets and the Moon this session, but missed Saturn and the Moon - I was beat. But, Paulie and I studied Mars for a bit, and we do believe that we were spotting not only the ice cap, but atmospheric artifacts.

The Chicago Astronomical Society had their monthly meeting at the Adler this evening and members stopped by our site for some views, chat and smiles.

Jeremy and Bill hunted down comet Garradd with success - just a slight coma and hint of a tail. We also picked out double stars, the Orion Nebula, lunar views...and near the end of the session - Saturn. No aurorae were noticed, but it was an enjoyable session with Chicago Astronomers - kicking off the 2012 Observation Season.

I do believe that I will set-up again this evening, (Saturday - 10 March) for another session under clear pre-spring skies.

Astronomers and friends for the evening: Myself, Mike, C.A. Rick, C.A. Jeremy, C.A. Paulie and C.A. Bill.