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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chicago Astronomer Star Party

Friday 01 May 2015

It's such a great looking sunny day that the Chicago Astronomers are going to set-up scopes and share the skies with our fans and friends.  We will arrive just west of the Adler Planetarium at 8pm and remain till 10:00 pm.

Now, there is the matter of the NFL Draft event at Grant park, but I do not think that it will interfere with access to our observation site. ( I hope not...   )


We will highlight the near full Moon, Jupiter and Venus for this session.   It'll be a nice clear evening to hang out with Astronomers and enjoy the urban skies on a Friday afternoon. 

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

CANCELLED....


Sorry sky lovers, but this session has been cancelled due to weather.


Heavy clouds have rolled in and will not dissipate till much later, well after our public viewing window.  Chicago Astronomer Chuck has been on-site for a while now and he states that it's not looking good.

Sometimes you just gotta know when to fold 'em.


We are going to attempt to reschedule this session tomorrow, (02 May 2015) at 8pm.  The weather will be warmer and the weather outlook looks better.


Stay tuned kids......

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chicago Astronomer Star Party is a Go!

Saturday 02 May 2015

Although it cleared somewhat last night, it was still a hazy evening last night and cancelling was the best. We apologize for any inconvenience that our fans may have encountered as a result.

But...

We are a solid go for tonight...with warmer weather and the forecast promises to be better. We will be ready to share the urban skies at 8pm and remain with our friends till 10pm for an even fuller day-before-full Moon, Venus Jupiter...and we will try to target elusive Mercury just after sunset.

Be there on a warmer Saturday early spring evening...you know you want to.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

First warm Chicago Astronomer Star Party of 2015

We were all disappointed having to cancel last evening's gathering of Astronomers, fans and scopes, but Saturday was warmer and the skies better, but not great.  Good enough for some Planetary and lunar viewing...





And as always with Chicago Astronomer events, setting up instruments of science draws the curious and those desiring views thru telescopes, many being their first time.  This evening would have Venus, Jupiter and the Moon as the highlights of the session. Mercury was not to be found, lost in the hazy and high thin clouds.

Chicago Astronomers for this gathering would be: John, Bill, Tom, Rich Maria and myself.  Joining us with his 90mm Refractor is Jose...



He obtained this nice scope for only $50 on-line...great deal!

We slewed around to various targets, but we all felt that even with the high clouds, Jupiter was putting on a nice show - clear banding and close conjunction of two of it's satellites.  All scopes displayed nice views.

The C11 performed well this session, but I still need to take it apart for tweaking.

Bill with his razor sharp Takahashi refractor...



John set-up his Nexstar 5" SCT...

Rich brought along his C102 refractor...

We all enjoyed discussing all things astronomical with our visitors...

Chicago Astronomer events are always documented...

Saturn started to pop up around the Adler building, but the view was soft and soggy...

I enjoyed sharing the Moon this session...

Here are Rich's pics of the evening...

Unfortunately, both Rich and Tom had incidents with their mounts and not good ones.  I took both home and will repair them, hopefully bringing them back as good as new. 

Our crew for the session...





With Chicago's great skyline and Venus...


Our next public observation session will be on May 9th 2015 at Calumet park on Chicago's far south side - teaming up with the Chicago Park District.  Details shortly.