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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The Chicago Astronomer at the 606 Trail
Saturday 04 November 2023
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Join the Chicago Astronomer crew Saturday evening as we return for our monthly visit and share views of two Solar system giants - Jupiter & Saturn.

Jupiter, a tough dude, was the first planet to form in our proto system billions of years ago, while Earth was just a loose collection of debris. Jupiter the bully, drawn toward our young Sun by gravitational force, was clearing a path, ejecting and absorbing planet material as it plowed through. It it were allowed to continue, it would have formed a binary system with the Sun and we, would not be here.

If it were not for Saturn, feminine and smart, the second planet to form, pulled back Jupiter away from the Sun, stabilizing the orbits and allowing the inner planets to form. It takes a woman to control the beast.

We have adjusted our start time an hour earlier to 6:30 and ending at 8:30 pm. As we change our clocks this weekend, the earlier time works nicely. If you have a telescope and need instruction on how to use it, bring it along and we will guide you.

Also, if you are not on my Chicago Astronomer email notification yet, send me an email and you'll be part of the urban astronomy action. ( [e-mail] )

Be there with the cool kids...you know you want to.

Astro Joe

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Our Chicago Astronomer November Session blast
at the 606 Trail

November observation dates can be quite tricky.

There are always more cloudy, rainy and sometimes snowy evenings to spoil dates set months in advance.  But our Saturday at the trail was a successful meeting of Astronomers and sky loving fans as we shared views of planets and engaged in astro chats.  

Joining the crew this evening were Chicago Astronomers John & Tom and support crew member Maria..

  

Setting up their SCTs and Refractors, others brought their scopes for instruction and participation...

    

It's great to have Chicago Astronomer fans bring their scopes to our sessions for the guidance and community of fellow Astronomers.

          

       

A former After School Matters Astronomy student of mine, Finn, joined us for the evening and continues to be part of my circle of young Astronomers....



I took the opportunity to test out these new eyepieces that I just received, willed to me from an Astronomer friend who recently passed away...



From a 40mm up to a 6.4mm, all in 1.25"...all Meade eyepieces.  I had some of our guests test out these various eyepieces with me and interested in their interpretation of their views of Saturn & Jupiter...including Astronomers Tom & John.  We felt that the 20/15mm's of eyepieces was the sweet spot with the C11 scope.  From the 15mm to the 6.4mm, images were decent, but the clarity and sharpness was degrading.  Various factors involved, including sky conditions.  Also in the box were some Orion, Teleview, Vixen LV & Celestron eyepieces and were briefly tested, with decent feedback.  But a more logical shootout is necessary soon under controlled conditions.   I prefer 2" eyepieces for public viewings, but the 1.25"s will be for more personal observation and imaging sessions...

        

Overall, it was a nice time at the trail, seeing veteran fans and making new ones... satisfied to lead Urban Astronomy there for many years now...onward to 2014...

    

Full pics here:
ibb.co/album/SN6b9g

Astro Joe