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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The Chicago Astronomer featured on the Adler Planetarium's Picture of the Week!

Recently, during the Mars close approach public observing sessions, I participated as a Telescope Operator with my fellow Operators on the 27th and 28th of October 2005 along the south pathway of the Adler...

(an account can be found here: astronomer.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=evening&action=display&thread=1130938235 )

I had noticed that television cameras and photographers were milling about in my direction, but had no idea who they were or intent was.

Our official Adler Planetarium photographer liked my silhouette, refractor scope against our magnificent Chicago skyline - peering through the light polluted sky and aiming for Mars - and used it for this weeks (31 October - November 8), "Picture of the Week". Also, ...It was during this time that the Chicago White Sox won the World Series....Go go Sox! And the "Sox Win!" on the building adds such a cool touch!.. ;D

The full story and pic can be found here: www.adlerplanetarium.org/apow/ap2005.10.31.shtml

I think it's quite cool and am honored to be part of the archives of the Adler's astronomical activities, as a member of the Telescope crew at the Adler museum, and for my friends for letting me play with them and their toys...

[starbux]

Congrats on the photo.

Just wondering, did you crouch to view thru the refractor, or was the tripod significantly taller than the ones usually sold with scopes? One of the inconveniences of refractor observing is the low position of the eyepiece. If the tripod is taller than standard, is it possible to find out the source that makes/sells it?

When I have the mood for refractor observing I usually pull up a chair and sit under the telescope (being careful not to bump the tripod too much), since mine has the standard Chinese-made aluminum tripod.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Malcolm,

Thanks for the word of congrats and a little bit about the refractor:

The proportions of the scope are bigger than we are used to. The Tripod is all wooden and top higher than average, with a tri-chain to keep the legs from spreading too far. This enables a little less stooping for object's below zenith...and with the star diagonal...even better.

This neat scope, (3.25 not 4" as I detailed prior), has excellent contrast and very very sharp images. I have been told that it rivals our bigger scopes...even the 10" dobs in clarity and definition...and I agree. The scope is circa 1960's and the mount/tripod I would say 1950's. I haven't seen anything like it around and it has become my favorite refractor...replacing the 4" Celestron refractor I used to exclusively use. The 3/4 reduction in aperture size is insignificant compared to the gains.

In the featured pic, I had my legs just slightly bent, and that was to align and sight up the scope tube, (no finder scope), toward Mars. Regular observing is quite comfortable standing. The legs on the tripod are non-adjustable and mount cast iron heavy.

Perhaps I'll take detailed pics and document the scope.