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[katodog]

So, who's going to be brave and set up their scopes for the International Sidewalk Astronomy Night?


www.sidewalkastronomynight.com/

I figured I would just set up on my driveway, and if anybody came by, they would do like they usually do and look at me funny for a couple of seconds and walk away. I guess the AR6 looks more like a rocket launcher than a scope. I'd like to know who's gonna be setting up, and where. It would be cool to see just how many people around here get involved, and what stories ensue. I might actually get really brave and go out to somewhere well travelled and set up. It might be fun, and I'm sure the stories would be great.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Kdog,

The Chicago Astronomers will be setting up outside of the Adler Planetarium, either right by the Corpernicus Statue or by the South lawn of the Planetarium.

Setup will be around 7:00 pm and a handful of the group will be on hand to share the evening skies with fellow Chicago sky lovers.

Of course, pics and a story will be posted after the event.

[katodog]

Joe, when you guys all go out to the Adler, where do you park, and what does it cost? I might decide to come out there, depending on how tired I may be. We have the PBA Pro tour this weekend, and it's usually a pain in the (another name for donkey).

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Kdog,

There is usually parking on Solidarity drive leading up to the Adler Planetarium. If not, the adjacent parking is available.

Here is an arial of the area.

If you are bringing your scope and need to park in the lot....see me...

Leave a message on my Chicago Astronomer Voice Mail:

312-546-4649

if you feel like the long drive to the Adler.

[katodog]

You know what happens when you hit the wrong key on the keyboard? The post you were writing disappears, and the web page closes. I'll try it again.

Tonight was really fun. Some of the neighbors came over, and we all viewd the Moon and Venus, and Saturn. I had a decent night planned, but the clouds had plans too. I noticed that as I brought out more and more equipment, the clouds got thicker and thicker. Next time I'll work in reverse and fool the clouds. I was surprised that the neighbors had such joyful comments when at the eyepiece. I surprised myself, too, by answering the questions they asked. I didn't think I was that smart. One of them tried the trick question, and asked me what power the scope was at. So then I had to do math in my head to figure out what it was. Okay, what's 1200 divided by 5.1? Well, I cheated and rounded it to 5, and then it was easier.

It would have been nice to have a clear night, but at least we all got to see the Moon and Venus pair through the scopes, and viewed Saturn. Everyone was wowed by Saturn, even through the wispy clouds that floated by. One neightbor gave the classic response, "It looks like someone painted it on the frontof the telescope." I always love hearing that one, or when the say that someone put a picture on the front of the scope. One neighbor seemed really interested in the equipment, and said his wife wanted to get into astronomy. Unfortunately I had to warn him of the woes of the empty wallet.

I tried to get a shot of the pairing, but the clouds were killing the shots, and focusing was pretty tough. But, here is the best shot of the night. Although it isn't what I hoped for.





I told the nieghbors anytime I was out to come over. Next time I'll have to plan better and serve some goodies and booze.

Earlier, when I was setting up, two guys in a SUV stopped and we chatted. They asked me about the scope, how much it cost. When I told them, one guy said "No S**T!!!" Then he asked if you could see craters and things and I said yes, he said "No S**T!!!!" again. Then he asked about seeing planets. After I answered his questions, once again he said the same thing. I was shocked that he was so excited by my responses.

All in all it was fun, but the clouds finally won. I put everything away and came in. Time to go to bed. That's some hard work

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Kdog,

I like that image of the Venus/Moon conjunction...almost looks like it's out a space craft's window port. It was a good offering of you to share peeks thru your telescope and talk astronomy. I think astronomy is better and more enjoyable when shared with others.

The Chicago Astronomers had a great time by the Adler Planetarium last night, catching various celestial objects and sharing the views with many people who stopped by.

The full story and images will be posted shortly of our night out.

[Mahinamama]

I was going to set up my scope in my drive way, though I usually only get the one kid from down the street, but the last time I set up out front he seemed intrested. But that night hubby decided to be social and go to a little function we had in town, Railroad Daze in Franklin Park. We have a lil carnival and food and live music. Saturday the Ides of March was here, awesome show btw. So sadly I didnt get to set up, but did see the conjunction. As I was showing my daughter others wondered what we were looking at so I explained. Almost missed the Ides...lol.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Oooh...I like the Ides of March!

I'm your vehicle.

Great that you stopped to enjoy the conjunction. It was a nice pair to observe in binoculars and low powered 60mm finder on my scope, and most observable astronomy is low powered.

The full narrative of the Chicago Astronomer gathering can be found here:

astronomer.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=StarParty&action=display&thread=1179724704

It was a good night.