Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Mar 31, 2006 0:34:38 GMT -6
Adler Telescope crew learns Lunar activities
Recently on the 25th of March, volunteers at the Adler were given the opportunity to learn some lunar activities to educate and entertain Adler visitors. And being that it was Jim Lovell's birthday, it was fitting.
We were taught on how to create a lunar crater, using a spectrascope and creating lunar sedimentary rock among other fun things. We handled a shuttle tile and played with astronaut gear...
Here I'm wearing the communications cap under the space helmet. Ground control to Major Joe.
Fred and Linda handle a pseudo space food stick.
Top and bottom: Kalvis, Linda, Myself, Fred and Arvind display astronaut wear for the modern space traveler.
After the training, we did some solar observations on the south terrace. Although the Sun was devoid of any surface markings, it was still fun to share the views with the public. H-Alpha showed some promenances and granulations, and I directed the public to grab a peek before the approaching clouds obscured viewings.
Here, I'm shown with my favorite Adler scope, The 3" Nikon refractor, and my prefered method of Solar viewing: projection. After explaining basic points of interests of the Sun, I would instruct the visitors to view the Sun directly with the Dob, and then go to the H-Alpha.
Fred instructs visitors in viewing the Solar disk directly with the Dob and aperture filter.
Had a good time with my fellow astronomers this afternoon, and later...the birthday party celebrations.
Here, Arvind take great time to compose his quip on the three birthday cards for the party birthday party later on.
It was a fun day all round.
(I thank Michelle Nichols - Sr. Educator at the Adler- for taking the astronaut group pics of us.)