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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chicago Astronomer Joe: Now A Certified Doane Solar/Observatory Operator

Part 1 -

Recently, I successfully completed training in attaining Certification as an Doane Observatory Operator at the Adler Planetarium. The first training phase was in solar observing and sometime later will be in nightime operation sessions.

Here in the first class of Doane Observatory trainees are:
Fred, Master Adler Educator Michelle, Myself, Bill, Linda and John

We practiced on the new Coronado Solar telescope attached to the 20" SCT and the views thru it are quite remarkable and sharp. One can really push the magnifications and contrast very good.

Everyone took their turns in targeting the Sun and experimenting with various eyepieces. I aimed the beast at the Sun and used the shadow method to get it in close approximation, then using the 6" guide scope, (fitted with a white light aperture filter), used it to center the scopes.

Here Bill is examining a good solar promenance this day.

By using check-lists, we learned how to open the observatory, set-up the controls and guide the telescope to track. So many things to remember, but I think I got it all down pat.

A few weeks later, three of us, (John, Steve and myself), were individually tested and successfully received our certifications...of course... #Yay#

Soon, we were expected to conduct solar sessions on our own and interact with the Adler visitors...and that day came on Saturday morning - the 26th of August 2006.

See Part 2 for the narrative on how we woke the beast on our first solo session... ;D

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chicago Astronomer Joe's First session as a Certified Adler Observatory Operator

Part 2 -

The Adler Planetarium gave us the opportunity to conduct our first public visitor solar session on Saturday, the 26th of August 2006. John and I agreed to participate in a joint session and we met at 9:00 am. The day was hot, muggy, and the clouds were at times heavy with the threat of rain, but we carried on.

Having obtained the keys, I unlocked and opened the first door to the observatory. It's heavy and is something out of the NORAD facility blast doors.

Addressing security protocols, we walked the semi-circle winding path to the second door higher up. Not many get to enjoy the great view over the lake from the vista that the ramp to the second door provides. I eagerly unlocked that one too, and there we were...inside the observatory with the sleeping 20" SCT. We removed the protective coverings on the equipment, switched on the power strips and reviewed the start-up sequence check-list.

Master switch on, R.A tracking on, drives on, computer boot up... things look good and operational. John punches in neccessary info into the computer and we are ready to open the slit and expose the beast.

We must first retract both the observation slit opening and the protective screens above the scope. Here John opens the screen procedure while I tackle the slit.

Then I rotate the dome to face the sun and angle the telescope to target the disk. The building rumbles as the dome rotates to my command. If you look up while it's rotating, it seems like the whole building is rotating and the dome standing still. (No wonder the ancients thought that the Earth stood still and everything else rotated around us!... )

The sky was getting more overcast, but with "sucker holes", bits of open clouds in where we were teased with glimpses of the suns disk. With the heavy filtering on the scopes, I could not get a good bead or view of the solar disk.

John thought I had it right on, but checked it out for himself. It wasn't too good for him either. It would not be a good solar observation day for us...but that's okay. It gave us the chance to become comfortable with opening, usage and closing of the observatory on our own. We had visitors come in throughout and we discussed astronomy and the most recent decision the IAU on Plutos status. Some stayed for quite a bit and we exchanged thoughts on cosmology, observations and other astronomical revelance.

After about four hours of operation, we decided to close up shop. Everything in reverse as we prepared to put the beast back to sleep.

I'm thinking to myself if I have forgotten something, overlooked to turn off a control. We listen for any telltale sounds of anything left on - humming or buzzing. None. Telescope is pointed up to zenith and balanced. It all looks good and we are satisfied on a first session on operating the Doane Observatory on our own.

Here John pushes against the massive NORAD doors as we prepare to lock up and reflect on the virgin run. Everything went well, and I think we did ok, but will feel better when I get back confirmation. Great to have been offered the opportunity to join the exclusive team in operating the Adler Observatory...

I hope to conduct another solar session soon with better skies next time. Perhaps next weekend. Can't wait for the evening certifications to commence!... ;D

Ain't Astronomy fun!

[stargazer]

Congrats Joe. A job well done. Cant wait to read more of your time on that scope. Kepp us informed.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Thanks Becks,
I am honored that I was offered the trusted opportunity controlling the observatory mechanics for the leading planetarium museum in the Midwest... ;D

I anticipate much a great many observation opportunities at the Adler Dome with my fellow Telescope operators and freinds. Later on, I would like to learn the usage of the ccd imaging techniques that the scope accomplishes.

My accounts will of course be posted with pics if possible.

Thanks again.

[katodog]

Hey, Joe, that's awesome!! Congratulations!!

No more cleaning the breakroom for you!

I just have one question, though. With the new certification, do they give you a raise? I know minimum wage really stinks these days. I'd like to see you get at least $7 an hour. ;D


Now enough playing with the telescopes, go clean the breakroom!!!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Kdog,

Thank you for the congrats.

It's great fun taking over the controls of the Observatory and scope and watching it come alive. This Saturday I will be manning the Doane again for some solar viewing. Anybody in the vicinity are encouraged to stop by.

I'll attend to the breakroom right after I lock up!...

[Paulie pchris00]

I've only been up there once, the night of the White House star party, and I know what you mean about looking up when the "dome" rotates. I knew it was coming, yet had to check my balance when the roof moved!

That really is a great view out over the lake coming down from the observatory.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Paulie,

Heh....

I enjoyed reliving that account of nearly four years ago. I'm pleased it's documented.

It was during my "clean shaven" period, but now the 'stache is back and in control...as it should be.

We don't do nearly enough observation sessions in the Doane, but 2010 promises to be different, as more night time sessions are planned.

But, it is certainly a great opportunity to be trusted in operating the largest public telescope in the Midwest and glad I'm part of the team.

Wait till warmer weather!

[atomant]

After much procrastination, I hope to finally get certified for daytime and nightime operation of the Doane as soon as Adler Astronomer Larry C. returns from his Veritas trip in AZ.

Hopefully, a clean-shaven Joe would be able to join me to showcase this hidden treasure in the coming months.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Clean shavin' Joe might make an appearance again.

Great that you'll be joining the Doane team!