Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Sept 19, 2005 5:37:13 GMT -6
Alder Planetarium's Celestial Ball and the Telescope Operators...
This was my first Celestial Ball, and being it marks the 75th anniversary of the Adler, I thought it cool.
Donning on a dark suit, vest and bow-tie, (really a first for me). I joined my smartly dressed and beautifully draped partners in operating the telescopes for this evenings major annual event at the Planetarium. I got there about 5:30 pm and was pleased to see familiar faces, laughs and eager to set up. Of course...before starting in on the session, I took the opportunity to take a beginning pic to start us off...
From left to right: Rajasi, Jude, Linda, Arvind, Jennifer and myself
Well dressed Adler members arrived on the terrace to talk astronomy and peek thru our scopes. Venus was the first object to target this evening and while showing the featureless planet to the interested, I regaled them with Venus facts and lore. A very interesting and fun person stopped by my scope with his lovely wife, sang "I'm your Venus" and swapped astro stories with me. He also hosts a cultural radio program on N.P.R, and was interested in possibly doing a two minute astro piece with the Chicago Astronomer. Let's hope...
A great many interesting Adler visitors...many with telescopes of their own stopped by to view and chat. I had the honor to meet the Great-Grand daughter of Max Adler himself at this event and here we are...
I hope they stop by the Chicago Astronomer and relate more intimate details than I remember.
The telescope crew handled themselves with great knowledge and presentation. I like listening to Linda as she tells of the telescopes and astronomy with great enthusiasm, and Arvind again delighted us with a heads up on catching the International Space Station whisk by from the southwest to the southeast. It came on dimly at first, brightened significantly, then dimmed again...and then vanished from sight . Always a treat to see!... ;D
My pal and respected international attorney Marty Castro caught up with me posed together in this shot...
We served on various boards, commissions and other community related activities together in the past, and he now currently serves as a board member at the Adler.
Near the end of the evening, we gathered around a cocktail table, relaxed and shared stories and giggles.
Here Rajasi, Steve, Linda and I share a drink and smiles
And just for the hell of it, here is another first pic of us before the event, but this time without my jacket.
This was a longer than usual event, as we ended after 11:30 pm and finally put away the scopes and called it a night. It was a fun event, pleased to see my fellow Telescope Operators and anticipate our next joint event.
Respectfully submitted
Joe Guzmán
Telescope Operator
Adler Planetarium
