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[stargazer]

Hey Guys,

Here are the two Star Parties I do each month. I am getting them to you early enough so you can make plans to attend.

June 18th Triton
June 25th Schaumberg.

Hope you all can make it. So mark your calendars now and be there.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Becks,

That saturday at Triton, I have a gallery opening, but lets see what we can arrange.

What's on the observing list?

Thanks for the open invitation.

[imzame]

can you give me more info on these parties. I am new to this and would like to come

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Imzame,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer family and thanks for your first post.

Often, we Chicago Astronomers gather around the Adler Planetarium area and set up our scopes in a joint mini-star party. The ambient light prevents serious observing, but it enables us to meet new people and share astronomy with the public. A real fun time and the time just rushes by.

Usually it's the weather, schedule and motivation that sets the observation session. At times I'll get a impromtu call and off I go with scope in the backseat. Other times, if there is a special astronomical event, (like the planetary conjunction coming up on the 22nd of June), we will schedule the night.

Keep monitoring the boards here for updates and if you have any suggestions, we would be pleased to hear of them.

Please do tell us a bit about yourself, your interest in astronomy, any equipment you may have and what part of the world you call home.

Welcome to the world of scopes, stars and charts.

[stargazer]

Dont forget about Triton and Schaumberg that I do every month.

Triton is in River Grove its Triton College at the Cernan Earth and Space Center. Show starts at 7:30 pm lasts an hour then if its clear outside there will be scopes outside. Right now the show is $5.00 and lasts an hour. As of July they will be $8.00 and last an hour and half. Well worth the money if you ask me. You learn whats going on with NASA, Geo News, and the current skies. plus they have a small gift shop open during the shows.

Schaumberg is at 1111 E Scahumberg Rd at the Schaumberg Nature Center. Free of charge. Right now it starts at 9:30 at night and usually goes for an hour and half to two hours maybe longer.

My scope is always at both. We have a good time at both parties. Hope you guys will come out and enjoy the night skies in the BURBS away from city lights. We see more out here.


Becky

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I don't mind it if it rains, as the scopes are up regardless and we focus on the Chicago Skyline, explain optics and talk astronomy with the public.

If it's just cloudy, I think I will bring the scope to the outside on the terrace. And maybe...even bring out that huge patio umbrella if if sprinkles!...

[craig]

Hi Astronomer Joe.. I'm a newbie and VERY impressed with the site.. These parties sound great, but I was wondering if you could give any more details. I want to buy equipment, but first I'd like to just soak in the sky and ask members or what not questions:

Are there open scopes that my girlfriend and I would be able to share in watching, or is it pretty much you need to bring a scope only?

How many people typically attend?

Anything else you could share? Thanks so much

Craig

[stargazer]

Ok guys looked at the radars and things look like a go for tonight. So you all better get your collective butts out here and have some fun.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Ok, ok....I'll be heading out to Schaumburg this evening, but it looks pretty hazy out now.

I won't be bringing the scope, as there will be plenty to peer through, but it will be nice to see all again...and some for the first time...

[jglover]

stargazer said:

Ok guys looked at the radars and things look like a go for tonight. So you all better get your collective butts out here and have some fun.

Still at 9:30 this evening? It's hazy here in Naperville but no rain....skies have been threatening all afternoon but nothing on the radar......

[stargazer]

Ok guys just looked at the radars again its now 3:08 and still looks good. Yes right now in Elgin its muggy but no clouds that would indicate rain. I will be in touch with Craig around 6 pm so I will have him pass on to the calling tree whats going on here. The answer to jglover question is yes still at 9:30.

Hope to see you all there.

[jglover]

stargazer said:

Ok guys just looked at the radars again its now 3:08 and still looks good. Yes right now in Elgin its muggy but no clouds that would indicate rain. I will be in touch with Craig around 6 pm so I will have him pass on to the calling tree whats going on here. The answer to jglover question is yes still at 9:30.

Hope to see you all there.

Thanks Becky! Right now at 4:50pm, we've got one thunderstorm right at the border of Cook, Lake, McHenry and Kane counties....everything else is clear.

Hope to see everyone this evening!

[jglover]

Oh yeah, and it is also 99 degrees too! ;D

[stargazer]

Ok Guys, Here are July's party I do. 16th Triton, 23rd Schaumburg. I hope to see you all there again. A good time was had by all as far as I could tell. Joe where are the pics from last sat night.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Triton Gathering of the Chicago Astronomers

We were talking among ourselves yesterday, (Adler and C.A. crew), and considering it will not really be great seeing conditions for a long trip south to a good observing spot of Bill's in the Aurora area, but instead head up to Triton for a gathering.

The sky show prior is ok, but it's something I can do without and prefer to go directly to the scopes at dusk around 8:30 pm. Don't forget the mosquito repellent and you can leave your scopes at home, as there are plenty there to view through.

Hopefully the brighter objects will be passed over and some DSO's will be targeted instead.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

After losing the pics of the Schaumburg star party of 25 June 2005 in my computer, I finally located them in a folder totally unrelated to astronomy.

Here we get to see John's refractor for the first time, and his son Eric, joined on in.

Here from left to right are: Craig, his girlfriend, John & his son Eric, Becky & her daughter CJ and myself.

The high cloud cover prevented serious viewing, but perhaps the next outing will prove better.