Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jul 17, 2005 0:50:09 GMT -6
The Chicago Astronomers invade River Grove Illinois
- 16 July 2005 -
- 16 July 2005 -
After some telephone negotiating, we decided to join in at Triton College for their Monthly star party. Bill, Arnvid and Rajasi stopped to eat before the meet and I had planned to join them later. I passed by the observation area first to check the goings on, and saw that John was already there, so I decided to keep John company instead.
The air was heavy, muggy and it was quite warm. Haze was the word for the evening, but scopes were out and focused on the Moon, Jupiter and a smattering of stars. The transparency was so bad that regular deep sky objects were not easily located.
John was setting up his refractor, (the only one present), and I took this perspective shot of him and his equipment...with the Moon over his left shoulder.
John showed me views thru his cool bino viewer, and it was quite a sight. Real economical too. Perhaps John will detail that here.
Bill came with his passengers and I had this taken before we got started in observing...
And so we started comparing views through different scopes, with some pretty big. We met old friends there, and more Chicago Astronomer members and Adler crew started to mosey on in. Hiram arrived with his cool classic Orange Celestron 8". Hiram was so cool, that he was recruiting for the Chicago Astronomer forum!... ;D
The ISS made an appearance this evening coming up from the SW and made a leisurely trek across the sky. It was much slower than past viewings, but just as bright. It popped out of view as it entered the Earth's shadow. Always nice to catch it!
Linda and her husband Alfred stopped by with their binoculars and joined on in. We all stopped from scope to scope, discussing mounts, optics and other astro related chat. Becky didn't bring her 10" Dob this time around, so we spent some time chatting and observing.
Near the end of the session, I assembled the crew for a final shot for the forum. As always, I like to have two pics taken....for good reasons...
I know as astronomers, our minds are always working as keepers of the sky. Here, some members are deep in thought, studying angles or otherwise distracted with the complexities of the mechanics of the Universe. But as always, I am ready to go...as my minds a blank.
Here is the real group shot...
The Crack Chicago Astronomer/Adler Telescope Operator Crew
Standing from left to right are: Me (C.A. - Adler), Arnvid (Adler), Rajasi (C.A. - Adler), Bill (C.A. - Adler), John (C.A.), Linda (C.A. - Adler)
Seated: Becky (C.A.), Hiram (C.A.). *
(* C.A. = Chicago Astronomer Member -
Adler Telescope Operator)
---------------
It was a good night sharing laughs and seeing the crew again. Turned a few on to the Chicago Astronomer, caught nice views of the Moon and enjoyed myself.
Now, Arnvid desired more observation, so he, Bill and Rajasi headed out to the Yorkville area - waaay out there- for more observation and darker skies.
Brave souls!
