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[atomant]

Clear sky clock predicts clear and calm skies tonight in Chicago.

Anyone interested in meeting at 5:30-6pm by south entrance of Adler.

Highlights:

-Full Moon, Saturn and Beehive dance over the lake
-Mars and Pleides dance overhead
-Orion Nebula

bill

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Bill,

It's a go for me on a Adler meet and brief observation session for this evening. I will meet you there at 6:00 pm with scope in tow.

I haven't brought out my scope in quite a while, using the Adlers got me spoiled somewhat.

Let the 2006 Astronomical season commence for the Chicago Astronomers!... ;D

[atomant]

Here's to the new year!

I'll see you there!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

- First Chicago Astronomer Star Party of 2006 -

I had not planned a star party for the Chicago Astronomers till later on next month, but Bill, always watching the skies and clear sky clock, put out the notice that he was up for a get together Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. I took him up on the activity and met him in the shadow of the Adler by the south entrance. I brought along my girlfriend Liz, and she took most of the pics here.

It was cold, but not unbearable. I dressed for the evening well, and felt quite comfortable for our session with hooded sweatshirt. Using stretchy gloves enables me to manipulate controls and equipment, and my hand warmer of choice. If I only remembered the hot beverages!

Bill was already setting up when I arrived...table, tripod and...new scopes! We scanned the skies and discussed what was open for targeting this evening. Early on in the session, we noticed a satellite cutting thru Gemini from the SE to the NW. I wonder what it was?

Setting up my own scope, the Moon was the primary target of availability. It provided nice views with the western limb starting to show shadowing and detail. Sky maps showed that Saturn was below the Moon this evening, but the ever thickening cloud cover prevented us locating it. But at times the clouds would part a bit and offer us a glimpse of the ringed planet. With my trusty Rigel finder, I zoomed on it with with precision. It showed good clarity and rings at a 45 degree angle.

Although...I am noticing the spider vanes of my secondary mirror while focusing in the eyepiece...more now than I ever had. Have my eyes changed that radically since I last brought out my scope, or did something happen while it rested in my garage since last fall? A tune-up is needed...for both! And my Rigel double tape failed...so I think I'm going to attach it to the scope with the screw option permanently.

Bill has the coolest toys, and unpacked his new shiny scope and brand new binoviewer this evening...really the first session of the pair together. I was quite anxious to take a peek.

I don't know all of the details on the scope, (Hope he provides the specs), but it's a Williams Optics scope and provides great sharp details. And I mean really clear! Together with the binoviewer, the views are stunning. The Moon's surface is alive with relief details and depth. Using 20mm eyepieces, I selfishly spent some time mesmerized on viewing the Moon. Bill then focused on Saturn. Here, the viewing was a bit more getting used to, being that one needed to precisely focus the eyepieces to ones own eye strength and not tilt the head aggressively, but viewing Saturn was an experience. Hard to maintain the personal setting with different viewers, so I did my best. The brain has to adjust in viewing the planet with both eyes and is well worth it!

I spied the Orion Nebula (M42), and it showed up well - despite the fierce Moon glow. It was especially nice to view, considering the new detailed image of M42 recently from the Hubble:

Fellow astronomers Arvind and new Adler Telescope Operator Fred joined us later on in the evening. Arvind brought along his own 5" reflector and focused on various targets throughout the evening. I helped to align his finder scope to his tube, but Arvind did well in the task on his own.

Fred came along with his wife Joyce and had a good time observing with the Chicago Astronomers.

The Adler was showing "Sonic Vision" this evening and Liz & I decided to take in a show and warm up. After the show, I spent some more time with the crew for just a bit more, and shared my 10X50 binoculars...but the clouds were thickening and the observation session came to a conclusion.

Throughout the night, we shared views with the public and Bill expertly describing the points of interests & sky lore. We also encourged interested people to attend out public session at the Adler on the first Friday of each month. One women, quite excited about viewing Saturn and her rings would bring her unused telescope on the 3rd of February for FOF, eager for lessions in proper usage.

And, as always, we took time for a group shot:

Pictured are: Me, Arvind, Fred and Bill

Here is a shot taken with Arvinds 7 pixel digital camera, with us just slightly shuffled.

Arvind writes:

"We had a good view of Saturn and its moons and our own luna. It was cold . We had a 5" reflector and 3" refractor (with Bino viewers - the 3D effect adds viewing pleasure). I think we saw 3 moons . I am not sure which ones. Had to find the names by comparing with software & I would imagine - that a reflector would Flip the view vertical and horizontal?

Tethys
Mimas
Hyperion



As always - Bill's choice of scope was excellent - amazing viewing thru the williams optics refractor - the image was sharp . Ofcourse he had brought with him the Naggler 7 mm .

We had a good evening of viewing . Saw Saturn and moon. Orion was up too. It was cold - still did not feel it - as had two pairs of socks on - thanks to Linda's advice. Saturn is a great sight . Thanks to Bill and Joe - was able to do this. Joe has amazing view finder aligning skills and loves to drive on the pavement .

We missed you rajasi

Arvind"

Although it wasn't the best sky conditions for a serious session...it was a fun, productive and all around good night with pals - despite the cold and heavy clouds. Great to have Fred join the crack crew, and I am pleased that Bill took the initiative and encouraged us to venture out on a cold Chicago night... ;D