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[Doug]

Hi all,

I'm new to these boards. I just jumped into the hobby of astronomy. I purchased a Meade ETX 90 and I have been eager to use it. Where in Chicago (or around Chicago) do people find are good viewing sites? I tried to go to the Adler Planetarium tonight, but all their lights were on and it was quite bright. Are there any good places in the city (Forest Preserves perhaps?) or do people venture far away to get away from the light polution? I'd like to find a place perhaps 30 minutes away that provides decent viewing conditions.
Thanks!

-Doug

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Doug,

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer Forum and thank you for your first post...which is a common question of beginning inner city astronomers.

The hobby of Astronomy will never let you down and will always reveal new sights and discoveries...even in our bright skies of Chicago. One can target the major planets, comets, meteors, many deep sky objects and lunar phenomenon...even with a bright streetlamp shining in your face.

In an odd and strange way...the bright skies here wash out the dimmer magnitude stars and only allow the brightest to show thru the gunk. In this way, one can make out the major constellations easily without the congestion and multitude of numerous background stars to confuse the beginner. I recommend making a bad element, (Light Pollution), into one to learn from. When I enter darker skies, I sometimes need to carefully orient myself and target familiar constellations or asterisms.

Regarding a suitable spot to view the heavens...well, that's not an easy call. Any place you can plant your scope in moderate darkness is good. The offending lights of Chicago reach far out from it's boundaries, and one must get really distant to catch good skies. If one does find a spot in a reasonable trip from Chicago, one has to contend with public way closings, hassles from the police...and unfamiliar surroundings.

We are planning a Chicago Astronomer Star Party in Woodstock Illinois in October, courtesy of Astronomer Al. Please read the posts regarding this here in this board and category.

Even in the bright area around the Adler Planetarium, one can catch the constellations, planets and the moon. I often set up by the Copernicus statue and share views thru my scope with the general public. Many of our members here in the forum and subscribers to the newsletter stopped by my scope to take a peek.

A coincidence that you mention the Adler visit of yesterday. I plan to set up my equipment tomorrow evening, (Sunday, 19 September 2004), around 7:00 pm-ish to catch the crescent moon and discuss astronomy with all who wish to marvel at the lunar surface. If you are available, I invite you down to the lakefront and stop by the Copernicus statue Sunday evening. You have a good telescope, and I would be happy to put is thru it's paces if you are so inclined.

Again, welcome to the Chicago Astronomer Forum and hope to see you here often.

[sarwat]

Hey Doug,

For observing the moon, the planets and most double stars, any place with no street light directly shining in your face is fine(try to block as many as possible by getting in the shadows of the trees, buildings etc.)

As far as Deep Space is concerned, get out of the city, at least 40-50 miles away. Do it once a month, near the new moon, it is worth it, and definitely take your binoculars along with the scope. You can go to state parks or recreational areas; and don't forget the mosquito spray !

Sarwat

[stargazer]

Doug,

Im about 35 miles west of the city and I have some nice spots out here by me. As I always say to Joe "come out to the burbs and do some viewing. This Sat at Triton College is the monthly sky watch, they have a show at 7:30 p.m. $5 to get in then viewing afterwards. I will be there with the cannon. You are more then welcome tocome view through it if you want. You cant miss it. You can also bring your scope. The viewing afterwards is free. Please come out and join us in a night of observing and by then I am sure I can find some spots out near me for you.

B

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Becks,

I still desire to join you in a mini star party out there in the western suburbs of Chicago, and observe at our leisure. Your skies most certainly are better than the muck I must peer thru.

I will issue a notice on the Triton Star party this Saturday. I'll send it out tomorrow night with the details.

I won't bring my scope, as there are plenty to look thru...especially your 10" dob. What do you plan on targeting that night?

[Doug]

Becky, thanks for the invite. I don't think I will be able to make it Saturday night, but I would like to get out there some time. Do they do this once a month?

[stargazer]

Every month Triton has a Sky Watch. I will keep you informed. Also while I am thinking about it in Schaumberg at the Nature Center we have a Heavens Watch. If your interested I will let youknow when it will be next month. I am there as well with the cannon. Yes I call my scope a cannon and when you see it you will understand.

B

[starrysungazer]

Hi Becky!!
You and hubby gonna be at the Triton this weekend?
The weather is supposed to be fab ;D Looking forward to seeing you... Nancy

[stargazer]

Hi Nancy

Yes me and Bill will be there. The cannon will be to. Hope to see you there.

B