Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Mar 5, 2005 1:30:42 GMT -6
Far Out Friday & Astro Overnight Activities...
The day did not hold promise of a clear night for public observation, but we telescope operators assembled regardless. After a pre-meal of pizza, we proceeded to set up the scopes. I was lagging behind, and they had already brought out the 4" refractor and the 8" Dob. Good enough I thought, as we did not anticipate a very large group this evening.
Scopes were directed at the city skyline and waited for the groups to arrive...in the meantime, we discussed various astronomical topics, theories and news amongst ourselves. Larry Cuipik, Adler Astronomer, joined in with us and shared his vast knowledge and wit.
Shown left to right are Adler Telescope Interpreters: Chicago Astronomer Oscar, Carmen, Rahul, Chicago Astronomer Joe, unknown, and Adler Astronomer Larry.
We had people approach us with personal telescopic questions. One couple wondered if they should obtain a barlow for a small scope they had. She had a good assortment of 4 eyepieces, and with her 3" aperture, I felt that the barlow would not be something she should be seeking out now. As a barlow increases magnification, it also decreases the brightness of the image, so with the compliment of eyepieces she had, she should be ok.
Chicago Astronomer Alan stopped by with his family and I finally got to meet his nice wife and pretty two daughters. We discussed at length many observational techniques and sessions, and tentatively planned to join in together on a joint observational session next Friday to catch the Lunar/Mercury conjunction. We will be joined by a fellow Adler telescope operator in training, who has an 8" Dob.
I certainly hope it will be clear. Alan and I will also made plans to try to make the next Ryerson Observatory event next week. People came up to the scopes and looked at Chicago Astronomer Oscar's Binary lights...(don't ask), and I like focusing on the antenna array on top of the Sears Tower with the Stream billowing out. Often the public is confused on why the image is upside down. We then go into optical mechanics and they kinda accept it.
Another gentleman was thinking about getting a scope, so I showed him the comparative differences between the refractor and the dob. He liked the dob better, and as one could get a dob rather cheap these days, it was the more logical choice. Another man inquired where he could rent a scope for his young child. I suggested that he not even consider such an option, as any rental scope will most likely would be beat up, out of collimation...and besides for the cost of a rental, he could get a brand new small dob for just a few bucks more. He liked that suggestion and a fellow telescope operator suggested that he might peruse the Adler gift shop as well.
We chatted within the ranks of the Adler staff some more, and at about 9:30 pm we closed up shop and ventured out into the misty night that was this Friday. I had a fun time this evening, even if we did not get to accomplish any celestial observing at all.
Respectfully submitted,
Joe Guzmán
Telescope Interpreter
Adler Planetarium