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[Chicago Astronomer Joe]

Chicago Astronomer John N in Michigan State for a short vacation

John shook the Chicago area dust off him and is taking a derserved trip to Michigan with his son Michael. I received a few pics of John's adventures and share them with the crew...

Michael Napoletano with his (and his dad's) 10" Starfinder (affectionately named Frankenstein) out on Crystal Lake, Michigan ... Beautiful, dark skies for telescopes, binoculars or naked eyes. Michael and John treated themselves to many beautiful sights including the Whirlpool galaxy, Andromeda, the coat hanger, M57, M13, the double cluster, shooting stars, satellites and more. Michael quickly added to his ability to recognize asterisms and create new ones.

During the days, and cloudy times, Michael and John caught a variety of Bass, and a Perch. Michael honed his skills in casting, landing and handling fish. John just relaxed, smiled, and enjoyed the fun!

We also had an impressive naked eye resolution of the middle point of the big dipper handle (not all the way down to the closer double, but the first split (of the 3?) was visible to the naked eye). I am not sure which stars are Mizar and Alchor, but, when the view is that good, it doesn't matter as much.

Talk to you later,

John
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I envy your skies John, and I think Michael is too cute. I especially enjoy the cooling holes in the OTA and fell they are quite cool.

I think I'm gonna put some speed holes in my hood on the Chevelle too!...

See soon.

[Rocketman]

Beautiful, dark skies for telescopes, binoculars or naked eyes. Michael and John treated themselves to many beautiful sights including the Whirlpool galaxy, Andromeda, the coat hanger, M57, M13, the double cluster, shooting stars, satellites and more.

I wish you'd have taken note of when you seen the satellites


Nice scope, and cute kid. You should come fishing down in Texas. We have 75lb catfish, well that is if you get really lucky

Crystal Lake? Is that "THE" Crystal Lake?

[John]

Speed holes ... I love it, Homer!!!

Next time, more chicago astronomers should make the trip up ... it is worth it.

Thanks for the spot on the site. See you soon.

John

[John]

Rocketman,

Can't say exactly when we saw the satellites. 75 lb catfish would be great, but at that size they are more like lions and tigers aren't they?

Crystal Lake Michigan is located about 1/2 hour SW of Traverse City.

Clear skies,

John

[Rocketman]

75 lb catfish would be great, but at that size they are more like lions and tigers aren't they?

Yes, and I bet they'd taste like it too