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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Lunar Eclipse Observation Session
03 March 2007

This Saturday did not hold well for a leisurely Total Lunar Eclipse from Chicago. Clouds were overcast and snow flurries teased us all throughout the day. I never had a observation session during a snow fall, but I was game this evening. If it did not clear up, I had a dinner banquet to attend regardless.

Dressed in a totally inappropriate manner, (Jacket, tie and trench coat), I made plans to operate my favorite Nikon refractor telescope, attend to the public by the Adler and then head off to my later engagement.

When I arrived, there were about 200 people mulling about waiting for the already eclipsed Moon to rise above the Lake Michigan horizon and a lot of media shooting the event.

Pictured from left to right: Linda, Steve me, Greg and Fred.

As always, before the action starts and we are too busy, I like to take a shot of the working group. If you notice, snow was falling among the astronomers on this eclipse day...and it was cold.

To the East was mostly solid cloud cover, but to the West were breaks and heading toward the rising Moon. Perhaps there was hope for Lunar action this evening after all!

While Linda assisted me in retrieving the Nikon from the Telescope Room, camera crews were interviewing Larry, (Adler Astronomer and mentor)...

Explaining the mythical significance of a Lunar Eclipse, Larry was the leading authority of the evening. The TV crews also took various shots of the crowd and captured some of us waiting for a break in the clouds...

Here from left to right are Linda, Me, Steve and Fred. (Wearing an Adler cap for warmth, I think I look like a Fidel Castro impersonator!)

Steve and Greg are caught seeking the Moon with binoculars

They even used a nice shot of my Nikon in a shot...

Adler visitors were asking us about telescopes, lunar observing and other astronomical interests. I get a kick out of complete strangers coming up to me and asking if I am the Chicago Astronomer!... ;D Cards were passed out and invited new members to this fine Amateur Astronomer group.

While chatting with the public, someone in a yellow jacket yelled out loudly that he spotted the Moon low near the horizon. We all turned to the East, but as soon as he yelled it...it vanished. Playing hide and seek with the small "sucker holes" in the clouds, the Moon was not going to be an easy target this night. But we all kept vigil.

Finally...the eclipsed moon was starting to show thru the cloud cover - somewhat. As I trained the Nikon on it, I offered the public to take in views. This gave me the opportunity to capture the eclipse on my Canon Powershot S3.

Shy, the Moon clearly showed it was in the shadow of the Earth, and the curvature of our planet painted it's shape clearly on the lunar surface. It was evident that this Chicago eclipse would be one of patience and quick views.

But every once in awhile the Moon would break free from it's clouded barrier and display itself proudly. I would immediately take a few shots. Many did not materialize well, but those that did were rather cool...

I think is one is nice, with a spot light of Moon glow striking the surface of the water.



On the left is my gloved hand attempting to shield the camera lend from the intense glow of a light post casting a horrible orange glow to the entire area.



In this 12 sec exposure, one can clearly observe the ice barrier a few hundred yards from shore.

Running back to the telescope, I had to re-target it in the eyepiece, then run back to the camera to keep shooting...

More time was spent waiting for breaks in the clouds instead of observing, but it gave us the chance to talk astronomy with the public and make friends.

The Moon gave us a final strong peek from behind the veil and I captured a close up before it darted behind a large cloud mass approaching...

I did not perceive any color whatsoever in this eclipse, just the shadow of the Earth.

We mulled around for awhile longer, joking around and hoping for another chance, but the prospect did not look good. I took this wait to take some more shots...

With the Doane observatory in the background, the mighty Nikon is captured in a 13 sec exposure.

Here, with the Adler and the glow of the city behind us, I co-hearse the crew to stand still for another 13 sec shot.

From right to left are: Fred, Steve, Linda Me, Greg and Larry.

Dressed not for cold weather astronomy, but for a warm table of eats and drinks, I was chilled. But I am glad I did not bypass this opportunity, (as I almost did), shame on me.

Earlier, after Larry concluded his interviews, we took another group shot...

From left to right the evenings Adler Planetarium crew: Larry, (unknown individual), Linda, Steve, Me, Greg and Fred.

Onward to the August 28th Total Lunar Eclipse and warmer weather!...