Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jul 8, 2005 23:12:15 GMT -6
Mini impromptu Star Party
It was a clear and pleasant evening, and I couldn't let it go without a quick session at the lakefront at my usual spot...And besides, Chicago Astronomer Curt encouraged all of us with getting out to catch Diana's Bow.
There was still plenty of daylight and I took the time to take this shot. One can see the crescent moon, and Venus, but not Mercury yet.
People started to assemble, asking what I was looking at and if they could take a peek. Quite a few stopped by this evening and stayed for a while, asking questions and discussing astronomy. Deep Impact was a popular topic. I targeted The Moon, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter this evening, with the Moon and Jupiter making the most impressions tonight.
As it got darker, I took this shot of the conjunction, where one can now make out Mercury to the lower left of Venus. Quite cool! Not many have seen Mercury, and I made it a point to notify the viewers that they were catching something not too common.
The night was not the best for observation, as humidity and dew was high, and the transparency was on the poor side. And the scope was getting a nice sheen of dew on the outside....as well as everything else.
I met Dave this evening, and he just got himself an ETX70 and wanted guidance in it's use. It has very good optics and good clarity.
Here he is with with children as he targets Jupiter.
Dave is quite interested in astronomy and I invited him to join us here at the Chicago Astronomer. I think he would make a good addition to the crew.
I met an old friend Adrian, who stops by regularly to catch a peek and chat, and this is going on for over a year now...
. Families stopped by, pretty girls and students taking in a workshop at the Adler. I like being an astronomer!... ;DIt was now about 10:30 pm, and after a good night of sharing the skies with passerbys, it was time to close up shop.
