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[stargazer]

Hi Joe and Gang,

The Northwest Suburban Astronomers had their public Star Party last night in Merango Ridge Conservation Area. I would have to say there were well over a 100 people. After a great presentation by three of the members ( me being one of them) we had the scopes ready to go for funfilled Treasure Hunt. I gave away 6 Certificates to Children who were thrilled to recieve them. As for the sqeeters well they were as big as houses. The sky was pretty dark, but the seeing was hazy so we didnt really see any deep sky stuff. I missed meeting you Joe, maybe next time.

Becky

[MuseAphelion]

Oh man, we need a calendar of events section so things like this aren't missed! There are so many of these things that just slip on by unnoticed for those of us who really want to go.

::could have really used something to do last night::

[stargazer]

Hi Muse,

I did post it somewhere in here. I was talking to Joe about it. If Joe will let me I can post all the Public Star Parties for NSA. Thats what we should really do is have a list of star parties here. Just an idea Joe.

Becky

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

"So it is written..............so let it be done"........

If all you astronomy kiddos look above at the options line...just below the Chicago Astronomer Logo, you shall see 5 spots down - a calendar icon.

Click it, and tell me if you can read my posts on there. I don't know if it's just a personal calendar, but I doubt it.

If all can see my posts, then behold.............a nice tidy place to post our events. I have always wanted a small star party with our membership. Let's discuss this some more.

--------------

Becky,

I could not make the gathering for many reasons, but I know before the next transit, I'll get to one. It's quite cool on your presentation and the certificates. Please do describe the event in more detail. If you have already in your forum, just cut and paste it here.

Was it a planet hop, since the major targets are leaving us now.

And thanks for the enthusiasm of all for the forum. (Really, I thought it for just a handful of us that meet by the lakefront.) But the counter has passed 1000, and the statcounter shows hits from around the world, and many come from Google searches. How 'bout that!

[stargazer]

Ok Joe,

I can see the calendar but how do you add an event. I have a list of star parties but dont see anyway of putting them in the calendar. If you know how we can do it Please tell us the secret.

I will add more to the posting of the star party later today or tomorrow morning.

Becky

[stargazer]

Hi Joe,

Here are the details from the Star Party-

There was a slide presentation on the many different objects in the Universe, then I talked about when they were walking around and looking through the scopes to go on a treasure hunt. I handed out sheets that listed about 15 or so objects that they could see in the spring sky. They also got a set of stickers to mark off what they saw. At the end of the evening the kids came back over to see me to recieve their certs. Some of the scopes had stuff like The Ring, M13, Jupiter, to many to list. All the kids thought it was great. The last little girl came up to me with tears in her eyes because she was afraid I wasnt going to give her one but I said she would. Hre face just lit up. It really made me feel good. All in all I gave out 6 certificates. Made one kid very happy and I think got one little boy so excited that he now wants a scope. He kept comming over to the scope saying "daddy I want one this big" Dad of course said we'll start out smaller. I only hope he does get his scope.
Even though we had dark skies I would put the seeing at around 3 1/2 due to haze. The bugs were killers, the humidity was high so even before we started viewing everything was damp with dew. Thank God for dew heaters. The few big scopes that were there were luckier then most of us to see some deep sky stuff but for the most part we were out of luck. I would have to say were we set up the scope we had alot of trees so our main viewing section was almost stright up and some southern skies.

Becky

[NatureDevil]

That sounds like fun. When I was in boy scouts a few years ago (I am only 24) we did stuff similar to that. I have studied astronomy in books and lectures and seminars, classes, and planetariums across the country.

Due to being a poor broke sob (I am a college student too!!) I never have had the luxury of actually searching and looking for myself. SOMEDAY!!! I will get a scope of my own, and I may get lucky in the next few weeks or so to get one from an old friend.

It's like training in the Marines for 4 years, and then one day actually going to battle and using everything you've learned, just not so intense. Someday I'll actually get to start searching out stuff I have been reading about for years, and seeing pictures of.

We should set something up like that. Set up a few scopes, I'll bring some ground torches to keep the bugs away (they work wonders), we'll bring some drinks and snacks and make our own list of stuff to look for. I know someone here is partial to martini's.

Ooooh, we need stickers too. And a Chicago Astronomer badge.

....and I am not entirely joking about any of this either......

NatureDevil

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Brian, and fellow astronomers...

I gave this plenty of thought as well.

I discussed this with a friend of mine, and the substance of the talk was to establish a presence with the sticker and t-shirts when out during a public session.

There are plenty of good well established astronomical organizations in the regions surrounding Chicago, but for the inner city resident...practically nothing.

There have been many, many times when the Adler was closed during major astronomical events, and I was the only show there for the public. Maybe we can address this.

I recommend that we all get together and chat over a martini on this.

Could be the start of something big.

[stargazer]

Hi Joe and Gang,

I am all for the idea of shirts and badges. Right now I wear three for each Star Party I do. 1. For NSA, 2. For C.L.A.S.S, 3. For the Night Sky Network. Whats one more. I dont mind. I have plenty Astroshots from Hubble I think we could use. I helped design the one for our Night Sky Network badges. So if I can be of any help just let me know.

Joe where do you store your pics to put in here. I have a couple I want to share of the scope and cant find where you told me you have yours stored. Not enough coffee yet this morning. I took some good pics of the scope Sat night and I would love to share them all with you guys.

Becky