Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jul 7, 2006 15:43:11 GMT -6
The Chicago Astronomers and the Chicago Astronomical Society share an Observation Session
I felt like bringing out reflector this evening, considering the skies were clear and the temps cool and crisp. I put out a call to the members and ventured out to the Adler site. By the time I arrived at around 8:00 pm, Chicago Astronomers Kalvis and Steve were already there, and we set up our equipment.
Here are Chicago Astronomers Steve, Kalvis and Joe.
People started to assemble almost immediately, and we showed them Jupiter and the Gibbous Moon this evening. I stayed on the Moon, as I find it most interesting and awe inspiring. Steve spotted Io coming from behind Jupiter, and the motion was rather quick - amazing! That's two now for Steve.
Kalvis, with his homemade adapted ota cradle holder, (Really nice), came prepared and notified us that the Space Shuttle and International Space Station would be flying overhead this evening. The Space Shuttle was listed as zooming overhead first but we couldn't find it. (We later discovered that the Shuttle made course corrections and flew by later...and we missed it!). But a few moments later a bright magnitude "star" appeared in the west and made a naked eye object to follow for the next two minutes. I followed it with 10x50's and could just barely make out the solar panels, but not with any great definition. Steve made mention that we would lose it when it entered the Earth's shadow in the east. Others who gathered around us lost it, but I still had it in my sights, but it popped out of view just a few moments later. Quite cool!... ;D
The Chicago Astronomical Society had their monthly meeting at the Adler this evening, (which I forgot), and came over by the Chicago Astronomers to see what was going on. I am familiar with a few members and was glad to see and welcome them. Along side our equipment, they set up their 6" classic reflector and a 8" SCT.
From left to right: CA -Joe Guzman, CAS -Bruce Blair, CAS -Dr. John Dykla (physics Prof. at Loyola), CAS - Terry Mack, CAS - Steve Szyman, CAS - Audrey Fischer, CA - Steve Cosgrove, CA - Kalvis Cers, and CAS - Joe Mayer.
Sharing stories and swapping astronomy tidbits, we had a good time among ourselves and with the public. The CAS often goes to an area restaurant after their meetings, but called in an order this time and had eats delivered to our site. I thank the CAS for the company and meal and hope to share more sessions with the group soon...
