Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Mar 30, 2005 1:14:25 GMT -6
Chicago Astronomers Joe and Alan joint Session...
Forgive the delayed posting of this session, but it is only now that I feel up to posting the account due to the flu.
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The day was sunny enough, but I had my doubts on a clear night of object hunting, and the early scratch of the flu was hanging over me. But, star gazing is fun, especially with another enthusiastic astronomer.
I met Alan by the Adler grounds around 6:00 pm, it was getting dark, and rather chilly. He was already set up with his 4" apo refractor when I approached . A very nice instrument. We had no prepared game plan, so we brought out our charts as I donned my headlamp.
I suggested that we catch M42 before it disappeared behind the telescope dome of the Adler. Using my new Rigel Quickfinder, I targeted it in an instant, (great tool). The view thru my 4.5" was good, as the trapezium and hollow of the nebula were easily discernible. In Alan's scope, the stars were perfect pinpoints and good contrast. In mine, the gas cloud was a bit brighter. While studying the trap in his scope, I saw a satellite pass directly beneath it! I called Alan to catch it, but he was too late. I never saw one pass by M42 before....quite cool... ;D
We used his assembly of filters to see what difference it would make. The red was too dark as was the blue and green filters. It was the yellow that enhanced it a bit. Lighter filters are in order for this object.
We then slewed over to the M35 area just off of Gemini. There was a haze of high clouds, so seeing wasn't prime, we think we caught it, but I wasn't too sure. I will wait until a clear night to target it again.
With Saturn close by, we focused in on it. In Alan's scope, the clarity was very good. The Cassini division was sharply defined and good banding around the planet.
We caught the moon rising over Lake Michigan, which was deep orange, and was actively warping from atmospheric turbulence. A cool sight. We then tried M37, but with the cloud haze, and now the moon rising, the skies just didn't offer best views now.
Jupiter was not a good target this night, as it was rather low and the view turbulent, although the moons and banding were easily visible.
It got cold now, I was getting chilled and the flu firmly trenching within my cells...and letting me know it. I made notice that I was going to pack up, as it was now 8:30 pm anyway. Chicago Astronomer Richard stopped on by to say hello, offered some Easter candy, and went on his way.
I enjoy my joint sessions with Alan, and as the weather gets more agreeable and the summer targets come into view, I'm sure we will have many more pleasant opportunities with more Chicago Astronomers.