Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on May 9, 2005 9:34:11 GMT -6
Mini Session at the Adler
It was such a nice warm day on Sunday that I was hoping to see the sky clear of clouds later on in the evening. It was partially cloudy around 7:00 pm, so I took a chance and went down to the Adler area and set up by my usual spot.
People started to come up even before I took the scope out of it's home to talk about the Chevelle and what was in the box. A Vietnamese family gave their thumbs up and attempted to carry on a conversation in English on the car...
Targeted Jupiter first, and it's two major bandings were clearly visible, as were all four of the usual moons. I then slewed over to Saturn and it proved to be a nice sight...although this evening, I didn't see Titan at all.
People enjoyed Jupiter, but Saturn always brings on the gasps...and with just cause. I always anticipate my first views of Saturn after it re-emerges from behind the Sun and becomes a morning/evening star. I tell you, I don't know how I ever got along without my Rigel Star finder. I have come to depend on the pulsating concentric circles to target my objects now!
We all discussed basic astronomy, the discovery channel, alien life and the emptiness of space. It was an interesting conversation. I packed it up around 9:30 pm and set off home...enjoying the warm spring breeze.
Tuesday promises to bring clear night skies, I intend to set up at my usual spot by the Copernicus statue that evening around 7:00 pm. The crescent moon should be a nice object in Chicago's western sky, sinking into the skyline...All are welcomed to join in...