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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

A Foggy Solar Session
24 March 2007

This day was Astronaut Jim Lovell's birthday, and the Adler conducts various activities in recognition. One being solar observation on the South Terrace.

From left to right: Ron, Fred, Jeff and Me

The team this day would be Ron, Jeff, Fred and Myself fielding visitors, but this day would have no solar observing at all. As a matter of fact, it was one of the most foggiest days I have ever seen blanketing the lakefront. Where normally the magnificent Chicago skyline would be visible, there was nothing but a veil sheet of milky white fog, obscuring anything beyond 100 or so feet.

The following shows the dense fog:

Usually we show visitors the skyline when it's too cloudy for any solar observation activity, but not today. Not wanting to let the telescope go unused, Fred took to targeting the Copernicus statue.

Fred was using the 8" Dob for today's session. Here Ron is taking a peek as Fred looks for more interesting objects to target.

I took a shot of the primary mirror of the Dob, and it looks pretty gunky. With all the usage it get's here at the Adler, I'm not surprised. But even with the contamination, views are still quite good.

Being an Aquarian myself, I took a shot of the corner medallion facing us on the South Terrace. Quite an interesting art deco raised relief piece. There are more astrological signs at each of the Planetarium's octagon corners.

Jeff and I spent our time talking astronomy and photography, when this Seagull pearched close to us just beyond the fencing. We took the opportunity to practice some shots and I think I captured a couple of good ones.

Good color and detail capture with the Canon Powershot S3.

At three in the afternoon it was time to pack up and conclude our session. Jeff and I wanted to take some images of the surrounding fog.

Here Jeff and Fred share a thought while I frame the solar dial and Adler dome.

Although nary a sign of the Sun this day, it was quite an enjoyable foggy experience.