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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

First Chicago Astronomer Star Party for September

04 September 2010

7:30 p.m.

Yesterday's evening session was canceled due to clouds and gusty winds, but tonight looks clear and crisp.

We will set up telescopes by our usual spot, off the Adler...

...setting up by 7:30 pm.

Jupiter will be the highlight this evening, but with the Moon out of the sky, perhaps some deep space fuzzies. It will be chilly this evening, so dress warm. (Quite a change from the sweltering session we had this summer.)

No great ISS passes, but two minor ones during our session. But there will be a Iriduim Flare around 8:30 pm tonight at a flare intensity of -7. Should be nice.

If free or in the area, stop by, say hi and share in some views with the crew.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

A fantastic first session of September

This was the first Autumn-like Chicago Star party of the crew since spring...and it was a bash. I hardly had time to set up when the visitors approached with eager smiles and questions. Terry was still assembling his 10" Meade, but I was ready with Venus and Mars in the west.

This session was chock full of friends and new first time fans of the Chicago Astronomer...

Here Leslie, (center), and her family make a first time attendance.

Brand new to the Chicago Astronomer crew is Nick, from the Southwest side of Chicago, brought his Zhumell 8" Dob to the session...

I was tracking Jupiter most of the evening and requested from time to time of Nick to please target M57 for the public..and did so.

Fitting right in, he caught up with quickly with the crew and shared his scope with the masses. I hope we made Nick feel at home and part of the Chicago Astronomer family.

New fan Jerry also stopped by for a bit...

We witnessed two ISS passes and a bright Iridium 61 flare, (-7), in this session - to the delight of our guests and astronomers.

Waves of groups came and went throughout the evening, discussing astronomy and various related topics - the activity and energy was high...

Chicago Astronomer fan Barbara brought along two of her friends to enjoy the skies with us...

Chicago Astronomer Bill joined us and bringing along his Vixen Mak with the cool binoviewers...

Chicago Astronomer John and his son Michael brought along two scopes this night...

We all made good use from his 5" SCT and 4" refractor. He attached the refractor temporarily on a camera tripod until he can
assemble a proper mount and legs. It provided good sharp views.

Terry setup his 10" Meade SCT early, but had some trouble with his wedge, going to a Alt/Az configuration later on.

Audrey has joined us now for a few sessions with her 8" Meade and is mastering it's usage quite well...

Mike and Kelz stopped by..

...and Hiram....!

It's been a long time since I have seen Hiram and glad he made the trip up to join us. He has a classic Orange 8" SCT that he should take out more often!

And more groups join in the urban astronomy fun...

Nick enjoys a view in the C11 beast...

Good friend Gerry takes some time to snap some shots of Jupiter...

Chicago Astronomer Robb brought his newly acquired 8" Celestron...which is quite cool. He will do a write on it soon, but it's flocked, with 2" eyepieces, with two dew heaters and is go-to...

Sweet!

Chicago Astronomer Patrick also joined the crew and I could tell was having a good time...

Here, Robb and Patrick talk eyepieces and scopes...

It was now well after park closing and we were still going strong...

We caught the Andromeda galaxy rising over the Adler Planetarium's dome...looking great in Robb's new 8" SCT. Bill assisted in making some tweaks in collimation...something I need badly. I thought M57 looked bright in my C11, and a bigger Jupiter, but with the mis-collimation now...the images are "soft", with slight coma. Will be corrected before winter.


Now, it was about 1:30 am and there were just four of us left to talk and enjoy our scopes...

Myself, Audrey, Patrick and Robb enjoy a last pic together of this very successful evening of public astronomy.

I really didn't get any personal observation in this session, as I was talking practically all evening with visitors and friends and showing views in the C11. At almost every turn, a new smiling face...pulled me away and the start of a new conversation.

A great time was had by all...

[waldo211]

"Fitting right in, he caught up with quickly with the crew and shared his scope with the masses. I hope we made Nick feel at home and part of the Chicago Astronomer family."

I just have to say thanks for the kind remarks Joe. It sure did feel like home. I had a blast hanging out with everyone and will most definitely be stopping by as often as I can. Thanks again to Terry for the use of his chair (I'll try to remember mine next time LOL) and thanks to Patrick for his help bringing my Dob back to the car. Much appreciated. ;D

[Paulie pchris00]

Man, I missed another good one, but I had family stuff for the holiday weekend, and my brakes still weren't done (they are now). Hopefully I can catch the next one.

Nick, it always feels like home around so many other astronomers, and it's why I make the hour drive from Valparaiso, Indiana to hang out.