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[John]

Our group, Linda, Steve, Fred and myself, got started at 10AM Sunday May 6, 2007. Steve and I let Fred and Linda have some practice (and do most of the work) as they hone their solar observing skills and Doane instrument operation savvy.

Although the sky was a little hazy, we still had decent views through both the 6" refractor with a visible light filter, and the Coronado. We were able to see one large sunspot in the 6" and fair surface granulation, some faculae and some prominences with the Coronado.

We hosted about 30 patrons that day from about 11AM until about 2:30 PM. One of them has a website, astrospider.com, where he has pictures and movies of his observations. Most notable was his video of the ISS taken with a special tracking software update and his 10" Meade LX200.

All in all, we had a fun time. We missed the Chicago Astronomer, himself, though. Maybe he'll grace us next time.

Submitted respectfully by John Napoletano, Amateur Astronomer and Adler Planetarium Telescope and Solar Telescope Volunteer.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

John,

Great that the Adler crew spent time out the Doane to share solar fun with the visitors. I would have joined in, but with the St. Jude Day parade and relating congestion. And besides, outdoor projects beckoned for my attention.

I do hope you all announced "Atomic batteries to power - Turbines to speed", when you activated the main control panel!...

What would be a nice change of pace is to project the solar image from the 6" refractor onto a screen - silimar to what I do with the Mighty Nikon refractor. The aperture filter is fine, but I think that projection gives an extra element of participation and is better for a group to share the experience. Let's see what I can devise to accomplish this.

I'll join you all the next opportunity to open the observatory.

Thanks for the post...