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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Pritzker Elementary School and Adler Joe

09 May 2011

This is about my fifth year working a Telescope at the Pritzker Elementary School Science Fair in Chicago's Wicker Park area as a Adler Planetarium Docent.

At first I used Adler scopes, but the logistics of getting a scope out of storage at the museum and transporting it back was inconvenient for me, so I started bringing my own personal scopes.

This year, I set up the Meade 90mm Refractror for some solar Projection - and we got lucky...

Using a blank page from my pocket star chart, I projected the solar disk - and using a yellow filter to enhance contrast and interest. But using a nearby wall for projection, I simply turned the diagonal and it was easier to show the science fair visitors and participants the sunspots...which we had some nice ones...

Several classic text book sunspots were easily discerned and made for good instruction on what they are and how they form.

In past years, we have been clouded out and this day was no exception...but we had a small window of opportunity to view the sun and as a extra treat...the 1/4 Moon - up near high in the South. Taking advantage, I slew for some lunar viewing...

With high clouds, low contrast and haze, the Moon was not at it's best, but it still brought smiles to my visitors...

I slipped on a low grade polarizer on the 25mm 1.25 eyepiece and it helped bring out detail and Mare Crisium was prominent this afternoon.

We discussed astronomy, how telescopes work, alien life and a host of other subjects - not only of what young minds think of - but from their parents as well.

And I always say hi and grab a pic of my friend Sylvia...

...and with her sister this year too!

Near the end of the Science Fair, the clouds reunited and heavy overcast prevented any more peeks at the Sun or Moon this evening, but we all had fun, inviting the attendees to Adler and Chicago Astronomer Star Parties and activities.

We will be back at Pritzker in 2012.