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[lostalien]

hi all. newbee here. Chicago local but living in beijing for 10 years. about to come home for a visit. would like to say hi to all fellow star gazers.

I love astronomy. It is one activity that i find peace and quiet haha
its really fun, enjoyable and makes people wonder.

My name is David and was born in Albany park. Will be staying out in rockford area but also have to head into the city.

will be in Chicago 2.5-2.19

looking for any star parties at that time

also, could someone give me some suggestions on stores in Chicago?

I'd like to pick up some eyepieces, a solar filter and a collimator.

thanks

xie xie

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Hi David...

I would be curious on your description of Chinese skies.

For stores in the Chicagoland area...sorry - Non-existent. It's all practically on-line stores now.

February is a pretty cold month for Chicago Astronomer Star Parties.....and none are planned. But....if the weather warms up, the crew will probably get together to test out some equipment for the 2013 Observation season.

Monitor this website for upcoming Chicago Astronomer events and activities - and hope to meet you during your visit.

[Centaur]

Welcome to the discussion group, David. And welcome home soon to Chicago.

My brother lives near the Albany Park neighborhood and has attended Chicago Astronomer star parties in nearby Horner Park. He has a summer cottage in Turner Camp to which he is inviting Chicago Astronomers, but not as early as February. The sky is dark in Turner Camp which is between Chicago and Rockford. I live in the northwest suburbs between Turner Camp and Chicago, but in the past I've worked in both Chicago and Rockford.

Check out the astronomy section of my website: www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical

I understand that the Chinese have different constellations. I suppose that means you’ll have a hard time becoming acclimated to Chicago skies. ;D

[magic612]

Hi David - welcome to the CA forum! Ask Joe said, watch these forums for any last-minute get-togethers by the CA crew; most star parties at this time of year are in the southern part of the U.S. because it's too cold here in the northern section to have them.

Regarding retailers, I learned recently that Optics Planet in Northbrook does have a showroom to see products, but at the moment it is by appointment only.

www.opticsplanet.com/meade-showroom.html

But perhaps you could set up an appointment so you can see some eyepieces then....?

[patrickm]

Hi and welcome.

American Science & Surplus has a few things, too, but they are mostly beginner stuff.

Welcome home and keep an eye out here for last minute gatherings during rare warm and clear winter nights.

Patrick

[lostalien]

hi all and thanks.

China skies: Well in Beijing if you are in the city. its a total hit or miss. We get a lot of fog. But out in the countryside it can be near perfect conditions especially if up in the hills above the pollution lines.

I like to view in the winter. I find the sky to be just a bit more clear at those times.

I didn't think anyone would be holding anything but it was worth a try.

No stores? bummer. I wanted to see different mounts and things for fun


The stories, asterism and groups of stars are different here from an ancient text point of view but things are same here as we are about 40 degrees north as well. so not much changed for me.

thanks again ill be back online shortly. just got up from being out all night with Leo and Orion.

[-=CROMAN=-]

Welcome to the group! There aren't many star parties going on now but there will be one on Feb 23rd in St. Charles Illinois if you are interested. Hopefully the skies will cooperate

[lostalien]

wow only if i could. I recall a party out in the St. Charles area about 15 years ago. cannot recall the group's name.

sadly, I will already be back in Beijing on the 23rd. But thanks.

[erikruud]

lostalien,

The Fox Valley Astronomical Society has a star party on 2-19. Their regular meeting is on 2-11.

www.fvastro.org/

I have gotten great service from Optics Planet, so definately check them out if you get the chance.

Depending on how things go, some of us might be able to set up an informal star party in the Saint Charles area.

[lostalien]

well its hard for me to get out that way and really hate to ask anyone to be put out. but the idea really is cool and I do appreciate it. Too bad on the 19th I fly back....ugh.

[lostalien]

thought i'd drop this in here