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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Members and Friends preview the Grand Canyon at the IMAX

19 January 2006

I was provided with passes to attend this cool film and I thought I would invite my astronomical pals to join me.

It was a nice day and not rushed for me. I had friends graciously provide me with transport to and from the screening which enabled me with much more precious time for other responsibilities. I arrived at 6:00 pm and already were some of the Chicago Astronomers waiting...and greeted me with a hearty hello!

Whenever we get such a large group like this, it is imperative that we take a group shot before the show:

Always great to meet old members, and here are two who have been Chicago Astronomers members from the very beginning of the Chicago Astronomer Forum.

Pictured are Myself, Claire and Brian

Here we have Linda, Myself and Jeff before the start, but Linda's husband Alfred got tied up and couldn't make it.

Pictured are Shari, John & Michael, Al and me.

Al Degutis came all the way from Woodstock Illinois to join us...and I'm glad he and his wife were able to participate. We need to get out to his dark skies soon for a star party. I still fondly remember our last overnight at his place in 2004 and his gracious hosting of the Chicago Astronomers.

Shari is the resident expert on the Martian Rovers at the Adler and happy she could join us as well. We need to get her out for a mini star party with her telescope.

New member Alan met us at Navy Pier to join us too. Here we pose for a first pic together.

For some, munching on snacks is a must, and here I catch Arvind and Bill stepping up to the concession counter. I understand that Junior Mints are quite refreshing.

After checking in, we were given the wave in and marched in to our seats. The movie was quite cool and seeing the Grand Canyon unfold on the big screen was incredible. Instead of watching the actors portraying explorers, I was more interested in the canyon itself...examining the sedimentary formations and geological activities on the walls and floor. Here one can clearly see evidence of what was once a great water basin, mountains which were covered be hundreds of feet of water. Caves which probably sheltered aquatic life hundreds of feet high and the different colorizations of sediment, indicating many events in Earth's history.

The helicopter and airplane shots skimming the surface and diving into the canyon is always cool. I only wish it could have been longer and more a scenic focus.

After the screening, we gathered for some drinks at a local pub and visited a great Chinese restaurant with excellent "smoothie" drinks and a varied selection of dishes that we all shared with each other. We swapped stories of astronomy, tv and other interests.

Here in our first stop, Bill is engaging the crew with a story

One can see in my left hand one of the tasty concoctions we had, but Bill's was the best I think. And Arvind had a Pineapple rice dish that was quite good. I not being too adventurous kept within familiar ground and had the Mongolian beef. Way in the back, one can catch fellow astronomer Vladi enjoying the food fest.

Here, John takes umbrage that the men's blended drinks around the table had plenty of gelatinous balls mixed in, and his was seriously lacking. He kept telling everyone to "reach down and get some of the balls for a taste". One can see the women in the place with peaked interest in John's situation. Vitamins John, Vitamins.

We spent a good time eating, drinking and laughing and stayed just about until the joint kicked us out. It was a good night...and with the special preview next week of "Roving Mars", it ain't over yet!

We greatly thank Laura Vonderhaar from the Arizona Tourist group who coordinated and worked with me to secure the Chicago Astronomers participation in this event!...