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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Stars, Stories and S'mor activity

Cook County Forest Preserve -Caldwell Woods

05 December 2013

The Chicago Astronomer was part of the evening's activities on Chicago's northwest side for some telescope fun. Contracted with the Cook County Forest Preserve, we set-up the C11 Beast for our guests. Unfortunately we had heavy cloud cover, but despite the weather, (and temps in the 20's), we had a fun time discussing astronomy, optics and sharing views of distant terrestrial targets.

The activity site has a nice wide open vista toward the north and east and would have been great if not for the cloudy weather conditions.

Setting up while the story telling was going on inside the warming center, I prep with tablet for our visitors...

This would be the first maiden incorporation of the T5i camera at our public observation sessions, with Chicago Astronomer Support crew member Maria working the trusty Canon Powershot S3.

Eager activity guests make their way to the C11, with hot cider and a couple of campfires blazing nearby...

I was disappointed that I could not share Jupiter, Comet Lovejoy and other winter delights with our visitors, but explaining how the C11 works and the principals of telescope optics was of great interest as we targeted various ground objects in the area...

We had waves of visitors arrive and re-enter the warming center, but I stayed out in the cold...and really, with all the friendly chatting going on, I wasn't all that cold at all...

We met some nice people who shared their interest in astronomy and discussed their visits to the Adler Planetarium. Impressed with the massiveness of the C11 set-up many stated that they would return again for clear weather sessions at the Forest Preserve activities...

From time to time in-between groups, I would join Maria by the fire and make some Smores...

Warmed up...we continue....

I had though I was spotting a gap in the clouds to the northwest...but not to be...

We bounce around from terrestrial targets, mostly Christmas decorations, which of course, are all upside down in the scope views...

At about 8:00 pm, we break down our observation site and satisfied that even though our skies were blocked, we had an enjoyable time sharing time with the scope and our Forest Preserve guests. All the equipment worked well and no cold weather issues...other than a runny nose or two...

The Chicago Astronomer appreciates the opportunity to participate and work with the Cook County Forest Preserve Special events crew...

We will be back in the spring.....!