Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Apr 4, 2015 17:07:08 GMT -6
Total (sort of) Lunar Eclipse from Chicago
04 April 2015
The early morning skies cleared beautifully for this minor eclipse event, as totality would occur after the Moon had set and we Chicago sky lovers would enjoy a partial eclipse. Temps where chilly, in the low 30's and many visitors were unprepared for this early spring chill, bundled up in blankets and other forms of warmth.
I would work this event representing the Adler and as a member of the Telescope crew. I set-up the C11 by the Adler Planetarium at the usual Chicago Astronomer site, just west of the Adler building at 2:30 am. The crowds started arriving soon after...
I would work this event representing the Adler and as a member of the Telescope crew. I set-up the C11 by the Adler Planetarium at the usual Chicago Astronomer site, just west of the Adler building at 2:30 am. The crowds started arriving soon after...
The eclipse event started at 4:01 am, but as the visibility of the Earth's shadow wouldn't be evident till much later, I brought in Saturn, to the delight of our visitors. The totality event would not by ours here in Chicago, due to the fact that the Moon would have set before. Observers out west would get the best views, but still quite cool to view, as our guests repeatedly stated.
Lines at the Adler and later scopes were incredibly long...
Lines at the Adler and later scopes were incredibly long...
Word has it that over 1000 visitors arrived for this event, with tickets sold out for the museum and Observatory.
I had two of my Chicago Astronomer students join me for the event, being their very first star party, attending our visitors and working the C11. They did an exceptional job in instructing the public in how to look in the scope, keeping hands away from grabbing the scope and re-adjusting the tracking. More of my students will participate as the weather improves and we start our regular Chicago Astronomer Public Observation season...(been a long winter)....I'm looking forward to this....
Chicago Astronomer students Mario and Armando (center) experience the high energy of a star party, assisting in bringing the cosmos down to sky lovers. They loved it, here is Mario taking his first look thru a Telescope...
I had friends and fans join us throughout the session...
I had two of my Chicago Astronomer students join me for the event, being their very first star party, attending our visitors and working the C11. They did an exceptional job in instructing the public in how to look in the scope, keeping hands away from grabbing the scope and re-adjusting the tracking. More of my students will participate as the weather improves and we start our regular Chicago Astronomer Public Observation season...(been a long winter)....I'm looking forward to this....
Chicago Astronomer students Mario and Armando (center) experience the high energy of a star party, assisting in bringing the cosmos down to sky lovers. They loved it, here is Mario taking his first look thru a Telescope...
This here is what it is all about. Eager young adults, enthusiastic about space and astronomy and the opportunity to learn, participate and grow as Chicago Astronomers. Soon, we will build a solid crew assisting in our star parties and observational events throughout the city.
Solid...!
Solid...!
I had friends and fans join us throughout the session...
With great mentor, Larry Cuipik - Lead Adler Planetarium Astronomer....
And we even get an on-camera interview opportunity for this eclipse...
At about 5:00 am we were getting the first real visible signs of the Earth's shadow...
As usual, I keep the C102 Refractor reserved for imaging, attaching the Canon T5i DSLR on prime focus and remote - and use the main tube for the public, using a 40mm 2" eyepiece., it provides a nice full Lunar disk in the field of view.
As the Moon set, were getting some nice reddish hues and atmospheric distortions, but our visitors were thrilled at the views that the C11 was providing...
As dawn approached, the Moon slipped behind the Chicago skyline, to the disappointment of those still waiting in line. Incredibly, some asked if it would come back...."Well, in the fall", I said... 
At about 6:15 am, the show was over and we break down our gear on a cold early morning of looking up.
Chicago Astronomers Chuck and Bill participated in the successful lunar event, sharing views with the public...
After a long cold winter of storage, the C11 Performed well, but could be better. Needs to be taken apart for cleaning and collimation tweaking when the weather gets a bit warmer. But something new to the Chicago Astronomer arsenal.... A friend lent me these red LED "Road Flares"...which did an exception job illuminating the immediate area and created/attention awareness of the instrument...
At about 6:15 am, the show was over and we break down our gear on a cold early morning of looking up.Chicago Astronomers Chuck and Bill participated in the successful lunar event, sharing views with the public...
After a long cold winter of storage, the C11 Performed well, but could be better. Needs to be taken apart for cleaning and collimation tweaking when the weather gets a bit warmer. But something new to the Chicago Astronomer arsenal.... A friend lent me these red LED "Road Flares"...which did an exception job illuminating the immediate area and created/attention awareness of the instrument...
I will get me some of these for our scopes...
It was a very enjoyable event, meeting old friends and fans...making new one who were thrilled at the opportunity to view this event. One very enthusiastic and appreciative skylover presented me with a tribute of a huge Chocolate Easter egg!!
Winning...!
It was a very enjoyable event, meeting old friends and fans...making new one who were thrilled at the opportunity to view this event. One very enthusiastic and appreciative skylover presented me with a tribute of a huge Chocolate Easter egg!!
Winning...!
