Public Night Observing Report
by Tom Thibault & Jim Hendrickson
Telescope Operators:
Steve Siok– 8” Clark
Jim Crawford – 12” Patton
Tom Thibault – 12” Meade
Jim Hendrickson – Helper
Jim Brenek - Helper
Open: 7:00 – Closed: 9:00
The day old full moon was just rising while preparing to open, so the sky was brightening. Jupiter was well placed high in the east. Jupiter’s northern and southern cloud bands were showing nicely and provided a wonderful view. The skies were clear and humidity was low, so seeing was very good. The temps were rather warm for this time of year, in the 50’s, which helped draw the crowd of visitors this evening
The visitors were plentiful with approximately 30 joining us that evening. We had a couple of student visitors this evening, which were fulfilling some of their class requirements. The young ladies requested that we target the gas giants; in which we gladly accommodated their request. Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune were all well placed and easily located for their observations. We had a family join us that stayed most of the evening and will be becoming Skyscrapers members.
Steve Siok manned the Clark this evening with what I’m sure included Kathy’s guidance. Steve and Kathy had arrived with a group of friends and family that included Chet. While Steve ran the Clark, Kathy provided the tour of the scopes for their group.
I had brought a laptop and solar system webcam camera this evening and set them up on the 12” Meade. This set-up provided a nice view of Jupiter on the screen so a number of visitors could see Jupiter simultaneously. A bonus this evening was a transit of Io towards the end of the evening. Io’s shadow showed rather nicely, which as always is pleasure to see.
Other targets that evening were M31, M57, and of course the day old full moon.
