Public Observing Night
by
A high pressure system moving over Southern New England on Saturday brought with it the promise of clear skies that never quite materialized. Mostly clear conditions during the day on Saturday became mostly cloudy conditioins during the observing session.
One of the most pleasing sights in the springtime sky for me is how far north the crescent Moon appears in the sky this time of year, and likewise how high it is from the horizon. This Saturday we would see the 5-day crescent Moon near the feet of Geminii, almost exactly equidistant from both Capella and Procyon. Together with Castor, this celestial gathering formed a near-perfect rhombus high in the western sky, with the lunar cusps pointing just to the left of Pollux. Earthshine was no longer prevalent due to the haze.
As the sky darkened, Dave and Alex opened the Clark, and Jim Brenek showed Tom Barbish and myself the recently donated telescopes in the meeting hall.
We all gathered back in the dome and took occasional gazes at the Moon through low power while keeping the scope trained on target, awaiting any guests that may arrive.
Sky conditions worsened with thickening stratus and by 21:00 Dave wanted to "call it." I suggested turning the scope to see Saturn.
