Cloudy Skies
by Tom Thibault & Dave Huestis
Tom Thibault
Telescope Operators: Dave Huestis – 8” Clark; Tom Thibault – 12” Meade; Jim Hendrickson – Helper
Open: 8:00 – Closed: 9:30
What was a mostly clear day began to cloud up as I headed to Seagrave. Dave Huestis and Jim Hendrickson arrived shortly after I did and we discussed the fleeting clear skies. While contemplating whether we should open up for the evening, one of our future members swung by hoping to take in the view. It appeared we would be able to catch some spots of clear sky and at the very least provide visitors with a glimpse of the rising day old full moon. We proceeded to open up for the evening.
Dave and Jim opened the Clark while I opened the 12” Meade. The sky cooperated for alignment with Vega, Deneb, and Altair. I took a quick peek at M57, the Ring Nebula and things quickly began to go downhill. The clouds rolled in from northwest and quickly covered the night sky. The only other celestial object seen that evening was the day old full moon as it rose behind the trees to the southeast, but was covered by the clouds before it cleared the tree tops. Well, we had opened at 8:00 and by 8:30 all that could be seen was the near sky object, Nebulous Gigantous.
This did not stop visitors from stopping by; we ended up with a couple of perspective members as well as three families. All had hoped to view the night sky, but could only be treated to Dave’s tour of the Clark refractor and history of Frank Seagrave. When they came out back, I showed them the 12”and 16” Meade’s and the 12” Patton as well. The only views I could provide were of Astro-photo’s I had captured and displayed on my cell phone. I informed all that we are open every Saturday evening, weather permitting and urged all to come again. Hopefully we’ll have clear skies and they would be treated to some great views on another evening.
Dave Huestis
We arrived. It was cloudy. It remained cloudy. About 15 guests were shown the telescope and drive, and the history of Frank Seagrave, the Clark and Skyscrapers was provided. Clouds continued. Closed at about 9:30 pm.
