River Bend Farm: September 2022
by Francine Jackson
September 9th, 2022 was one of the better skies we had at River Bend, in Uxbridge. With Jim Hendrickson, Francine Jackson, Bob Janus, Ron Zincone and John Kocur all bringing their telescopes, we were also joined by Abbie, Eric, and Raindrop as volunteers, thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service. In addition, Michael, who had come in August with a small telescope, looking for assistance in using it, this time brought a set of binoculars. While we were all setting up before dark, a large group of people came early, all waiting for darkness to come, and, with it, Saturn. All were amazed with its beauty, but, when the ruddy Moon, reddened by smoke from the fires in the West, rose out of the trees, no one could believe the sight our closest celestial neighbor showed. John also put his telescope on Albireo, a crowd favorite, who were amazed how beautifully its two colors showed.
When Jupiter rose after the Moon, everyone also couldn’t believe how it looked through the telescopes.. All four Galilean moons were visible, in addition to its “striped” appearing surface. After Jupiter, the approximately 30 visitors left, all telling us they will be back for October’s night program.
