The weather just has not been cooperating in Western NY for our celebration of "100 Hours of Astronomy". We haven't logged a single minute of observing the heavens above with the WNY populace. However, my optimism heightened around 7:00 PM Saturday when in Hamburg, NY the view from my backyard of the western horizon over Lake Erie displayed a wonderfully clear sky beginning to advance our way that would surely and ultimately arrive at the observatory about 30 miles away by 8-9PM. A quick check of the Clear Sky Clock confirmed my estimates. Clear dark skies would prevail just in time for the clubs 1st Public Observing Night of the 2009 season. Below is a picture of the sunset through the trees about a 1/4 of a mile from the observatory. Sadly the weather front stalled and that was the last of any clear skies for the night. It actually worsened as we waited.
During the waiting period of the highly anticipated arrival of clear skies Gary Flagg set up his 10" Intelliscope, Scott Smith set up his Vixen, Dan Marcus and Pat Lannon prepared the Robotic Scope , and I my Televue NP101. We were all dressed up and ready for the big dance. I even pulled out the Astroscan and gave instructions of its use to Eric, the young son of a new member. He was looking forward to using it for the next couple hours and I was looking forward to helping him. It's a great little scope for kids and also adults. The clubs 20" Obsession was in stand-by mode.
We had a crowd of high school kids as well as kids from Canisius college and about 10 adults from around the area come by for both a short talk on Exoplanets by Mark Percy(Director of the Williamsville Planetarium) and of course to take in the views above through the telescopes.
Well the skies never cleared and most went home after the lecture. Too bad some of those college kids didn't some adult beverages with them.
Young Eric and his Dad gave it a good 2 hours before packing it in. Too bad because Eric was really into it, but I know he'll be back.
A handful of us stayed until midnight hoping for a at least a glimpse at the moon and Saturn but to no avail. We chatted about various astronomy topics, club business, astronomy equipment, as well as the problems of the worlds for which we had solutions to most of them8^).
Although not a single view was made through a telescope I think the nights events earned at least 2 hours toward the "100 Hours".
Fortunately we have Solar SUNday to look forward to tomorrow from 12-3PM on the roof of the Buffalo Museum of Science. The weather forecast looks great-Sunny but a bit chilly and breezy.
Wow how amazing. Nice to read how people are so positive and inquisitive about astronomy. Love seeing the pictures and they look like they are really enjoying themselves ! When you go to bed at night you must feel really good !!
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch NSG. Since I hit 50 last year I'm not quite feeling as good as I used to !8^)
ReplyDeleteI think you guys earned a bunch more than 2 hours time. It is unfortunate that there were no views but I am sure the astronomy bug was planted in a few lives by your generosity and effort. You guys provided the real stuff - your passion, time, material goods to exploit it. Those things will be remembered! They will come back when the skies improve in your favor!
ReplyDeleteDo you folks keep the 20" at this facility?
We need to discuss this 50 thing, I know it well! You may want to consult your local chiropractor - mine keeps me young!
Yes the 20" is stored at the observatory. I have a blast with it.Aperture does make a difference
ReplyDeleteI had the wonderful opportunity to use a 20" Obession a few years back and did a Caldwell Catalog marathon one late spring night.Too much fun and my eyes are still processing all the photons!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed--Caldwell Marathon, Cool! 30" would be even better. I did look through a 30" at the Black Forest Star Party in Cherry Spring , PA 2 years ago. Amazing views. The Crescent Nebula in Cygnus was unbelievable.
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