Astronomy Day - April 20, 2013

merle · Post by **merle** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:29 pm

The day started warm, calm and sunny. Guests began arriving shortly after noon and were treated to views of the sun, using the Onan Observatory visual platform H-Alpha scope and the SV152 with the white light filter. A large group of sunspots and several large solar prominences were visible. For the first time, the Sylvia A. Casby Observatory was open to the public for viewing. Utilizing the 8” TMB scope for viewing the planets Venus, Mercury and Jupiter throughout the day as well solar viewing using the Baader “Herschel Wedge” solar prism. Even with the thickening haze, the views through the 8” telescope were amazing.

First, special thanks to Dave O., Steve B., Marcus T., Clayton L. and all those who answered the call to bring additional chairs. Their last minute efforts made it possible to have presentations held in the new HotSpot Classroom.

Thanks also to those who gave informative and entertaining talks. The inaugural presentation in the new HotSpot Classroom was given by Bill Arden on "The Sun (the star we live with)", next was Michael Kauper, who brought materials to make and gave instruction on using a planisphere. At 3:00 Bob Kerr talked about "Things That Go Flash in the Night: All About Meteors." and the afternoon concluded with me giving a talk on the current construction projects of the Sylvia A. Casby Observatory and the HotSpot Classroom. After the break for supper, Ron Schmit gave presentations on the size and distances of the universe as well as "Robots in Space"

Finally, thanks to the public and MAS members who attended the days event and congratulations to the Bendickson's. The five members of the Bendickson family won four of the door prizes given away, including the first and second prizes of the Nikon binoculars, won by 9 year old Isaac, and the 4.5" StarBlast telescope, won by 4 year old Sarah. We hope they enjoy their prizes for years to come.

This years event seemed to be more of a challenge than any other I can remember. Our goal all along was to have the new buildings operational for Astronomy Day, but it seemed that mother nature and the winter that refuses to end were conspiring against us. Despite having another 12 inches of snow the day before the event, there was a determination to see that things were ready to go. Despite the worsening sky conditions as he day wore on, the day was a huge success with many milestones. I can’t thank everyone enough who pitched in to get things ready, manned the telescopes and gave their presentations throughout the day.

Merle
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