FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Friday night Mars viewing at Az. Science Center

[Jeff Hopkins <phxjeff@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Hello all;
>We had a great turnout at the Arizona Science Center this evening. 
>With 7 telescopes set up there were some long lines to get to the 
>eyepiece, but people seemed willing to wait.  Jack Jones, Steve 
>Dodder, Lynn Blackburn and I were there from SAC and there were a 
>couple of Phoenix Astronomical Society members there also.  A fine 
>turnout.  I would say that we had about 300 people view the Moon, 
>Mars and some double stars as the evening progressed.  There was a 
>little haze in downtown Phoenix, but it was better than I thought it 
>would be. 
>
>Lots of people had there first look through a telescope at any time 
>tonight and most people had there first view of Mars.  That 
>certainly added to the fun. 
>
>Thanks to all who showed for the Red Planet;
>Steve Coe
>SAC Vice President

Gee I guess I am not a member of SAC!

Lots of people looked at Mars through my 4" refractor and many 
remarked the view was better than with the larger SCTs. I think my 
red filter helped a lot. During brief instances of clear seeing the 
polar cap and a dark  "Y" marking on the surface was visible. It was 
fun show the "canals" of Mars. Many were very impressed.

Despite Steve's pleading for me to move up inside with the other 
"small telescopes" I choose to stay out next to Steve. Maybe that's 
why he didn't recognize me! :-)

Jeff

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