[AZ-Observing] GCSP 2004 North Rim

The Grand Canyon Star Party North Rim was a magnificent success. My first
time there, quite a change from the South Rim. Around 200 per night crowded
the patio from 8 to 11 pm. Wednesday night was the only night clouded out,
the rest of the week transp stayed at 9 and seeing was 7's and 8's at the
8200 ft level. Wasn't cold at all, and didn't need any of my winter stuff.
Every night the Milky Way showed the bulge and all dark lanes. I never saw
the Swan Nebula like that. With and without the UHC on the 14.5", it formed
a complete rectangle, with nebulosity behind and below the swan easy.

We had 8 telescopes on the patio, and quickly learned where all the slide
switches were in the huge Lodge to turn out the chandeliers and various
nightlights. Mine wasn't the biggest telescope by far, Bob Nyman from LA CA
had an 18" JMI NGC and John Hiles from Monterrey CA brought a 25" Obsession
as our centerpiece. Smallest was a 4" Takahashi of "Mike" from Utah (who won
the Enthusiasm award) I believe he migrated to the S. Rim Friday.

In the binoc department, Bill and Lora Dellinges of EVAC had 36x100 (125?)
Miyauchis and 10x50 Swarovskis for day looking. Deloy and Karen Pierce were
most personable and knowledgable hosts and I'm glad to have finally met
them.

Every night promptly at 11:30, the Green Laser Wars began with the S Rim 12
miles away, and we took turns blinding each other. I'd be interested to know
what they were packing, we had only 5 mW lasers, but a lot of them. Theirs
were quite bright, spreading to about 30 ft in the 12 miles, and lit up the
stone walls behind us.

Jack Jones
Public Events
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix AZ
Telescoper@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org


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