[AZ-Observing] Re: Friday night Mars viewing at Az. Science Center
- From: "Jack Jones" <spicastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2003 16:34:29 -0700
We had the luck of the draw at the Friday night observing session, with the
Syrtis Major complex planted squarely in the center of Mars. Some called it
a giant "Y", some called it an "X", depending on their visual acuity and
observing skills.
Christine's forecast of 300 was accurate. I had no more than 15 in the line
at the peak and this was prob due to the fact that there were exhibits
inside everyone had to go through and thus they came out on the square in
small groups. The crowd was quite scientifically oriented so knew pretty
much what they were looking at and through, but their observing skills were
as Steve D. described, and went away much the better 'observers' than when
they arrived.
There is a vast opening on the SE from behind the Science Bldg and was not
obstructed at all as I had feared, the Moon even making it above the top of
the bldg. It and Mars were visible all evening. The concrete surroundings
also did not matter much, and Mars was quite steady in the small scopes even
though when quite low in the sky with general seeing about a 4, not bad for
the big city. We may have been standing on Kooldecking, I don't know.
ASC was a gracious host and brought us continuous cups of water which was
much appreciated. Thanks to Jeff Hopkins for the use of the orange filter on
the magnificent Club 6", but then leaving himself with the red on a 4"
refractor. Strange to hear comments from this educated crowd (and not us)
about how red filters were being supplied to everyone by the Martian Chamber
of Commerce.
Thanks to Lynn Blackburn, the Steves squared, Jeff, those I didn't get their
name, and a surprise visit from Dr. Chuck Schroll.
Jack Jones
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Public Events
Phoenix AZ
spicastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I had my trusty C8 and the 6" F/9.5 Dob I made for Glenn up on the patio
of
> the Science Center to show Mars tonight. I forgot my "clicker", but I'd
> concur with the ~300 visitors. It was pretty wild and woolly, operating
two
> scopes at once, but I had a blast, as did those attending. Rosie was to
> have joined me, running Glenn's scope, but got called in to work tomorrow.
> I agree with Jeff-the views were better in the 6" at lower powers, but the
> C8 looked great with the red 23A filter and 203x.
> Syrtis Major was splayed across the center of the planet, with the south
> polar cap quite bright, but shrinking to a mere blip at the pole. My
> favorite part about doing this stuff for the public is "training" their
eyes
> to see. Many look in and say, "I don't see anything but red." I tell
them
> to stop, relax and keep looking. Usually, they'll see details they
weren't
> expecting that pop into view, and they'll squeal with delight, "Oh YEAH!
> There it is!" Makes it worth the trip.
>
> Steve and Rosie Dodder
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