Now that COVID is over and we are back to in person meetings, the Board has decided to add Friday night events at the observatory for club members and have it also open to the general public. The observatory will be open and people will have a chance to look through the equipment, including the 16" scope.
To that end, we will be posting on social media, the website and here in the Forum, whether or not it is a "go" or "no-go" on the Friday night. The plan is to have these Friday events through the end of October.
It should be noted that Andy has assembled multiple groups of volunteers to take turns opening and hosting these events, and these people should be commended for their efforts and taking the time to open the observatory.
Tonight - June 30 is a GO!
Andy will be there opening the observatory at 9:30 with observing starting after 10PM.
Andy has provided the following report from last night's observatory opening.
Observatory Report June 30th 2023
The clubs Friday night observatory night went off as planned. Everyone is welcome.
We fired up the 16" and waited for clear skies. The haze/smoke was relentless but we managed to observe a few objects M13, and M57. I took a few eyepieces and tried an ethos 8mm, but the haze prevented great views.
I spent a little time trying to wake up the 14", but too many hurdles prevented success. The computer would not start, and when we started the mount it too was dead. So we will need to do some daytime investigation.
Thank-you to everyone who showed-up, Bruce, Jane, Matteo, and parents, Bob.
Great to hear that we had a few turn out. I'm sure this will grow over time. In fact I had an inquiry through the outreach mailbox and word of mouth will spread I'm sure.
Andy, I'm thrilled that that this is happening. It's exactly what we need. Huge thank you to you for organizing and putting this together!
Happy to hear that the inaugural OB night went well. Kudos to Andy et al for hosting.
Ed
Hi Ed,
Agreed, it is great to see the observatory opening up on a regular basis again - it has been so underused lately, and this initiative couldn't happen without people volunteering their time to open it.
Friday July 14 is officially a NO GO.
Friday July 21 is a GO
July 28 at the observatory is a NO Go.
Today's (Saturday July 29) Rain date for Friday Night Sights is a NO GO.
Tonight's (August 4) Friday Night Sights at the observatory is a GO!