Transit of Mercury

[Ed.Mizzi]

Transit of Mercury
Volunteers needed for this momentous event. Ed Mizzi is looking for help with this great Outreach opportunity, so let's get straight to the details.

* Date: Monday, May 9, 2016   Times: 07:13 – 14.41   Classes begin at 09:00
* Location: Canadian Martyrs' Elementary School, Burlington, ON.
* Audience: Students from grades 5 to 8 and their teachers, plus any passersby.

Additional details:
* Ed will have 2 of the club's Dobs, with Solar Filters (thanks to Gary Bennett), at the site, but we could use more telescopes. Ed will be there all day, if necessary.
* The students will have already been briefed about the event but be prepared with a short description of what is happening and its significance (links below).
* Volunteers are not, of course, expected to stay for the entire event. Even an hour of your time would be appreciated.
* Parking is available. Please see link below.
* Please contact Ed.Mizzi, via the Forum or directly at edmizzi.mizzi@gmail.com, if you are interested in helping. Thanks

Transit Information:
http://eclipsewise.com/oh/tm2016.html
http://eclipsewise.com/oh/oh-tables/tm2016-Tab02b.pdf

Location: Canadian Martyrs' Elementary School, 3201 Lansdown Drive
Burlington, Ontario, L7M 1K1
http://www.hcdsb.org/Schools/Profiles/Pages/Canadian-Martyrs-Elementary-School.aspx

Google maps:
https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Canadian+Martyrs+Catholic+Elementary+School/@43.3678279,-79.8112343,15.72z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x882b6198de74833b:0x53fa5ea21e227ffa?hl=en

[Jeff.Booth]

I can do. 
Will bring a Celestron SCT with a Baader filter.

Thanks Ed !

[Ed.Mizzi]

That's wonderful, thanks Jeff. What time might you show up?

Ed

[Jeff.Booth]

Can get there early, if you wish. 
Do you want me there for the start?   Should be able to do that.
PM me off forum and we can chat back and forth ...

tnx

[martin.pal]

That's a great idea Ed.  Are you just using a white light filter or something else?

[Ed.Mizzi]

Thanks Martin, and yes, a white light filter. However, Gary B. is hoping to join us with his Coronado PST scope.

[Mark.Smith]

Hey Ed, I wish I could join you but I'll be working.  I was thinking though that I might buy or make a white light filter with baader film for my 10" dob and try to view the beginning of it from the parking lot at work.  I've never observed the sun with a scope before and was wondering if the film would be protection enough with such a wide aperture or would I be better to make a smaller aperture cap with film for viewing?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Ed.Mizzi]

From what I have learned ,yes, you can use the entire width of your 10" Dob. However, using a partial filter would be cheaper and I suppose safer. If you make your own, make sure that there are no tiny holes or spaces where the direct sunlight can pass through to your eye. One other thing to remember is (even with a filter) avoid leaving your scope pointed at the Sun for long periods of time. Even with a filter, heat builds up inside the tube and can possible do damage to the mirrors and/or structure. And do not stare at the Sun for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Hope that helps, but you may wish to get other opinions or check on line.

Good luck with viewing and lets hope it's clear that day.

Ed

[martin.pal]

I ordered a baader solar filter, hopefully I get it in time for the event.  I most likely can't make that school event however.

[Ed.Mizzi]

Martin, Hope you get your filter in time. But don't worry about the school thing...at least you thought about it and responded. Thanks.

Ed

PS  If you have seen Gary Bennett's most recent post about the RBG nights and Westfield Pioneer Village and can make one of them, the club (and Gary B.)would appreciate it, although it would be tough with two children at home. I have offered to help with the one on May 14.