We had four people out tonight. Tilly, Rex, Dru, and myself. I stumbled through the alignment of the C-14 for awhile. I finally got it though and we able to find 20 or 25 objects. Hopefully, the wind will be lighter next week.
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I’m glad you were able to get some viewing in despite the wind! Thanks for opening the observatory and the 14”!
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Thanks you guys for another amazing viewing night at CRO! We had a blast and haven’t stopped talking about the amazing stars we got to see. My favorite of the night was the two stars right next to each other - clearly, best friends! Already looking forward to this weekend.
Very cool. Do you recall which double stars you were able to split?
Hi! I don’t know if this is the right place to ask. I have a son that is starting to get interested in astronomy. I am hoping to take him to this event at CRO. Is that possible? Do we have to be members first or have to go to a club meeting first? Thank you!
@lkbui, Welcome to the club forum!
Simply from my own experience, you will likely be much more comfortable if you attend a club meeting before first driving out to CRO and meeting others for the first time…in the dark.
If you have not yet signed up for club membership (and paid the very minimal annual dues), please plan to do so first. (You can join online or in-person at a club meeting.)
If you have already signed up as a member of the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, our “All Members’ Night” at Cheddar Ranch Observatory are specifically for you (and all club members) and your son would be welcome as your guest.
That makes way more sense. I’ll plan on attending the July meeting and then go to CRO then! Thank you and hoping to see you at the club meeting!
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The double star that we observed last Saturday was Mizar, the middle star in the handle of Ursa Major. It was a “focus” stop on the way to our next target - The Pinwheel Galaxy (M101).
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The forecast for tomorrow is marginal. Partly to mostly cloudy, moderate winds.
Not sure if I’ll be going or not. If any non-CRO member want to take a chance and head out there, please post on here! We’ll try to ensure a CRO member opens it for you.
Sunset is at 2054 (8:54pm). The moon will be a waxing crescent at 16.3% illumination, and sets at 2344.
I’ll come out and open CRO around 8pm for regular members.
Please note that the grass and weeds were not mowed, and the C14 roof is being replaced, so may not be available. But any regular members are welcome to tour the facility and set up their scopes on the pads.
Viewing, if any, will be “peek-a-boo”. 
If no one comes, I’ll leave at 10:30, so please post if you’re coming.
PS: The dirt road, 2510, is very rutted and soft from the recent rains. It is safer to go around on 2500 and come back to CRO on 870, the gravel road.
I plan to be there. I can certainly use some scope practice.
I’ll be out there tonight working on some Seestar EQ Mode techniques, among other CRO things. Maybe some other Seestar drivers will want to come out and share / exchange knowledge?
**This photo was created north of Wagoner a couple of nights ago, with the presence of Tulsa’s light pollution … my 2nd photo (ever) using the S50
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Nice shot! Pinwheel Galaxy I presume?
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Thanks, guys, for opening CRO up! I mowed last week, so it should not be too bad. I’ll mow, or see it gets mowed, before the next AMN on July 19.
The forecasts are about the same as yesterday. Maybe predicting a few less clouds. You should be able to get some decent viewing in.
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I’m advised that the weeds have grown faster than expected,
Nothing has been done to kill the stickers and they are going to be bad tonight. I do not recommend open toed shoes, nor even shorts (though I know at least two members who wear shorts and don’t notice the stickers).
After you leave, I recommend cleaning the car mats in your car to get rid of the stickers you’ll track into the car.
When you get home, DON’T wear those shoes into your house, and especially don’t wear them onto carpets! The next time you walk barefoot on those carpets, well, you’ll find every sticker you tracked in. Also check for stickers in your socks and pants. I’ve found stickers as high has mid-thigh. I have idea how they got there, but they did.
Clean your shoes and clothes outside, but be sure and collect the stickers afterward and put them in a plastic bag or something and dispose of in the trash. If you brush them off outside and the wind blows them into your yard, you’ll be fighting stickers in your yard before you know it. Every sticker is a seed.
CRO is Open!!!
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Man it caught me off guard. I guess I won’t be making it tonight. Clear skies! (I hope!)
Clouds moved in. CRO is locked up … it was a good night
We had some fine viewing opportunities last night, with some pleasant surprises! Clouds dispersed after sunset. Wind was “mild” around 10. The rolloff roof of the C14 observatory has been repaired and works smoothly. I tested it, but we did not uncover the C14.
4 other members came out.
Chris Varner got more training and experience with the dome and 30" telescope. Bill Farrer set up his Seestar on the north side of the building (out of the wind) to image nebulae. And Emily and Jim Dunagin made their first ever visit to CRO, and got help calibrating their starter dobsonian to their cellphone.
Chris and I got the 30" aligned and in GoTo mode. We called everyone over to view M57, M13, and M81. Views were sharp and clear!
Clouds began to intrude from the west. But by 1am everyone had achieved something of the benefits of CRO!
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Did anyone find Emily and Jim Dunagin binoculars out there last night? They might be inside the 15’ dome or outside in the grass. If you find them can you bring them back to the city.