Chris & Marv had it going on while I was imaging M 51 and sneaking in photos of the 30". Clouds moved in before I was able to get started on my nebula
For the Seestar drivers … I was really pleased with the EQ Mode; working with 20 second exposures and haven’t noticed any star trails. Final cut of M 51 to come later
I found their binoculars on the table in the dome. I brought them back to the city. They are with me at my home.
Thank you, Marvin!!! The binoculars are mine (Emily Dunagin). Please call me (918-429-9850) and I will come pick them up. And thank you for a fabulous night of stargazing on the 30 inch!
Thanks Chris, I could not recall we had looked at so many different stars and galaxies that night.
Bill,
I really like your dome shot. Thanks for sharing. I think that the club should ask you if it can be used for Club promotional materials.
Chris
Is there an event tonight at CRO? Is it for potential members?
We attended many events at the observatory in KC with the astronomy club there and would like to get involved here, since moving back to okc in April.
Yes, CRO will be open tonight. Joel and I will get there around 1500 (3pm) to mow, then are planning on leaving to get some dinner and more gas for the mower. We should be back to reopen it by at least 2000 (8pm), if someone doesn’t show up earlier to keep it open.
Sunset will be at 2048. We’ll have a moonless night unless you stay after 0200. A 31.5% Waning Crescent after that.
Forecasts are for clear skies, with moderate winds, about 13mph. Hopefully someone will be there that can open the 14” and/or the 30”! (My training is not current). It’s going to be warm, mid to high 80s, but you should still bring a jacket, jic. It can get cool with the wind and just standing around, you’re not burning energy that would keep you warm. I don’t recommend open towed shoes, as the stickers may still be a problem, even after mowing.
I’m planning on taking both my Unistellar scopes and will concentrate on getting a lot of science observations for the SETI institute. I’m also hoping on capturing Omega Centauri, though it will only be about 3 deg above the horizon for a few minutes after sunset.
I’m also hoping I can capture an image of 3I/Atlas, the 3rd interstellar object that we’ve discovered passing through our solar system. And get a science observation of it for SETI. But it may still be too dim for my scopes at this time. A better shot may be at Okie-Tex, though it will be low on the horizon in the south in Sep and the mesa may block it.
It should be a good night tonight at CRO, so com’on out! This night is for ALL club members, guests, prospective members, etc. Everyone is welcome if you’re interested in gazing at the night sky!
I’m planning on coming out too! It would be my first time as well.
With the temperature in the upper 20’s (celsius) and the winds around 6 m/s, sounds like it will be a good night at CRO 
My son and I are planning to come out for our first time as well!
I’ll be there tonight also.
Dru A
We finished mowing and we’re heading to Swadley’s in El Reno. We’ll be there by 1830 (6:30) if anyone wants to join us. We’ll be back here no later than 2000. If the gate is locked when you get here, wait and we’ll be back to open it.
CRO is OPEN … see you soon!
CRO locked up … had a good night out there
It was great seeing everyone last night👍
I had a wonderful time last night! Thank you (everyone) and Marv for showing me and my family the 14in. My daughter loved seeing a bigger scope. The double - double stars were amazing to see even with the wind picking up.
I did manage to lock up a june bug in my scope though 
heard him fluttering about when I pulled the scope inside.
I definitely look forward to more trips out to CRO!
Mitche,
Thank you very much for taking the time to walk me through the CRO opening and closing process. My non-working out-of-date key is going in the trash bin. I hope you had some imaging success despite the windy conditions. I’m very interested to know if you had any success with 3I/ATLAS. I’m going to try to catch it from CRO next Saturday with my Celestron Origin.
Marv,
Thank you for the training on the C-14. It is very much appreciated. I was feeling a bit intimidated by the scope at first, but feel much better about it now. It seems that the IOptron mount’s handcontroller functionality is so similar to my Celestron CGEM’s that it feels familiarly comfortable. Also the 14-inch OTA is similarly familiar to my C8. I still plan to dig into the manual though.
Eli and I had such a great time last night, we can’t wait to come again! Thank you to everyone who makes events like this happen, and for the good company, it sure beats doing it alone in my backyard all the time!
I’m glad everyone had a good night at CRO last night! Aside from the wind, conditions were perfect! Clear and warm. I had a lot of problems with my Unistellar scopes, an old problem that I’ve forgotten how to fix, so didn’t get much personally. I know Tom was having some success with his Seestar S50.
Thanks Marv, for opening the 14”, and Chris for opening the 30”! On windy nights like it was, those are great observing platforms.
I didn’t get a sign in sheet like I usually do, but I believe we had about a dozen members, about half on their first visit to CRO. I’m glad it appears that everyone had a good time!
The forecasts right now for next week are about the same as last night, but hopefully will be a little less windy.
