Thanks to all who came out! We had at least 14 club members there, possibly a couple more I missed. I think about a quarter of them were very new club members; at least a couple of them joined this week! It was great to see everyone there.
I’d say about 10 people looked at the sun with us, and at least 10-15 folks enjoyed the night sky with us. Had lots of very inquisitive (and knowledgeable!) kids! Several folks seemed interested in joining the club.
The Starlink passing over was the highlight of the evening for me. I believe it was the first time I’ve seen it. I got almost of minute of it on video, which I’ll post to the Discord channel (don’t remember if video is enabled here or not). It wasn’t visible long. No more than two minutes. It started on the horizon in the NW, rose almost straight up, then disappeared in the earth’s shadow almost directly overhead. They were booking across the sky. Amazing to view.
Besides the Starlink video, I managed to capture an image of the sun
After viewing my first Starlink chain, I wanted more information about the program. I knew Musk was putting them in orbit, but didn’t know much more. Here’s a pretty good site with lots of info about it if anyone else wants to know more about them.
I’m sure it does just don’t have a login and you can’t see it without one. The Starlink satellites looked really cool through my Orion 6” Starblast telescope.
We have First Friday Public Viewing Night at Lake Hefner Windsurfer Point on Oct 6.
Sunset is at 1907 (7:07pm) and the Moon will set before sunset.
I’ll be there about 1700 to set up for some solar viewing. Any and all club members are encouraged to come support the public outreach and hopefully get some good viewing in!
This is also a good time for folks having equipment problems to bring their gear and see if anyone can help you with it.
I’m planning on getting there at about 6pm. Going to bring my Orion 6” Starblast telescope. Will have some eclipse information from the NSN to hand out.
Saturn and Neptune will already be up and Jupiter rises at 8:30pm.
Asthma has been plaguing me all week, not sure if allergies or cold, but I won’t be attending tonight, unfortunately. I was looking forward to jacket weather observing.
Forecasts aren’t the best. I think we could work around the clouds, but the winds at 5 are supposed to be about 17-20mph. Very strong for portable telescopes. They’ll gradually die as the evening wears on, and the clouds will clear, but great viewing conditions aren’t predicted until 10-11. Donno if I’ll still be there then or not. Even if I stay out that late, and I might, I’ll probably move down to Bluff Creek Park for any late night viewing. It’s a MUCH nicer place to observe from. Too bad we couldn’t hold it last night. The weather was near perfect!
I’m still planning to get there around 5 or so. I’ll put up the sign, unless the wind blows it away, and talk to folks as they walk by.
If you come out, be sure and bring a coat, hat and maybe gloves! It’s got chilly enough last night I needed a jacket.
It looks like it is going to be clear by 9pm with less than 10mph winds. Looks like it may turn out to be pretty good tonight. Going to be out a bit late.
Well, solar viewing is a bust today. 90% overcast now, and still very windy. With the wind and no sun, it’s very chilly. Bring a windbreaker and insulation. And a hat and gloves. Fall is here.
