John G and I arrived early to open the park. The gates were still open when we got there, so we checked in with the park staff, to let them know we where there. We then went to the hill, set up our scopes and took a few photos of the sunset. We went back to the gate at 9:20 to unlock the gate and put on the combination lock. Joe M. and Vince where there waiting to get in. We all returned to the hill to get ready for the night. In all 9 members turned out to the park to observe and compare views. Kevin kept us all hopping, keeping up to him, star hopping from Messier to NGC. and back to Messier. Well done Kevin. The moon was starting to rise above the trees by 1:00am when we decided to pack up for the night. We where all tired and didn’t even go to Tim’s for the usual coffee and conversation. All in all a great night.
From John G.
Sure was a great night, and I was so glad to see so many club members out there. Jim described the evening well, and even though the sky conditions weren’t the best, I still had great views through everyone’s scopes. Globular clusters were popular, and seeing so many in such a short period of time gave us an interesting opportunity to compare them. Each one is unique and has its own character. Kevin’s new dob is a great scope, and he was swinging it around the sky with the skill of a master starhopper. One of the best views of the night came through Vince’s binoviewer. It was so comfortable to use, and the view was 3-D like (yes, I know it’s only an illusion!) Thanks to Jim, Kevin, Ed, Matthew, Gordon, Joe and Vince for the views! Now, I didn’t get any astrophotos, but here’s that sunset that Jim mentioned.
