I’m running a few days late, and this edition is really from last week.  So, to make it up to you, we have not one but two short tales today.

Our first story comes from Ann Tekatch.  Ann is one of the founding members of the HAA, past Chair, current Treasurer, and has served on council continuously since year one.  And, she is a skilled and knowledgeable observer. 

And now, here’s Ann…  _________________________________________________________ 
“One of my favourite observations happened pre-HAA, at the Hamilton Centre observatory. I arrived just after sunset and Barry Sherman was looking at Jupiter through a large refractor he picked up somewhere for $200. He called me over, promising the best view of Jupiter I ever had. He was not lying! The seeing was ROCK steady as it often is at the transition between day & night and Jupiter looked like a Hubble photo! I never forgot it.”

 Ann  ______________________________________________________________  
I completely understand Ann’s enthusiasm.  Those magical moments stay with you for years.

Our second story comes from Melissa Whitman.  Melissa and her family, including husband Geoff, son Brian and daughter Maia, all joined the club just a few years ago.  I remember first meeting them at a public night and Brian’s enthusiasm was infectious.  And you may know Maia from our monthly meetings where she draws the tickets for the door prizes (having taken over from Ann’s daughter Alex!).

Melissa’s story connects to Ann’s, and then adds a great twist.  Here’s Melissa…  ______________________________________________________________  
“My first observation of Jupiter was via Barry!   But more excitedly, I observed the rotation of the earth but mistook it for the telescope moving.   When he explained what I was really seeing, I was blown away!!!!”
Melissa   _____________________________________________________________
Thank you to Ann and Melissa for sharing these moments with us (and to Barry, who is still showing the sky to people after all these years). 

If you would like to share an observing experience just email me and I will be happy to feature you in a future email.