Well, as the old quote goes – the best laid plans of mice and men(and women)…. An intrepid group of adventurers set out on an expedition to the Georgetown area in search of an elusive grazing lunar occultation. Jackie F, John G, Jim W, Steve G, Ed S, Anne T and myself set out from the Hamilton area and arrived early enough to check out the primary observing site and a few alternates in hopes of finding the best view to the southwest horizon. After deciding on staying at the community park, the weather didn’t cooperate and remained cloudy throughout the entire occultation period. It teased us a few times with a number of breaks in other directions, but alas, no joy for us.
Not to be disenchanted, we set up anyways, hoping against hope that the skies would part for us at the last minute. Due to the absence of our lucky “weather-chick”, the skies failed to reveal the wonders that might have awaited us.
We were quite the sight with more than half a dozen of us set up along a hillette at the community centre. We had a few people interrupt their walks with their dog (or children – hopefully no “stoop and scoop” required for the latter group), stop by and wonder what the fuss was about. All of their good wishes were not enough to bring forth our quarry.
Jackie, the ever-eager crowd pleaser, wanted to ensure that we had a chance to see an occultation, so she managed to conjure one up for us with her many talents. Hopefully there will be some video to follow (and maybe some pictures from Steve or Anne).
Anyway, after enjoying the company at the observing sight, we decided to pack it in and try to occult some drinks and food at Kelseys in Milton on the way back home (thankfully everything disappeared and none reappeared – was that too gross to include in a blog??). While the observing session wasn’t as rewarding as we hoped, we certainly enjoyed ourselves. The HAA has a great bunch of observers and it’s always fun getting together – regardless of whether there are heavenly sights to see or not.
Undaunted, we’ll try again. Now that we have a better idea of what to look for and how to get information about upcoming occultations, hopefully we’ll be better prepared the next time Mother Nature chooses to let us observe another of her wonders.
Cheers & clear skies
