Viewing report June 26 2010

Pat, Joseph & I (Karen) had about a dozen visitors, and we showed:
Venus, Saturn, the Moon, the Albireo double, the Mizar/Alcor double in the Big Dipper, the Hercules Cluster (M13), and the Ring Nebula.

We ran into a few snags. Notes for the next observers:

1. There are now AA and AAA batteries in a drawer in the small wood cabinet.

2. the Telrad on the 24" reflector wasn't working - this turned out not to be a battery problem but a broken wire. Fortunately we found a brand-new spare Telrad, and it is now installed on the 24". The dead Telrad is sitting on the shelves - anyone who cares to try their hand at resurrecting it, feel free!

3. the green laser pointer is AWOL - check your pockets, or if you know where it is hiding / last seen, please let me know

4. The nasty light on the Llewelyn building is without its shade again - we need to contact Campus Services

5. there are branches smacking people in the face on the stairwell - again, we need to contact Campus Services for some pruning

Open tonight 9:30-11:30

At last! A clear night!
The Observatory will be open 9:30-11:30 pm.

New volunteers who want some practice (or interested visitors) - I plan to be there by about 9:00 to set up.