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| August 12, 2005 We had yet another successful and
very well attended picnic at Pearson College. There was probably 20 or more
people who enjoyed the view, food and company.
Mark showed off the new roll-off roof on the shed observatory and told us
all that he should have success getting the Leo Van der Byl scope up and
running (at long last). He's re-coated the mirror and purchased new
accessories (auto-focus anyone?). Stay tuned for more information on his
success.
Bruno brought the new Coronado (Solarmax 40). The sun is truly impressive in
that scope and no one should turn down the opportunity to have a look at the
sun through that instrument.
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the long lost and meeting the brand new.
I certainly hope that those who hadn't attended the picnic will consider
attending next year!
I had to leave early, but everyone else was gearing up for an evening's
observing. Reports anyone?
Sandy Barta
Well, I had fun. The company was great
and the weather very cooperative. Unfortunately high [cirrus cloud] made it
difficult for most to get the truly fine view available from Pearson.
Fortunately, for Charles and I who remained after everyone left, between
11:00 and midnight the sky became very clear and steady. I guess the clouds
followed you all back to Victoria.
We traded views back and forth between his TV 85
and my 12.5" dob. Stephan's Quintet (all) and 3 out of 4 of the companions
to NGC 7331 fell easily into our grasp. The Veil was gossamer and 3D. In
fact despite the aperture differences my most memorable view was of the Veil
through Charles' TV 85. With an OIII filter and a 35mm Panoptic the entire
Veil, East and West, with hints of the Northern section fit with plenty of
room to spare in the FOV.
I ended the night past 2:00AM draped across the hood of my truck tracing
dark nebulas throughout the Milky Way. It was a dreamy way to end the
evening.
Thanks to all who showed. It's events like this that are the reason I joined
this club.
Bill Weir |
The daytime view of the Moon against the Olympic Mountains
was
nothing short of sublime. |
Our host Mark Wheen wrestles with the 25" Newton Nomad to
give us a view of the Moon |
Gentlemen picnickers: Rich Willis, Chris Gainor &
Frank Ogonoski |
Sid Sidhu, Joe Carr & David Griffiths recline in the meadow |
Bill Almond, Bruno Quenneville, Mark Wheen, John McDonald, Joe
Carr, Charles Banville, Laurie Roche, David Griffiths |
Bruno Quenneville, Joe Carr (background)
David Griffiths, Alex Schmid, Bill Almond, Laurie Roche, Charles Banville
(foreground)
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Charles Banville & Joe Carr wait for dark, David Griffiths & Lauri Roche
sort out a minor problem with Lauri's SCT while Sid looks at the Moon as dusk
gives way to night |
David Griffiths & Lauri Roche get Laurie's SCT aligned while Janet Almond
looks on |
Chef Alex Schmid has a confident smile, while Lauri Roche and Bruno
Quenneville share the moment |
John McDonald is a Victoria Centre newbie, but is a dedicated observer and
astrophotographer, and obviously has a flair for picnic etiquette as well! |
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