Public program on the 30" - Fremont Peak

October 5, 1996

What a treat it was to do a public program with the Fremont Peak Observatory Association's 30" Challenger reflector telescope. I was assisting Dean Linebarger and Rich Neuschaefer. We also had occasional help from Richard Navarrete and Alan Nelms.

The evening began with SJAA member Rod Norden donning his wizard hat/grey long hair wig and celestially decorated cape, and giving two excellent talks to the public in the meeting room of the observatory. Dean, Rich and I were already involved in locatin g some of the brighter objects for the overflow members of the public who could not fit inside the meeting room.

The day had been hot, and the evening was one of those memorable t-shirt nites, all night long. With sunset around 6:20 p.m., there was a good six hours of observing prior to moonrise. We began with Jupiter, and followed with M22, M57 (which we stayed on for about an hour, as the talk had ended and the crowd all wanted to see "The Ring"), on to M33, M74, The Helix Nebula, NGC 246, The Crab Nebula, The Veil Nebula, M27, NGC 253, M77, NGC 7331 (and companions), Saturn, NGC 891, M13, M42 and, the rea l treat of the night, the Horsehead Nebula.

After much intensive "faint fuzzy" hunting over the past year with Alan Nelms, I found the experience of showing the public some of the bright and famous objects of the autumn and winter skies to be very relaxing and refreshing. Both Dean and Rich commen ted how enjoyable it was as well. And, I have to admit that it is nice to drive to the peak without packing a couple large scopes and related equipment into my truck.

Other SJAA members present (that I saw or know were at the Peak) were, Jack Zeiders, Jim Bartolini, Bill Arnett, Ray Gralak, and Jay Freeman. I'm sure I left some SJAA members, out, and I apologize, and there were also many other telescopes that brought there owners.

If you are an SJAA member that likes working with the public, having a membership in the FPOA in addition to our club, has wonderful benefits. Fremont Peak is still a premier bay area observing site on 3rd quarter and new moon weekends, and within a reasonable drive from anywhere from the peninsula south. Supporting Fremont Peak helps assure that it remains a valuable and enjoyable resource for all astronomy enthusiasts. It is a regular haunt of many experienced observers from the SJAA (and other clubs), and a great place to introduce yourself to some friendly amateur astronomers who can help you improve your observing skills or learn about the "tools of the trade." The only word of warning I offer is that not every night is a t-shirt night, and one should always come prepared with plenty of warm clothing.

If you are interested in trying "the Peak"..... look for our next star party date in the calendar of events in this newsletter. And don't forget... red flashlights only please!

Hale-Bopp... dim and dimmer?

I was in my backyard tonight, catching up on the whereabouts of the next great comet.

Last night, not knowing its current location, I scanned low in Ophiuchus, mistaking some globular clusters for the comet. So, today, I looked in the May issue of S&T, to see where they placed it for early September. Boy, that sucker is moving!

Anyway, I remember it having a very bright nucleus, with quite a large bright coma, diffusing nicely.

Well, tonight I *think* I caught up with it, and either my backyard is suddenly a good magnitude brighter (which I doubt), or the comet seems dimmer.

I place it in roughly in the area of M14 (a fairly generous estimate, not exact at all). Since there should not be anything that bright in the general area, I assume I am looking at Hale-Bopp, but damn, it seems dim.

Anyone else think this guy is fading?

Best constellation?

I was outside in my suburban backyard last night with two friends, using my 8" f/7 dob, another using a 55mm fluorite refractor. It was an enjoyable evening talking about the sky, observing trips, equipment and so on.

I had once jokingly stated to one friend that Ophiuchus was the greatest constellation in the sky, with more of a wealth of objects for observing than any other. Dark nebula, galaxies, outstanding double/multiple stars, loads of globular clusters, several Messier objects, planets crossing through it.... yep, I said, old Oaf has it all....

Last night, looking up at the Milky Way, one friend started needling me again about that comment. So, I thought I'd ask the question here....

For the average observer, not you guys out in Arizona with 30" buckets and mag 8 seeing, but the rest of us who get out to semi-dark skies on a semi-regular basis.... what constellation do you feel has the most to offer for an evening's observing. I am interested not in just quantity, but variety.

Please give examples to support your choices.