A very nice evening for telescopes and kiddos. I brought two scopes, my 8" SCT and my 16" dob. I asked a teacher (James) to man the 8", and show the double star Albireo (beta Cygni). I did a short talk as we began, and had a volunteer watching the clock and a spot in the sky. A very bright (~ mag -6) Iridium Flare popped right on time just above Polaris at 7:54pm, and the crowd went wild! An estimated 130+ enjoyed views thru the scopes from 7:45pm to 10:00pm. This was a large crowd for just two scopes, and it was difficult for one person. The location was Camp Derricotte, a wonderful site, limited only by tall trees blocking Saturn :-( and one disturbing dusk-to-dawn light :-O near the center of the camp. I showed M13 in the 16" for all the kiddos. After which, the teen counselors and teachers were invited back and they enjoyed views of M31, M27, M11, and M15. |