1513e 2012/05/20–21

1513e 2012/05/20–21 18:30–21:30 EDT Foxmead POD 8 28cmsc & SW field 8 4cmrr


Observing the partial eclipse of the Sun at sunset with members of the Midland and Orillia astronomy clubs: Rick Crane, Jayne Evans, Geoff Gaherty, Louise Gervais, Gary Hains, Donald McDonald, Gord Michener, Marilyn Morris, and Peter Ridout.

We gathered out in the field to the southwest of our house so that we could see the setting sun with a relatively uncluttered horizon. We had two Coronado PSTs (Personal Solar Telescopes) equipped with hydrogen alpha filters, and everyone had eclipse shades. First contact with the Moon was observed just after 20:18 in the two telescopes, and almost immediately in the eclipse shades. We followed the eclipsed Sun down into the trees on the horizon, and some of our number walked out further into the field to get the last glimpse. Our observations were accompanied by bird songs and deer in the adjacent field to the south. We also all observed Venus and Mars with the 28cm Schmidt-Cassegrain at 127x. Afterwards we retired to the house for coffee and cookies.

Temperature: 29°C