Once again, Camp Kolomoki provided clear and dark skies for the Girl Scouts. The site is a club favorite, so we had plenty of scopes set up for the guest observers to take advantage of the view. Tom Haugh handed out sky charts and gave a quick safety briefing prior to sunset. The first group of girls then adjourned to have supper. The second group of scouts then arrived and received their charts and briefing. Meanwhile Frank Atchison and Dennis Hausch set up and aligned their personal scopes. Professor Russo brought NWFSC’s 12″ Dobsonian.
Just as the sun set, dinner arrived for the astronomers. They were treated to a baked chicken dish that was excellent. Just as we finished dinner the first set of girls rejoined the throng.
Since Alberio was not visible Dennis zeroed in on Iota Cancri as an example of disparate stellar colors. By then Tom had finished alignment of his scope and started the guest observers at his telescope with M 41. Other objects presented included Jupiter (just before it set into the western trees), Saturn, Alcor and Mizar with a host of Messier objects rounding out the itinerary. Frank had a constant line of scouts at his Meade 8″ SCT. In between objects Professor Russo provided briefings on several constellations configuration and historical lore.
One by one the guest observers adjourned to their camps and we wrapped up the evening with another successful Camp Kolomoki star gaze.