WEBELOS Observatory tour (05 Oct 2013)

The WEBELOS of Cub Scout Pack 799 visited the NWFSC observatory on the 5th of October to accomplish requirements for the award of Scientist activity badges, and Science or Astronomy belt loops.

As the guest observers arrived, the sky was very cloudy. Tom Haugh conducted a quick safety briefing and then handed out sky charts and after explaining how to use the charts, held a quick question and answer session. The group then adjourned inside to the observatory’s classroom for a presentation on general Astronomy.

After the presentation was complete the group went up to the dome room where Professor Russo conducted a tour of the telescope and dome equipment. By then the sky had started to clear and the scouts and leaders finished up outside at Frank Atchison’s 8″ Meade for a tour of the evenings objects visible through the thinning clouds.

We would like to thank the leaders and scouts of Pack 799 for the opportunity to share our knowledge of the night sky. We would also like to thank Professor Russo for his time and North West Florida State College for its permission to use the observatory and school facilities.