The nation-wide summer reading program this year is “A Universe of Stories”. The NWFAA expected to get some calls and the Destin library was first in line. They wanted a Moon gaze to support their event so we set up equipment at Clement Taylor park in between the trees. We had several members support the Moon gaze:
- Tom Haugh
- Dennis & Marietta Hausch
- Scott Morgan
Since we were concentrating on the Moon, we didn’t need big scopes. Tom set up his small refractor. He also set up the scope he uses to train librarians that get to participate in our library telescope program. Dennis set up his Maksutov and Scott, his tripod mounted binoculars.
 Early observers take a look through Dennis’ Maksutov. |
 Scott’s binoculars didn’t always sit on the tripod. The library scope is on the right. |
Rain & heavy clouds over Choctawhatcee bay threatened but never came our way. There were enough sucker holes in the clouds everyone was able to view the Moon, although some had to wait several minutes.
 Tom’s refractor has an early line. |
 Dennis re-aligns his scope after an errant bump. |
The library estimated we had 150 guest observers over the evening. Amongst the later crowd was Darth Vader and several other outer space celebrities. They didn’t take a look at the Moon though. I’m guessing our Moon is just too mundane compared to the moons they have had to deal with.
All-in-all, we had a great time and look forward to our next event supporting the Destin library. Thanks again to Marietta Hausch for her event photos.