Once again the Crestview workshop had a small but enthusiastic group. Tom Haugh briefed the guests on the library telescope, basic observing and what to expect when using the 4.5 inch Orion Starblast.
Last month’s constellation was Lyra, which is directly above us and in the best atmospheric position for viewing. Experience has shown it is not in the best position for viewing with an Alt/Az mounted telescope such as the library scope.
This month the constellation was Pegasus. It is in a somewhat lower in the sky but better positioned for the small scope. After a map of Pegasus was handed out, Tom started with a brief discussion of Pegasus’ mythological background. Then several observable objects were discussed. The two deep sky objects were NGC 7331, a bright spiral galaxy and M15, a bright globular cluster. 51 Pegasi, the first sun-like star discovered to have a planet was mentioned as well as the bright variable star R Pegasi.
Tom then finished off with a list astronomical events that would be visible/occur before next month’s workshop.
For the first time since the library workshops were started, the skies were clear once it got dark. Tom took his 6″ Newtonian out to the grassy area in front of the library and set it up to attempt a look at the Pegasus objects. Unfortunately, the library has no control over the exterior lighting around the library and surrounding area. Although the light fixtures are full cut-off lights preventing light from shining up into the sky, the light that shines down onto the library is quite bright. Any astronomical object will have to be very bright to be seen from around the library.