The 2011 Back to Nature Sky View was a great success. Unfortunately, the NWFAA schedule would not allow us to support a night time star gaze this year. However, we were able to support the daytime Back To Nature Family Fun Day event.
Dave Haluposki, Frank Atchison and Tom Haugh all brought telescopes capable of providing safe views of the sun, and the weather accommodated with perfectly clear skies.
An ancient and honored Unitron provides a solar projection view of the Sun.
Dennis’ new Hα telescope shows a large solar prominence on the edge of the Sun.
The large crowd kept up a steady flow of observers; many stating that this was the first time they ever directly viewed the sun. Frank and Tom provided white light filtering with Dave providing a projected view through his vintage Unitron. Although Dennis Hausch could not make the event, he loaned Dave his newly acquired Coronado Hα telescope. The Sun provided several prominences with one particularly large loop just on the solar limb.
Tom answers some stellar questions.
The white light and projected views showed several sun spot groups which changed noticeably throughout the day. As usual, monthly sky maps and club fliers were handed out to each interested viewer.
Thanks go to Dave for the event photography.
This was our first visit to the Seaside community. The people were friendly, the food was good and the event was a lot of fun. We look forward to next year’s Back To Nature event whether it is day or night.