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Sess.# 281 7:30-10:30 Kanata Chapter's Variable Clouds Sidewalk astronomy session this evening at Kanata Chapter's. Skies cleared unexpectedly, and so Richard Harding and myself decided to meet at Chapter's just after 7:30pm. Richard had just picked up his new 8" Skywatcher Dob after work, had assembled it and brought it to the sidewalk session where it saw first light. Very crisp views of Saturn and Jupiter. Richard might write more about it soon, hopefully. Attilla Danko joined us not too much later with his excellent refractor. We were glad to see him. We eventually had one scope on the Moon, one on Jupiter, and one on Saturn. Good views. The two gas giants will be gone fairly soon, so this month is probably our last chance to show these planets to people for quite a few months. 85 to 90 persons stopped by our scopes over the next three hours. There was one period around 9:30 where everything clouded up so I ended up tearing down just in time to see the skies clear. Luckily Richard and Attilla had left their scopes up. One man, facinated with astronomy, spoke with Attilla for maybe an hour. Many oohs and ahhs! The quote of the evening, for me, came from a woman who looked through the scopes and then said, just as she was leaving: "Thanks very much, you've just made my week!" Packed up at around 10:30pm after a very enjoyable session. Roland Prevost ( aka Photon Man )

In response to the call for a session tonight (April 3rd). Count me in, assuming the weather co-operates. So far, the weather's looking good for a potential repeat sidewalk session at Kanata Chapters' tonight. Since we're on Daylight Saving Time, it doesn't make sense to set up the scopes much before 7:30pm as there's too much light. Location: - Go west on queensway - Take the Terry Fox exit - Turn right (go northwards) - You can immediately see the very large shopping mall and Chapters - We set up just in front of Chapters You might let us know if you're coming, or just show up assuming we've called it a "GO" on this Yahoo Group. In either case, we'll be glad to see you! Plus, Jupiter and Saturn are sinking fast -- this month is probably your last chance to share them until next winter. ;-) Later, Roland

Orleans: 100% cloud cover for the last hour and then a bit of a clearing. Not sure how it'll turn out for tonite. Janice expressed an interest in sidewalk, if it were to be clear. Some OAF should issue a final decision around or just before 6:30pm, after weather reports and updates. At that time, one of us should post a GO or NOGO for tonite (Tuesday) at Kanata Chapters. Stay Tuned! Roland

The skies seem fairly covered at this point in time. Janice and I called the weather guy who stated that Kanata would not be clear at 8pm but that things will probably clear by 11 or 12pm. There's a band of clouds moving southwards that should keep clouds over Kanata. Bottom Line - Richard will call me at 7pm for a finaly determination, but it looks fairly uncertain at this point. I will post again at around 7pm. Still Later ;-) Roland

Although the conditions are iffy, I will be taking my scope over to the Kanata Chapters for 7:30. Roland and Janice will be joining me, for at least a Latte at Chapters (however, Roland will bring his scope - ever hopeful!!). Richard

I'll be there around 20:10 actually, it looks clear in bells corners. Anyone else up for it? cya. -ad

Sess.#283 7:30-10:00pm Kanata Chapters - Mostly Clear! This session almost did not happen. Janice called the Env. Canada weatherman, and we (dummies) paid to find out that in Kanata there would be cloud at least until 11pm. In Orleans, we had 90% cloud cover at the time. But then Richard phoned up and said: "I'm going, no matter what!" So, in the end, we eventually decided to go anyway, mostly for moral support, but bringing the scope "just in case". Well, it turned out to be another mostly clear night! We set up as soon as we got there, potential observers hanging around and asking questions, as we were setting up. We ended up with about the same bumber of people as yesterday evening, between 75 & 85 persons of all ages, etc. stopping for a look. Attilla joined us just a bit later, and once again we had one of each kind of scope: refractor, dobsonian, SCT. Janice talked to people and showed images, answered questions, and talked about astronomy to the people waiting in line. It was a very nice setup, with the perfect scope/people ratio. There were many very sincere and repeated thanks to us for "sharing our toys" the way we did. A couple of young women said:"It's amazing that you people are doing this. It's just so great!" But my quote of the day was the woman who said:"I'll have something to tell my grandchildren." Anyone who's been to a sidewalk astronomy session like this knows how absolutely thankful people can be for the chance to see Saturn, Jupiter or the Moon. For the members of OAFs, Jupiter was the main attraction with three moons aligned very close to the planet's edge, and the other one close to the planet on the other side. Finally, we were able to see one of the shadow transits. A couple of the persons who stopped by for a peek were very proud that they got to see the tiny black speck as well. This report can only touch the surface of the many fine moments we had sharing the skies with all kinds of people of all ages. Sidewalk astronomy is sure a fun way to spend those bright Moon evenings! And to think we almost missed it... good call Richard! Photon Man PS- Times for the double shadow transit posted here were off by one hour (too early). It looks like the data entered into to OAFs calendar maybe did not account for Daylight Time.

We sure did have a great time on the last couple of evenings at Kanata Chapters, showing the skies to more than 80 persons per evening. Our friends at OAOG also had an excellent evening of sidewalk observing last night as well, showing the skies to many newbies. Congratulations to them as well! Rob: I believe my solar filter is an Orion type II glass filter, but it's not in front of me at the moment. I do remember that it had a good write up in S&T magazine and was comparable to Thousand Oaks filter. I chose mine because I wanted to take photos and it yielded a yellow/orange sun on film. Attilla & Richard: Thanks for pointing out that guy who stayed with us for so long. It was really a pleasure to have him there. His excitement rubbed off! Enjoying the Photons... Roland

I would make this a poll, but I'm not sure what choices to put down... So far what I've seen as options are: Kelsey's (right by the museum) Abe & Roscoe's (a brew pub on Bank St between the river and canal) A chinese restaurant to be named later (buffet at Bank and Hunt club? Mandarin Ogilvie? or take-out at yours truly's??) Lick's (Bank and AltaVista) but I'm not about to reject any other suggestions... Also I've seen indications from six oafs (other than myself and my merry band - which would be another four total) that they're in. Anyone else? Rob (The oafs being referred to above are AD, FB, MZ, RH, RP and JT)

> Sounds like a plan. I'm not sure what my evening will be like, but > directions would be useful, if not for tonight then eventually. Here goes, Rob - but you'd need an Ontario map to get there alone: Text description of how to get to the FLO: Take Hwy#17 West to Hwy#44 Take Hwy#44 all the way through Almonte to Hwy#15 (**Petro Can** on corner ) Turn Right ( North ) on Hwy#15 ( going towards Arnprior ) Go 2.8 km to Clayton Rd. Turn left ( West ) onto Clayton Rd. Go 1.4 km over gentle rise until County Rd.#8 ( dim sign points to Mill of Kintail ) Turn R onto County Rd#8 Go 2.8 km Passing Mill on Right side, Crossing small bridge over Indian River, Road turns to gravel At benny's corner, turn right Then go only about 100 metres there will be a grey barn ( left side ), across the road from a the swing gate (right side ) and Enter the gate. Turn off lights last 100 meters if safe and possible. You will see clubhouse and observatory. Note that on this particular evening, Richard and I are meeting at the Petro Can at 7:30pm at the corner of Hwys #44 & #15, so I can show him the way in. With the directions above and an Ontario map, I made it there alone the first time without problems. Roland Prevost I believe Al Seaman, , can be eMailed for an actual map of the location as well, for future reference.

We have more suggestions for restarant that dining oafs at the moement. Actually "suggestion" shouldnt be take too seriously. Quite a few of these were mentioned in a sentance that included a reason for not going there. Given that, the list so far is: -Licks at Bank and AltaVista -Kelseys -Red Lobster -fairly good Thai restaurant (again at Alta Vista and Bank), -Cathay something on St. Laurent -Hooters -Texas Steak Co. -Robbie's Spaghetti House (on Walkley) -Rob's place with takeout from Penan Wok on Bank Industrial and St.L -Mandarin Ogilvie -Chinese buffet at the corner of Hunt Club and Bank -Abe & Roscoe's (a brew pub on Bank St between the river and canal) Rob, should "Rob's place with takeout" be on the list? If so, and If there are no more suggestions, I'll toss this into a poll. We can then use the number of votes to check how big of a reservation we need. "I'll have the lot. A wise choice, monsieur. And now, how would you like it served? All, uh, mixed up togezer in a bucket? Yeah,... with the eggs on top. " -ad

I will be driving out to the RASC's Fred Lossing Observatory, near Almonte, for some observing this evening, even though the moon is fairly large and bright. I would like to check out that location for this year, as it has been a bit of time since I last observed there. Richard Harding will be meeting me in Almonte, at the Petro-Canada station, around 7:30pm - and we will probably arrive at the FLO just before 8pm this evening. It takes me about 55 minutes to get there from Orleans. I imagine that it would take much less than that, from downtown or Kanata. Anyone else wishing to join us there would be welcomed to do so. In case anyone else wants to join us who does not know how to get there, you could post a message if you require directions. In any case, good observing tonight... It's full of Photons! Roland

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the OAFs group: Dine with your fellow oafs this Saturday, april 7. Please pick your preferred venue for communial ingestion. A restaurant listed here is no necessarily a recommendation. o Licks at Bank and AltaVista o Kelseys, St Laurent o Red Lobster, St. Laurent o fairly good Thai restaurant (altavista and bank) o Cathay something, St. Laurent o Hooters o Texas Steak Co, St. Laurent o Robbie's Spaghetti House, Walkely o Rob Robotham's house, with takeout from Penan Wok o Mandarin Ogilvie o chinesse buffet at Hunt Club and Bank o Abe & Roscoe's (brew pub), Bank st, between river and Canal o No dinner for me. Thanks. To vote, please visit the following web page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OAFs/polls Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups web site listed above. Thanks!

Sess.#282 1:30pm driveway Solar Filter Clear Just a very short session from my driveway yesterday afternoon. I used my 8" solar filter to look at the sun with my eyes. I could no longer see the "very large" sunspot I had previously observed, but I thought I could distinguish one sunspot on the top right side of the solar disk. Being careful to hold things very securely, I used my binoculars through the solar filter (with filter in front), and was able to confirm the sunspot I had see with my eyes, as well as two other medium sized spots, and also half a dozen much smaller ones. I wonder how long there will be spots visible, now that "solar max" nears the end? Roland

To who or whom it may concern: Contrary to a false malicious rumour floating around our group, the "Hooters Factor" is not in effect (ie. should there be a tie in the restaurant poll, we will automatically declare Hooters the winner). Please be advised that pursuant to any ficticious admonishments of a non-factual ipso facto nature does not in any way represent the wishes and/or intents of any or all OAFs members whether present or not. "Urgo plentis nostrum damos" Please act or not, accordingly. The Non-Management

On some other occasion, when we're not dressed like the "fabulous polar fleece twins", we'd love to try Isaac's with you. Denny's sounds greasy, though we've never been there. So, on this particular evening, perhaps if you didn't mind too much, how about Kelseys at 6:30pm? If we end up there on Saturday pm again, we could always order "Something Completely Different" from the menu, Monsieur? Ricardo, sorry you can't make it for dinner. Would you like us to call you from the restaurant around 7:30-8:00pm to try to tempt you for sidewalk (if just a few clouds), or coffee & dessert (if sky is a bust)? Later, J & R

Anyone for one more sidewalk session in Kanata before the planets get too low to show? When's the last time we had four clear evenings in a row, anyway? Perhaps we might even wish to make it a "dinner and sidewalk" session (6:30pm dinner)? Anyway, let Janice and I know if there's any interest in this idea at all, and we could make it a plan. All for now, Roland

Sess.#284 7:45-11:00 FLO lm=5.2 s=3 Clear I had not observed from the RASC's Fred Lossing Observatory in a while and so, in spite of the moonlight, decided to check it out. Richard Harding and Mike Zeidler had not been there before, and so we all took the opportunity to drive there in a "wagon train" together from the PetroCan station in Almonte. The combination Al Seaman gave me worked on the first try. The small road leading up to the observatory was partly muddy, partly snow covered, but it wasn't too bad at all if you drove at moderate speed. The nearly full moon really reduced the limiting magnitude. Even at a dark site, you get about the same view as you would from a city backyard location, when the moon is that large. Limiting magnitude overhead was only 5.2 - a bit more than 1 mag. loss, as compared to a moonless night at this site. Seeing was fairly bad as well. After the scopes had cooled I cranked up the magnification on an "in-focus" star, and could not even see any diffraction rings at all. The star just seemed like a jumbled boil of light. Out of ten, this was either a 2 or 3 at best. Unusually poor seeing. There also seemed to be a bit of a haze hanging in the air. ( temperature differential between day & night was 15 degrees C. Meteor - MikeZ spotted a meteor approx mag -1 in Orion constellation early on in the evening. Planets - were very mushy and did not snap into focus, even after cool down. M42 - trapezium star in all scopes looked large and boiling. Moon - in the end, we decided to focus our efforts on the moon. I spent perhaps an hour in total looking at the crater Plato using different eyepieces, moon filters and magnifications. The best view I had was through Richard's Pentax 10.5mm eyepiece - even in the poor seeing, I could just make out three craterlets on the floor of Plato. The contrast in that eyepiece was a definite notch better than in my 10mm Speers-Waller eyepiece. Al Seaman, now a fellow OAF as well, showed up not too long after sunset. Luckily, he had a key to the clubhouse and observatory so he opened things up. Mike, who could not bring his scope ( waiting for his 11GPS ) was then able to use the 10" Dobsonian scope, as well as peek through the 16" in the observatory. Still later, a couple of friendly RASC members (Rick and Bob, I believe) showed up as well. Rick had talked with us at the sidewalk session at Chapters and even commented: "Attilla's not with you tonight?" Al did some collimation on a 10" SCT that was very obviously quite off. I am by no means an expert on collimation, except that I know I can do a fairly decent job on my SCT-8". In any case, Al and I were able to improve the collimation substantially, I think. But a real fine tuning would require much better skies, or a collimation shop. It was an excellent reconnaisance mission to introduce FLO as one potential place to go for a couple of persons who live in the West End. Fun time for all. Thanks for giving us the tour, Al! Photonman

Hi Al! Count us in too for Almonte, if our schedules permit... Roland ( & Janice )

Sess.#285 8:00 - 9:45pm Kanata Chapters Mostly Clear A short sidewalk session. About 40-45 persons stopping by the 3 scopes to catch a glimpse of the Moon, Jupiter or Saturn. Nice to have the three types of scopes for people who wanted to understand the different types. Richard, Attilla, Janice and I were there. A very easy-going relaxed session, with a chance to chat with each other, as well as slower, deeper astronomy conversations with passerby. Different types of sessions each have their different types of pleasures. The favourite quote I heard from a person who stopped to look was when a man, who had fairly obvious difficulty expressing himself in the English language, looked at the moon in Attilla's scope and exclaimed with perfect enunciation, and relatively loud: "OH WOW!" Four clear nights in a row! Ahh, it's been a long time since that happened! Also, it's so nice not to have your cheeks stinging or your fingers sticking to the eyepiece due to the intense -31C cold. Spring at last! Roland Post Scriptum - Rob, after observing (around 10:10pm), we did try the door to the dessert place you suggested, but alas, twas locked. Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe next time. See you Saturday night.