finally at the DDO (Richmond Hill)

Finally I was able to help at the DDO.

I travelled directly from Tony's (after helping with renos). The Gardiner and DVP were busy at parts but overall the journey was easy. I exited at 16th Avenue this time. Made the observatory early. If I remember correctly, I was at the gate by 6:10 PM. Paul let me in.

The first to arrive, I set up on the north edge of the front lawn (as far as my extension cord would reach). Being so early afforded a leisurely pace at setting up. I remembered to attach the Kick-Me-Nots to the tripod legs. And one to the top rail of the step ladder. Paul said he could see me from the dome!

I had brought my new bug suit attire which proved useful. The mozzies were out in full force at dusk.

I set audio alarms for the International Space Station flyovers. The crowd enjoyed both of them. I tried to photograph the first one but I suddenly could not remember the mode, with adjustable exposure time (Fireworks), required with the J20 digital camera. I shot four still tripod-mounted photos. If you look really closely, you can see the ISS!



Early on, we served up views of Jupiter and four moons. I checked Procyon on my palmtop to determine the positions. The satellite closest to Jupiter was Io. Then Ganymede and Callisto. On the opposite side was Europa. I misread my software. Io was not closing in for a transit. The cloud bands and festoons were clear during moments of good seeing. Around 8:00 PM, I could see the GRS in the NEQ.

Eric offered his Nagler 10mm. Tremendous magnification and transmission. But everything was a blurry with the seeing and low elevation.

Later, we offered views of the Double Double in Lyra, Albireo, The Ring Nebula, The Blinking Nebula, etc. Big crowds! Great questions!

I tried to find Neptune. Late clouds dimmed the view.

We had a wrap party, with some of the volunteers going a nearby Kelseys.