CoE Star Party
James Hall
7:45p-11:15p
Guests: 50
Grounds good, both scopes working, internet working but slow (.16 mbs d/ 0.38 mbs u) very high winds and about 50% cloud cover on arrival.
The grounds were full of children and adults when I arrived. An AAS member was giving a demonstration in the field with his scope. I believe many were boy scouts getting badges. Many families quickly formed long lines at start of sunset. The clouds varied from 60 percent to 100 percent overcast. We were able to view Venus, Moon, a few people got a quick look at Saturn before I had to close the roof for about 30 min due to dark looking rain clouds closing in on the observatory. Entertained several guests that stayed with observatory tour and iPad demonstrations of Exoplanets, Sky Charts, and Solar System models. After about half an hour the wind was still gusty but the sky cleared in spots towards the west. I was able to open half the roof and give several guests more views of the moon and Venus between clouds.
Very pleasant group of people throughout the night.
Left at 11:15p, temp 75º.
James Hall
