3-27-09 A Razor Thin Moon and A Hula Hooping Saturn

With a wonderful 1 day old Moon with incredible Earthshine and a spine tingling Saturnian system to view has the making of a fun night out with the public in spite of the incoming haze and additional turned on area lighting! Whew!

• With that said this fun group here really made my night! (LtoR) Melissa, Jamie, Caryanne, Mason, and Kyla really got an ear full of astronomy stuff! What did we cover:

Views of Saturn and it's Moons.
Titan and it's unique environment.
Pluto presentation and modeling.
Venus phases and cycles modeling.
Lunar phases and cycles modeling.
Stellar life cycle poster presentation.
Electromagnetic Spectrum poster presentation.
Planet classifications.
The Cosmic Microwave Background.
Big Bang Atlas presentation.
Getting started in Astronomy.
Building a bridge between Astronomy and Faith/Philosophy.

Not only did these guys brave the incoming cool of the evening by huddling together but they listened and were engaged. I HOPE THEIR HEADS ARE NOT SPINNING TO BADLY AFTER THIS AND THEY CAN THAW OUT! Thanks guys for stopping by!

3-27-09 A Razor Thin Moon and A Hula Hooping Saturn

It continues to amaze me how something so wonderful and elegant as the universe can bring out the best in my visitors. I have spoken to and engaged hundreds of people over the last months since I started this outreach effort - and most of them were exposed to a presentation/modeling and viewing of Venus as was posted numerously earlier on this blog. Well Melissa here was the FIRST visitor to notice on the Venus phase picture in my resource binder that there is no full Venus to be seen! She made to same observation that Galileo made 400 years ago! Needless to say this educator here was elated and Melissa was excited about her discovery! I wonder what other significant astronomical observations and personal discoveries she will make in the future?

IN LUNAR ORBIT

This was today's LPOD pic, well what do you think? I was speechless. By the way I am selling tickets for future manned missions if you are so inclined! I wish!

Saturn / Luna street astro viewing sessions coming up next week if the weather holds out - can't wait!

On the Personal Side

It has been a very interesting season of life - losing my job in the fall, seeing my boys Beau and Jeremy spread their wings leaving the nest to explore their world and developing new relationships, being awesome employees and students at work and school. Cindy going back to work last year after 20 years at home and becoming totally vital to the company she works for and doing classes online! My little clan here out in the world making a difference!

I was up early today to catch up on my web astronomy adventures, continue my job hunt and admire the Equinox morning sky with a waning Moon in Sagittarius, Jupiter on a long leash to it's left in Capricorn, and our Sun rising in the east . The sky never ceases to amaze, comfort, and inspire me. I am very grateful today - yes somethings are unsure and out of whack but most things are right where they need to be. I get to serve and support my family in a different way as a "house guy" and the general public as the "astronomy guy". I am enjoying my 2 occupations. Where is all this going I do not know, but I desire to make the most of it and add a little light and joy to my world when and where I can. What the Spring will bring remains to be seen - but one thing I know the universe will be a part of it!

3-19-09 Planets Coming and Going Street Astro

What a perfect time to do a Solar System program with 2 dominate worlds on either horizon, and our own world firmly ensconced under our feet! The possibilities are endless topic and question wise and open up great discussion with my guests - everyone enjoys planets! The Niles clan was in the right place at the right time. They are a Scouting family with daughter Lyndsie is being exposed to astronomy at this time in her classroom. After sharing WOW views of Saturn and Venus on to the resource table to field questions about the planets. Boy did these guys get a ear full! Jeremy and Casey had questions concerning Mars, Stacie was very concerned about Pluto's new status, and Ron wanted to understand the dynamics our seasonal change. Of course all these inquiries open up more questions too. My personal goal with every visitor is : get an eye full of photons and a mind full wonder. They will be back for more!

3-19-09 Planets Coming and Going Street Astro

Jesus and Lourdes are a friendly couple out for a early evening stroll when they encounter the astronomy guy - "how about a look through the telescope?" The responses vary in every instance from yes/no to no response at all (which I guess is no) to "I don't have time" to "I don't have my wallet with me - what does it cost". "The cost is your curiosity and time for a 5 minute space science lesson"is my typical response.

Lourdes came running over when invited leaving Jesus behind! She has always wanted to look through a telescope and now had her opportunity to do so - she certainly made the most of it! She and Jesus had the first views of the ringed wonder Saturn at the Marina this year along with the horizon hugging vanishing Venus - she was literally speechless!

3-12,13-09 Virginia Lake - Reno Street Astro

Neha and her sister Devyani were really having a good time. Both are computer engineers - smart, genuine, friendly and focused in their lives They came back last night to view Venus and learn how to use a star wheel! They are anticipating our upcoming Lunar/Saturn outreaches later in the month - I can't wait to see them explore Lunar landforms and Saturnian delights!