 |
01. On
top of Santa Margarita Lake KOA Star Hill, Tom Smith and Russ
Genet "compete" in setting up their new, identical 8" Meade LX200R SCT
scopes for an evening of science equipment and technique testing work.
Tom's scope is just about done aligning as Russ says "Got power?
Where's my power? Oh No! Dead battery. Got no power!
Tom, HELP?" |
 |
02. Tom
takes the wonderful opportunity to practice knee bends as he works on
leveling his new scope. |
 |
03. Taking
time out for a photo op. Tom is now relaxing, considering taking a
nap, while Russ frantically works on aligning his scope. |
 |
04. Tom
fires up his laptop. Then comes a flickering screen and an alarming
power circuit from the truck. Unexpectedly, he too states "Got
power?". Power problems seem to plaque the night's activities. |
 |
05. Tom's
new 8" Meade LX200R Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, same as Russ'. |
 |
06. The
clock is ticking. Russ continues his set-up work. Tom snoozes on
his truck's tailgate. |
 |
07. Russ
gives pointers to Tom about scope set-up? |
 |
08. Science
work begins. Looking at Jupiter and its three, then four moons. |
 |
09. Two
more stargazers join the effort, standing in the middle. From left to
right, Tom Smith, Mitra Farahmand, physics and astronomy instructor at Allan Hancock
College, Jim Carlisle and Russ. Walt
Reil is taking the photo. |
 |
10.
Such a happy group. |
 |
11. You
see, even if you drive a sports car, you can carry telescope equipment.
But any of your guests will have to walk. |
 |
12. Russ
works on his artwork, sketching views of the Moon. |
 |
13. See
the Moon's terminator? How large are the craters? How high are
the crater walls? |
 |
14. Mitra performs science work with Russ' scope. |
 |
15. Russ
and Mitra hard at work. Actually, it looks like Mitra is doing the
work and Russ is enjoying his break from the scope. |
 |
16.
Tom studies information
about the Moon using "The Sky" software. |
 |
17.
Russ and his "date" prepare to
head home. So where is the seating for guests? |
