Mt. Diablo 3/31 - No Aurora

by Bob Czerwinski

In conjunction with the scheduled public activities noted earlier by Richard Ozer, this evening I went to Mt. Diablo to scout for aurora. No dice. At least up until 10:00pm.

I'd estimate there were about 30 'scopes set up when I arrived, just after 7:00pm. The parking area established for the general public was packed. When I asked if I could set up my 'scope with the Mt. Diablo group, the Park's Man-In-Charge told me no, that only official docents were allowed to set up 'scopes in the primary observing area. Maybe he meant Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society members, but he actually told me "docents." Twice. (I know that the fine members of the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society host the event, but I'm certain that not all of these good people tonight were officially trained docents.) So I left my 'scope in the Jeep, and just mooched photons for the evening. Around 8:00pm there was an initial exodus from the place, with the Park's Man-In-Charge literally screaming at people in their cars, telling them NOT to drive off until a docent could lead them down the hill. He was *extremely* upset. I'd guess that ten cars or so had already started down the hill. I thought The-Man was going to explode!

Although it was a short night, the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society members were very generous with their time and instruments. I was offered views of Jupiter, Saturn, M42/43, M81/82, M51/NGC5195, M3, M41 and NGC2362. Oh! And ol' Luna, too! <big grin> I was told I needed to follow the last official docent from the Park, hence the earlier than expected departure time. When I arrived, I was told a docent would be available until 1:00am. I guess someone just forgot to tell me that this departure time was based upon the Eastern time zone. ;)

Hope some aurora developed later on for you folk who headed to Coe or Dino.