by James Turley
The First Annual TAC-sponsored Montebello Star(less) Party was a success, even with only 10 stars as Phil has pointed out. Considering the skies, we were able to peer through the Cirrus Nebula (covering 90% of the sky) at: Alberio, DblDbl, M31, M110, M13, M3, Erins' Ring, M57, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, M13, M30, the Moon, the Earth, and the Sun. Warm evening, gorgeous golden cirrus sunset--the best I've seen there.
Present were the usual MB Regulars in full force, with a contingent from SF (Rashad and Stacy), Phil C with his Molestron, Phil T, Leonard, Carl and daughter Erin Ching, Albert, Pete S, Pete McKone, Dotty, Jay Freeman and some others. A great turnout, basically filling the West 1/2 of the lot, which was block off by traffic cones for us. Stacy puts the scope count at 16.
During the spectacular sunset, Ranger Chris Barresi gathered the crowd and gave a small presentation about TAC astronomy activities and TAC itself, with very positive comments toward us. I volunteered Jay Freeman at the last moment to address the crowd and he really gave a nice impromptu introduction to the hobby of astronomy, and a nice review of the beautiful telescopes arrayed before us. Thanks Jay, sorry to surprise you with that.
The public crowd was excellent, very bright and interested. 25 cars were allowed, and Ranger Chris said there was a long waiting list. A small cozy crowd, and, considering the paucity of objects to showcase, there were lots of intelligent questions. A lot of kids and grannies too. Special thanks to enthusiastic 13 year old Erin Ching, for being a new TAC Messier Mistress, pointing out to us which M objects we should be able find in the ever moving glory holes. Erin has been into astronomy since the fifth grade.
The sky never got better, and the public trickled away by 10PM. A few of us lingered under the 8 day old 1/2 moon, with a monster ring around it.
For a Starless evening, all in all, a great star party, and an essential Permit Maintenance Activity. There will be more. Thanks Marek for organizing it with Chris. Sorry you couldn't be there. And thanks to all the regulars who showed up on a scuddy moony evening.