August 2, 2009: NASA Moonfest

Bob Hess

Before and despite the early arrival of the fog over Ames last evening, I had a great time viewing the moon with over 40 other local lunaholics at the NASA Moonfest. One very memorable visit to my scope was a group of three very little children all jumping around with excitement as they approached. I'm thinking they're not going to see anything because the moon's behind too much fog. So while the first one is getting up onto the box I have for them to reach the eyepiece easily, I'm trying to explain how the fog is really "solid" so they might not be able to see it. But then one of them stops bopping around as if to really listen and asks "salad?" I said no, SOLID, and she asks "Do you mean opaque?" WOW!!!! These were really little ones! Obviously happy to be understood and corrected, I said "That's exactly what I meant!" The one at the eyepiece tells me she can see it and politely steps off the box. The next one steps up and you can tell he's looked into optics before. The bouncing little girl finally gets her chance and slows down to look into the eyepiece. "I can see it" she says all happy, then steps off the box and bounces around while her parents took a look.

That encounter really warmed my heart. I'd guess it's maybe one of a thousand kids that look through my scope I feel that way about. It's the way they respectfully approach the instrument, listen and react to the words of the adults, carefully find the view and drink it in. I don't know if these are the really extraordinary ones or the simple potential of the norm that's not being realized. Maybe it's that I'm usually out in the sun with my scope, and those I usually encounter are not with parents who are seeking out an astronomy experience. At NASA.

It was nice chatting with the local area TACos at the west end of the field, and meeting Olga S. who I see this morning is new to the group (welcome Olga!). I have to say, however, it was that cute little display of enthusiastic intelligence that was the best part of my evening. Despite the fog. Because of the fog. I guess you just have to be out there, regardless.