by Judy Schroeder and David Harris

Astronomy Day dawned sunny and warm. Several SAS members went to the Pacific Science Center, while the Squak Mountain Telescope Gang had the Museum of Flight covered. Judy Schroeder tells us about the Science Center and David Harris reports on the Museum of Flight.

SAS at the Pacific Science Center
Astronomy Day was sunny and warm: wonderful sunspot weather! SAS members Karl Schroeder, Bob Suryan, Hulan Fleming, Ed Barnes, Steve Schonberger, and Kari Haug, set up their solar outfits on the bandstand in the courtyard of the Pacific Science Center. The sun obliged with a fine set of spots, and a large prominence was visible in hydrogen-alpha filters.

Inside, Judy Schroeder set up a display with Hulan's Schifspiegler and her 6-inch Dobsonian. The club banner was on display above tables with star party maps, SAS brochures, and a variety of information on telescope buying. Jerry and Barbara Goerger helped with the informational display also. One of the club's junior members, a ninth grader named Allen, also helped with the solar displays.

As always, Ed Barnes, in his dual capacity of Science Center volunteer and SAS member, was a great help. He had parking tickets and coffee vouchers for all the volunteers. The Pacific Science Center also provided cold sodas, a veggie tray, muffins, and bagels. The volunteers had a good time, as always. It’s always interesting to talk stars and scopes to folks at these events.

The star parties that evening were popular also, with a good number of folks showing up at both locations. Come on out next year and join in the fun!

Squakers Bring Astronomy to the Museum of Flight
The Squak Mountain Telescope Gang did their astronomy worshipping Sunday, May 23, at the Museum of Flight with a variety of telescopes in the main display hall and two on the plaza outside. They were all decked out for Solar observing, along with our Solar display.

The public interest for the Solar viewing was good, we estimate that about 200 were lined up to take a peek. Public enthusiasm seem high. “Wow! what are those little back spots?" Lady, those little black spots are tens of thousands of miles wide, and if you don’t stop yanking my scope around, there might be some black spots closer to home.

Anyway, the attendance for our display inside the main exhibition hall was reasonable but nothing profound. Several new Squakers were sworn in with all due Pomp and Circumstance. Perhaps one of the best questions of the day was from a gentleman who asked if the Sun was bigger than the Earth. Another nice couple were most interested in our recipe for a Martini that we show on our Web site http://www.squakmountain.org, visit if you dare . . .