Hazy clouds greeted visitors to the Cronyn Observatory Open House, Saturday, July 14, 8:30 p.m. Dr. Peter Brown began his digital slide presentation, “Orbital Debris,” around 8:45 p.m. RASC London Centre member Richard Gibbens was among those listening to the presentation. There were 23 visitors recorded at 9:53 p.m. with 3 more arrivals bringing the number to 26; however the 9:25 p.m. count was recorded as 28.
Dr. Margaret Campbell-Brown took charge of the big 25.4cm refractor in the dome, although clouds ruled out observing with this telescope. RASC London Centre members Bob Duff and Dale Armstrong set up the London Centre’s 25.4cm Dobsonian and the Observatory’s Meade 8-inch (203mm) LX3 Schmidt-Cassegrain on the Observatory’s roof patio; however only 2 stars, Arcturus and Vega, were observed in the Dobsonian that evening. Peter Jedicke made his presentation on the history of the Cronyn Observatory, including the legacy of Hume Cronyn. Bringing the crowd indoors from the patio, Peter explained the technical aspects of the big 25.4cm refractor in the dome.
The Observatory was closed down by around 11:00 p.m. after an informative evening about space debris, astronomy and the history of the Cronyn Observatory. People asked thoughtful questions and expressed their appreciation.
Bob Duff
Higher Education Liaison
RASC London Centre