I had a Moon Day exhibit at Montgomery Bell State Park, Dickson TN 7/20.
I did solar observing with about 15 guests from 5-6:00 and then clouds built up. Counted ~35 sunspots in ~12 groups. An impressive string across the equator. Most I think I have ever seen.
I did a Moon Day exhibit from 6-8:30. 7/20/24 is the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. I showed 1:144 scale models of the Apollo Lunar Module alongside SpaceX and Blue Origin’s lunar landers showing the impressive size differences. I also presented NASA’s Artemis Orion crew vehicle & Space Launch System rocket and the Lunar Gateway Station. I also had an Aries-1B lunar transport from 1968’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” showing future possibilities.
I spoke with about 10 guests. Some had come for a scheduled star party that was cancelled due to forecasted cloudy skies. I also gave away several space related books.
While packing up, I looked up at the sky one last time and finally saw some stars. Only my son and I were there, so we decided to reset-up the scope to take some quick looks. And then a few people came and then some more and some more. Had about 25 guests look at Epsilon Lyra’s Double-Double, Alberio, Antares, Mizar A&B & Alcor, M57 Ring Nebula and a lot of time on the Moon. I talked about and showed where Apollo 11 landed and where Artemis is intending to land. I pointed out crater Tycho, Plato, Grimaldi, Seas of Crisis, Serenity, Tranquility & Fertility.
We also saw several satellites. Finished viewing with last guests about 10:30.
Had a great night. Unfortunately I forgot to take any pictures.
Chuck Schlemm
Moon Society Nashville Outpost