Notchview Public Observing - 11/22/2008

The drive to Notchview began with stop at Arunah Hill to check out the recent tree clearing. I arrived in the midst of a snow squall (see home page), snow devils would come and go with the wind. When it comes to weather, there's rarely a dull moment at Arunah Hill!

On to Notchview, where I met up with John, Kevin and Tom. It was already 4:00 pm and cold, so the Visitor Center stove was stoked and scopes were set up.

By 5:30pm, we were scanning the cloudy sky for a glimpse of the ISS, with the Space Shuttle in tow. This was a 4+ minute pass that peaked at 84 degrees. Sure enough, a very bright object was spotted almost directly overhead, and Kevin was able to track it for a short while with his dob. Under better conditions, this would have been a memorable pass. Oh well, some you win...

During the best moments, we had a partly cloudy sky on a windy 18 degree night. Not ideal, but observing did take place between runs to the Visitor Center for hot chocolate and warmth.

The event was well publicized and approx. twenty people braved the elements, including a large scout troop. The scouts decended upon the Visitor Center from their tent site on the hill. When resolve and endurance peetered out, we packed up and convoyed back toward Northampton.

This concludes our 2008 program at Notchview. We were able to conduct three of six planned events, for over sixty people that came from the hill towns, as well as Pittsfield, Northampton and Springfield. Thanks go out to Ray Burk, Ed Faits (and family), John Klinkowski, Kevin Phillips and Tom Walker for helping me with these events. Over the winter, I'll be working with the Notchview folks to set dates for 2009. Stay warm!

djc