MEET'CHA THERE!--Lunar Viewing with 24" Telescope @ Haggart Observatory
Details
Join me for a rare glimpse at the moon and night sky at the Haggart Observatory on the Clackamas Community College (CCC) campus in Oregon City.
For this showing, the focus will be on our closest neighbor, the moon, which will be full the night of the event. While you have a 50% chance of seeing the moon any night (weather permitting), many never seen it in detail through a telescope. At past viewings, craters have been readily visible with Haggart Observatory's enormous 24" telescope. Volunteers may also be able to point out some deep-sky objects or double stars with smaller, more portable telescopes. Come with Qs -- volunteers will do their best to answer 'em!
I've taken pains to share a lot of detail here -- coupling info. the College and the volunteers that host the events have published my own past experience with these events. Please read through all of the following carefully before RSVP'ing.
RSVP here with me at least 48 hours in advance, and we can coordinate how and where to meet up amongst the crowd.
'Hope to see you there!
-Jo / Finding Friends group organizer
WHAT TO EXPECT
There's a 2-hour window for this public viewing -- folks may come and go as they please and are accommodated on a first come, first serve basis. The observation deck can accommodate about 20 people, including five people in the dome. I've never encountered a long wait, and I've never stayed the entire time -- I probably spend a 1/2 hour or less when I go. I highly recommend arriving early before it gets dark to find the Observatory on the CCC campus, park, get your bearings, and navigate the stairwell to the observation deck.
NOTE!! Viewings at the Observatory may be cancelled at the last minute due to weather conditions. CALL Rose City Astronomers' HOTLINE AFTER 3PM ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE VIEWING for confirmation and updates: 503/594-6044 ext. 1
If I learn the event is cancelled I'll update this posting, but please do not rely on me -- especially if you're traveling some distance -- plan to check for yourself!
CAUTION: All telescopes are accessed via the observation deck and / or the dome above it, both of which require climbing a lot of steep stairs in the dark (even if you go up before sunset, you'll be going down those steep stairs when you're done). The deck is 45' in the air. It can be a bit unnerving, and particularly uncomfortable for those who are unstable on their feet or don't see well in the dark. In addition, you will feel some movement or sway while up on the deck. Be advised and plan accordingly, including wearing flat, solid shoes (no heels or flip flops!). Also, no flashlights...
It helps to understand that there are really two structures nested inside each other that make up the Observatory. The main structure, comprising the dome, observation deck, and stairway, is supported on a ring of eight power poles. The second structure is a concrete pier located in the center of the Observatory that supports only the telescope. These two structures never touch, keeping the telescope steady even when people are walking around and causing the main structure to vibrate or sway.
BACKGROUND
Through a partnership with Rose City Astronomers (RCA), a local amateur astronomy club, CCC offers the public a unique opportunity to access the Haggart Observatory's telescope with 24" mirror -- a rare community resource. RCA hosts various viewing opportunities for the public on behalf of CCC throughout the year, allowing participants to observe the night sky through a beautiful 24-inch Newtonian reflector telescope, located in the observatory dome, as well as through several portable telescopes that are placed on the observatory deck. RCA volunteers guide stargazers and ensure that everyone gets to see a sampling of objects visible on a given day.
DIRECTIONS
Clackamas Community College is located at 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, near the intersection of Hwy 213 and Beavercreek Road, about three miles south of Interstate-205 (Exit 10).
The Haggart Observatory is a part of the College's Environmental Learning Center, which is on the northeast edge of campus. The easiest route is to use the back entrance to the campus, off of Beavercreek Road. Take a right on Douglas Loop, and then another right onto Inskeep Drive. A sign for the Environmental Learning Center can be seen at its entrance, with parking available just past the entrance and overflow lots nearby.
FURTHER DETAILS
MEET'CHA THERE!--Lunar Viewing with 24" Telescope @ Haggart Observatory