Black Star Canyon Star Party Recap Saturday August 27th, 2016

Last night the sky was warm & fairly clear throughout Orange County so when we opened the gate about 7:00 pm, we were not surprised to see there were 10 cars waiting at the gate. Quite a few more came in while all were being parked totaling 19. By the end of the clear night, we had counted a total of 23 cars that had come to the BSC star party and over 30 people.

The first objects that became visible after the Sunset was Jupiter and Venus low on the western horizon. Both planets could be seen in the same eyepiece view. Then Mercury became visible just below Jupiter & Venus. Later Mars & Saturn became visible behind the Scorpion's 3-star head. By the end of the evening, some of us even viewed Uranus & Neptune. This is the first BSC star party I can remember where we were able to see all 7 planets.

We set up in the usual spot by the middle picnic table and Larry set up his big 9.25 Celestron scope next to us in front of the 1st picnic table. Larry was the first to get his scope on Jupiter and Venus and then also show Mercury before they all set early shortly after 8 pm. Vittal was out for the first time since January and showed me the red Garnet Star through his 8 DOBS. I think Brad Feinner, Butch and Kevin Andrade were also set up in that area.

On the other side of us, Sam set up his scope and showed new member Michael Mello how to use the scope. Robert Cunningham was set up just a bit further and had fun showing his guests Chris Dominguez & David Kim objects in his scope.
We had many people set up scopes across the way including George & Peggy Robinson who showed me a picture of M8, the Lagoon Nebula that his equipment made. Also setting up on this side was the Hartman family where Sidney was able to find M22 & M28 with her DOBS. I think Roger Cotton, George & Pat Gutman along with Wes & Betty Morrissey were also on that side. Bob McKenzie set up his 11 scope past the 2nd gate and showed stunning views of M57, M13, M8 & M22.

Also attending was Marcelo Reginato, Scott Tanner, David Murphy and Erick Seavey. First timers Charles & Kaitsu Easlon with guest Michael Epstein. Past member Alfonso Cervantes came out with his son and Steve Mizera walked down late in the evening. Karen Barrett & Brian Kozuwa enjoyed the star party as our guests.

We did enjoy looking at all seven of the planets along with M22, M28 & M8. Double star Alberio looked great but the Andromeda Galaxy was pretty dim. The Hubble Space Telescope pass at 8:52 pm was just too dim to see low in the western sky but a passing plane following the path fooled me for awhile.

We were lucky to have clear skies all evening long and it stayed very comfortable. We closed the gate at 11:45 pm and the temperature was 70 F. We felt this was one of the best BSC star parties we have had in a long time.

Please forgive us if I missed anyone or we got your names spelled wrong. Bonnie tries hard to log in everyone and get your names right.
Steve & Bonnie