It is clear to everyone that astronomy at all events compels the soul to look upwards, and draws it from the things of this world to the other.

— Plato

JohnMiksits

El Sol

El Sol

Like I wrote on my blog, I really couldn't find a perfect focus.  It's hot now!

A photo of a photo happening

A photo of a photo happening

Chrissy Fimiani takes a photo of Roger West, Mary Lou West, John Miksits and Phil Fimiani.  We were at the beginning of the solar system walk, the sun, at the NJ Botanical Gardens.  Our final destination along the walk was Saturn.  Saturn was quite a distance from this point. 

This photo of all of us was taken by Maja Britton. 

NJAG Members near Saturn along the solar system walk

NJAG Members near Saturn along the solar system walk

Here we are after finding Saturn along the solar system path.  NJAG sponsored the NJBG's installation of Saturn along the walk.  Maja Britton took this photo during her return to NJBG activities.  Thanks Maja. 

Getting the solar scope ready

Getting the solar scope ready

John Miksits getting the scope just right.  Roger West assisting.  The scope needs to be checked.  The filter has to be tested everytime to assure safety.  Direct viewing of the sun must be done only with properly working equipment. 

Thanks to Mary Lou West for this photo. 

NJAG Members and the Saturn monument

NJAG Members and the Saturn monument

Here are Maja Britton, Mary Lou West, Phil Fimiani, and John Miksits at Saturn along the solar system walk. 

Thanks to Mary Lou West for this photo. 

Fun with a telescope

Fun with a telescope

Some fun with the Galileoscope.  Phil monitors the activity. 

Thanks to Mary Lou West for making this photo available.

Moon and Jupiter, August 7, 2009

Moon and Jupiter, August 7, 2009

Three o'clock in the morning here in Clifton, NJ.  There was some haze in the sky.  This was shot with an Olympus Camedia C-4040 with automatic settings. 

September 11, 2004, Later in the Night

September 11, 2004,  Later in the Night

Taken on September 11, 2004, from Clifton, NJ, at 10:10 PM. 

September 11, 2004, Earlier in the Evening.

September 11, 2004, Earlier in the Evening.

This photo was taken from Clifton, NJ.  Taken on September 11, 2004, at 7:40 PM.

December 1, 2008, Moon, Jupiter and Venus

December 1, 2008, Moon, Jupiter and Venus

I don't remember the settings. I setup the digital camera on a tripod, shutoff the flash, and turned on the selftimer. This one the ISO was probably set at 100.