Thanks Steve. There is an unwritten rule in the universe that states that any rare astronomical event visible from Salt Lake will bring in bad weather. I've seen it happen too many times to not believe it. The only exception, and even then you only get a 50/50 chance of good weather, is a lunar eclipse. Why? Because it happens during FULL MOON. LOL! If I set up at the museum, my wife will likely tag along. I plan on using the PST on a small equatorial mount but won't be using the drive corrector. I've found a small GEM is much easier to setup and use with the PST than a small GoTo. I MAY bring a small white-light refractor as well and if so I'll stick that on the Tele Track. But the PST for sure and my 70mm binos with Baader filters. Don't tell Nate. ;-) I'm hoping that the transit track takes Venus in front of a prominence. That would be extraordinarily lucky- and pretty cool to actually see Venus before first contact. On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 9:33 AM, Steve Fisher <iotacass1@hotmail.com> wrote:
Chuck: We would love to have you. Power is available all over the deck where we will be observing. It may force you to pick the most desirable spot on the deck or the worst but power is available. In this case we will not be able to work out of the back of our trucks and cars. There is a large passenger loading zone in front of the museum. We will be unloading there and then I have a minimum of four four wheeled carts (4 different kinds) to move equipment up a zig-zag ramp to the deck in front of the museum. It is not a long way but it is further than any of us want to make four or five trips carrying equipment. I have to tell you that I have never and I mean NEVER put much stock in seven day forecasts but last night Sterling said there was a storm coming in. The National Weather Service and Accu Weather still are predicting partly cloudy. I'll have a better guess next Tuesday morning. Keep me posted if you will, as of right now I have you on the list and hope you can make it. You are welcome to set up any time after noon on Tuesday. I have a couple of people who work all day and will not be getting there till 6:00 PM or later. More soon,Steve