by David Letcher
Tuesday evening, March 25 proved that the U.S. Weather Service can provide a precise, down-to-the-minute forecast. Five of us came to the Hopewell Elementary School star party at about 6:30 and so did the clouds! But, we relied on the forecast and, sure enough, the skies began to clear and the kids showed up. We had good views of the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, and Saturn. Thanks to volunteers Matt Stires, Kevin Burkhart, Gene Ramsey, Jeff Bernardis, and me.
Clear, dark skies on Tuesday, March 29th enabled Jeff Bernardis and me to give a very successful, well-attended star party at the Millstone River School in Plainsboro. We were able to show the children and their parents the Orion Nebula and Saturn, among other objects. We even received a $100 donation from the school!
As of this writing, we have another star party on Wednesday, April 6 at the Stuart Country Day School.
I have received a few requests from scout troops too, but it looks like they will generally be satisfied with future visits to our Friday evening open houses.
