The simple joy of roving around the surface of the moon from your own backyard is a distinct privilege. In a modern society that is relatively rich, it is still a small percentage of people that have the opportunity to have a telescope and only a fraction of those that have learned the joys of disciplined observing. For this reason we often use a video streaming service on Night Skies Network (www.nightskiesnetwork.com). This permits us to take an astro vido output and make it available to anyone who wants to check in and watch.
The observing session on May 8th was an example. We make an announcement on facebook and to a separate email list a couple hours in advance that confirms the opportunity to observe. The sketch below involved about 90 minutes, where I develop the observing sheet but explain it as we go so others can join the process if they choose.
Our usual practice is to finish out the observing sheet with all the elements we teach teachers to use in the Philippine foundation of schools that we assist. While the observing session is broadcast, the chat box is available for visitors and members to ask questions or make comments. The whole process keeps us pretty busy since we are sketching, talking, and typing things in the chat box as well.
We take the opportunity to talk about God’s created heavens and various aspects of its features. It is always a wonderful time. Please join us if you wish. If you want an email from us or you see the “rolandskyone” broadcast channel in RED on the nightskiesnetwork list of broadcast stations, feel free to watch.
Finally, the moon, as we say often, is such an interesting object to study. The light play, varied features, ease of observing it, and influence on earth make it a great object to observe.
It is a good day to give thanks.
