Last evening was the selected date with tonight as the backup. As usual, after careful planning, last night was forecast as mostly cloudy and tonight was 100 percent rain!! In spite of the forecast, my wife and I made the two hour trip from Culpeper to Maryland. As luck would have it, the skies miraculously cleared by 1830 hrs and we were able to view the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.
The session was attended by 8 scouts (ages 7-8) and 7 adults. I brought my 1987 vintage Brandon 94 (94mm,
Using both scopes we provided views of first the Moon (70 % illuminated) then Jupiter, then Saturn. I pointed out several brighter Lunar features (Copernicus, Apennine Mountains, Sinus Iridium), the Galilean Moons....but as usual Saturn with its moon Titan was the crowd pleaser. During the hour of observing, both scouts and adults kept returning for views of both the Moon and Saturn. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing their enthusiasm.
Following the observing, everyone went inside to discuss several of the other requirements.
All in all a very successful and productive session!
Dave