July 5, 2025 Seagrave Observatory Night
by Jim Hendrickson
Saturday, July 5 saw our first open night in eight weeks to not be cancelled due to unfavorable weather. Sky conditions were mostly clear with intermittent haze, making viewing anything other than the 79% gibbous Moon impractical.
Mark Munkacsy opened the 16-inch Meade and reported evidence of a mice infestation. Bob Horton opened the 8-inch refractor, but sky conditions and a lack of visitors had us all gathered in the dome for views of the Moon during most of the hour we stayed.
Two or three bats were on the hunt, silhouetted against the twilight sky over the observatory. About a half-dozen fireflies sparkled sporadically in the backyard, and a lone treefrog was heard in the pond.
Several area fireworks shows could be seen and heard.
