Strawberry Moon - Observatory Update

Strawberry Moon

This month’s Full Moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, was at its most illuminated on June 29 at 23:56 UTC (7:56 pm EDT). The name refers to the wild strawberries that ripen this month, and which were gathered by Native American tribes. It was near its farthest point from Earth: 405,254 km (251,813 miles) to be precise, making it a Micro Full Moon.

I was on my way back from Westminster when I saw it rising in the SE, and of course it appeared quite large due to perspective. I was able to quickly capture it with my iPhone while the traffic was very light.

Observatory Update

I was busy all last week at our church's VBS (I am the videographer and Photographer, and I produce a Week In Review video that we show at Sunday's two services) so no astro work!

Tonight I set up the equipment (ZS61 and ASI533mc) on the new pier to align the mount precisely to true north. Of course, Ayla and Luna are there to make sure everything is going to plan. 

Once the mount is accurately aligned it's time to start assembling the building. However, with temps reaching 102 (real feel of 112) later this week I'll probably wait until sometime next week.