Comments and anecdotes about the event:
We had scheduled four (4) oral presentations for the public and each presenter gave a very interesting and informative lecture. We did have very short breaks in the clouds to observe the Sun with a few sunspots using a funnel projector through a 4.5" f/8 reflector telescope. The eyepiece for the funnel projector was a 25mm which gave a very nice view of the Sun when it was available. We set up a static solar system with the placement of the planets in their current orbits around the Sun. We also devised a Horizon Ruler attached to the top of the location of Earth. The Horizon Ruler functioned the same as using the banner from the toolkit. This is a near 3D representation of the toolkit activity "Exploring Our Solar System". With the scale of the Sun the size of a pea (1/4") would place Pluto about 88 feet from the Sun. We also had tent boards giving more information about the planets and their placement in the solar system as the patrons walked through the plane of the solar system. Our youngest member of the club brought her 3D printed 8" telescope to share with the patrons. Even though we had clouds throughout the day and night it was still a successful event. This was also a collaboration with the Salina Astronomy Club.