Jeff and the rooftop

As I strolled past the fountain at the library's footsteps I noticed Erika's reading of Contact being disturbed by a young man. I gave a friendly wave to them and noticed a certain uneasy urgency in Erika's return wave/beckon. I wandered into the shady spot and was introduced to Jeff. I guess he noticed her reading and was surprised to see it was the familiar Sagan novel. Erika then discovered that Jeff is a graduate from VSU's physics and astronomy department. We all chatted for a while only to have the idea come up that Jeff still as a key to the Neven's Hall rooftop observatory. The three of us walked to the campus safety office to request an officer open the door to Nevin's.

With great spirits and a key in hand, Jeff led us up 3 flights of stairs to the door leading to the dome and rooftop. I goggled around the fenced-in observation deck while Jeff and Erika got out a 10" scope. Twilight brought about a few beautiful pinpricks of light breaking through the domestic light pollution. Jeff is obviously experienced at this and Erika is an astronomy student at Wellesley College in Massacheuts. So, that leaves me — the aspiring astronaut majoring in Geosciences. The only one in the group who's looked through a telescope fewer times than fingers on one hand. Needless to say, just about anything would impress me...

...And it did! Venus showing it's current half-phase, Mars' red-tinted mug, and the Moon. Oh, the Moon. With digital camera in hand, I snapped whatever pathetic images I could through the telescope's tiny eyepice. I was content. Oh, so very content. On this, my first viewing of the cosmos at VSU, I'm already smitten at the prospect of the clarity I saw on the rims of craters on the Moon's terminator. I'm now anticipating using the department's 16" scope more than ever. I guess I should thank Carl Sagan, for without him, this night wouldn't have been so wonderful.

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