Amateur Astronomer Focuses in on Sun for Public Event

Weather may delay an event scheduled for Thursday afternoon allowing Brookfield residents a chance for a close-up view of the sun — but host and amateur astronomer Ted Schaar said the show will go on eventually.

Schaar, of Brookfield, had planend to have a telescope equipped with a solar filter available outside the Brookfield Public Library from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, but clouds are likely going to be in the way.

"Unfortunately, it looks like the weather is not going to cooperate tomorrow," Schaar said, adding that the event had already been rescheduled from June 21 — the summer solstice — because of clouds.

Schaar has been interested in astronomy for a long time, but finally got semi-serious about the hobby after college.

"I'm just an amateur, I'm just somebody who appreciates the night sky ... when I finally got out of college and had a few bucks, I bought a telescope," he said.

He began hosting viewing events at the library after he suggested the opportunity to showcase a conjunction of planets years ago; now, he comes back about monthly during the warm season.

"Over the years, I've shown people quite a few different things," he said.

If weather indeed cancels Thursday's event, it will likely be set again for later in July. 

"All you can do is hope for the best," Schaar said.

Contact 262-782-4140, option 1, for more information.