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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Report of the Chuck Berry Astronomical Society Committee on Historical Investigation and Minutiae

Members present: Peter K. and Peter O.
Question raised: Was he observing, or simply posing?
Working Hypothesis: Actual Astronomical Observations.
Evidence: Shadows, Aperture, Apparent Age, Apparel.
The Committee observed that all shadows are directly behind the subject.  This would indicate that his telescope is pointing directly at the Sun.  Committee also observed that aperture of scope appears to have been reduced significantly at front end.  This would indicate use of antique solar filter.  Use of filter also supported by current absence of blindness in left eye of subject.  Mr. K. presented data showing two annular solar eclipses visible from State of Missouri during subject's adolescence: April 19, 1939 and April 7, 1940, each of which seems consistent with subject's apparent age in photograph prior to major growth spurt.  Subject's identity confirmed by shoes, which are substantially similar to shoes in painting below (by el padre de Enrique).  Subject's other clothing appears consistent with spring weather conditions.  Subject is located on roof of building-- a perfect location for solar observations.  Additional spooky anecdotal evidence: Eclipse Restaurant's location directly between Pageant and Blueberry Hill.
Conclusion: Evidence indicates that Mr. Berry was an amateur astronomer, making observations of a partial solar eclipse in the spring of 1939 or 1940.  Evidence also indicates that both the photograph, and the painting, are quite wonderful.

6 comments:

  1. Great post Peter :)
    You can also see the shoes here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dampex4f4is

    Peter.K.

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  2. A video that cannot be seen too often1

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  3. On behalf of the general public, I would like to take the time and personally Thank the Chuck Berry Astronomical Society Commitee of "Peter & Peter" for sharing their findings on this subject....At this point I would like to pose a question that the commitee might ponder. What thoughts could be running through young Charles's mind at this exact point captured in time?? As he looks through the scope, could it be he was thinking - If only I could try and make contact with other beings in this vast universe... Maybe I could put my salutations to them into song form and somehow hurl greetings from earth to all beings from far away places....Maybe then young Charles just shrugged his shoulders and thought - Ah heck I'm just dreaming. But then on second hand....

    Doug
    CB Forum ID - Busseybootlegger

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  4. Too good, Doug! He's such a visionary-- he's probably using the scope to look for Voyager I and II.

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  5. Incredible ! Excellent! Fantastic discovery,dear friends !!!
    Ida

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  6. Postscript: The new book Chuck Berry: An American Life uses the findings of Society's report without attribution-- which, considering the number of footnotes in that damned thing, is unconscionable! (Sorry, but no way anyone but me and Peter K. could come up with the truth of this picture.)

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