pook
Member
Posts: 147 
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Post by pook on Dec 16, 2006 18:08:57 GMT
Hi Folks,
The main forecasts are showing a lot of cloud for tonight, although there have been good breaks, with clear sky. I'll be going to Delamont for 7.30 / 7.45pm, so I may see you there.
If I don't, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Best regards
Pook
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Post by dobsonian on Dec 17, 2006 13:26:38 GMT
Hello,
This meeting at Delamont was our third meeting. I wish I could say that it was well attended.It was not. However, the sky was pristine, the temperature low, kept that way by a persistent Northerly breeze. We soon had our scopes set up Phillip's 200mm sct and my 250mm dob plus another 150mm newtonian. We had a look at M42 and was impressed with the huge amount of detail,as the whole object was encompassed in the field of view using a32mm plossil eyepiece.As the constellation of Orion was at about 15 degrees above the horizon we tried to see the companion of Rigel, the brilliant blue white star at the foot of the constellation. Normally this is an easy object to see, but since Orion was still rising atmospheric turbulence can mask it.I tried a 20mm plossil (X60 ) but the companion star was elusive, so I then tried a premium ( price ) 10mm plossil,( X125 ) and was pleased to see the faint 8th magnitude companion.Nice to know that premium eyepieces are really worth the money.Next we moved on to M1 the famous supernova remnant in Taurus, and at a power of 60 the outline was at once recognizable, as this object has been photographed many times.Two members from Hillsborough dropped in and I showed them M45 with the 250mm ( now superbly collimated ) The blaze of blue stars impressed them mightily, and I then changed the view by moving to M35 in Gemini which is a very old open cluster composed of yellow stars, which appeared like grains of sand against a black background. Finishing off we looked at the bright external galaxy M31. A bright central nucleus was obvious along with the satellite galaxies.The time was now 10.30pm and the cold was seeping into my bones now, so I had a last look at M81 and M82 using Phillip's 200mm sct and again the galaxies showed definite form just like the photos of them. I noticed a bank of thick cloud approaching from the North, so I packed up and somewhat reluctantly took my leave.
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Post by bigeye155 on Dec 17, 2006 21:17:03 GMT
Hi John,
Excellent observing report, glad to see the stalwarts where there. I couldn't make it, but wished I had been there under those lovely dark skies. How many did actually get to Delamont last night?
Looking forward to the next one........how about bringing a couple of scopes to the New Year party at the Tudor Cinema? Just a thought.
David
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Post by dobsonian on Dec 18, 2006 21:11:32 GMT
Hello David,
There was about 7 people at Delamont, some stayed late, others left after an hour or so.
Just in case anyone thinks that we have a list of objects that we glance at for about 10 seconds and then mentally mark off as done, they are mistaken.Each time a particular object is viewed it is different, as the sky conditions seldom remain the same for any length of time.The purpose of observing is not just to see the object in the eyepiece, but to perfect observing skills, as this skill needs to be learned, if the most is to be obtained from your telescope.So the more you observe , the more you will see on any given object.
This is particularly so for planetary observation, as during the last Martian opposition I was able to see much more than during the previous one, even though I was using the same instrument.
Group observing has the advantage of being able to compare telescopes, eyepieces, and to share observing experiences. Each observer has their own list of favourite objects and these can be shared with other observers.
Winter observing can be uncomfortable due to the cold conditions, but proper clothing can help to conserve bodily heat and a hot drink and a snack will aid concentration.
So unless your doctor or your partner forbids it , GET OUT UNDER THE STARS AND DO SOME OBSERVING. it might rekindle your enthusiasm for astronomy.
Regards,
Dobsonian
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Post by dobsonian on Dec 19, 2006 13:21:50 GMT
Hello,
To add to the above, a very useful two part article on telescopes and observing was published in Stardust some time ago by Terry M. This comprehensive work covered all aspects of observing, and would be very useful to any aspiring observer, and the experienced might also learn something from it. Perhaps if Terry reads this he may put a condensed version here.
Merry Christmas
Dobsonian
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