Observing Reports
April 2005
8th – 9th April 2005
It’s been along time since I have managed to get some viewing done.
The clouds finally cleared and I set up the scope for some long awaited observing. There were some high altitude clouds but they did not bother me too much and only lasted for around half and hour.
Tried out my new eyepiece and it does seem really good apart from the kidney bean effect occurring slightly. Works at 15x but I still seem to prefer my 25mm probably due to it having a good view with out any shading.
What I did like a lot was the new 40mm is great for catching satellites and I noticed an ERS-2 satellite moving quickly past Cassiopeia. I’m pretty sure I caught ROCSAT 2 as well going through Gemini it 23:55. I should really have taken better notes but being rushed due to clouds doesn’t help.
Had a quick view at Saturn and noticed Titan next to the ringed planet. The cassini division was not on view but in some of the shots I captured I’m pretty sure I can just make it out.
Tried some star cluster shots (M36 & I think M67) but unfortunately they didn’t come out too well, better polar alignment and also focus is required.
Had a short look at the constellation Leo. This was my first time viewing the area with a telescope so I was not that familiar with what was to be on view. I’m pretty confident that I have seen M65 & M66. Both galaxies were very faint and I could barely make them out unless I nudged the telescope.
Next stop for the night was Jupiter and its moons, which I noticed were positioned very differently from any other observation (picture to follow on my site).
Some of the images of Jupiter revealed the Great Red Spot, but it is quite difficult to see. I have never seen this before and didn’t through the eyepiece. I didn’t spend too much time on Jupiter and I really should have as I forgot about my new set of four colour filters.
Well it was great to get out again, I don’t think I’ll get much more viewing done this year as the sky is getting a bit too bright.
Clear skies.
Chris