09/20/2008, Lodi, CA
With a coolness in the air, and a slight breeze on our necks, Jackie and I set up our scopes early in hopes of catching a glimpse of a few DSO's and Jupiter before the Moon rose in the east.
As how Jackie is still getting aquatinted with her new scope, we did our short observing session by star hopping together. We would both align our scopes on the same star, and with my guidance we would star hop together until we reached a particular object. Not only will this help Jackie become familiar and more proficient with her star hopping skills, by doing so together I can assure that she doesn't get discouraged by walking her through the maze of stars in the sky.
I do have to say that she did quite well this evening. The first object that we star hopped to was M22 in Sagittarius. Although it took her a bit to get Kaus Borealis (Lambda Sagittarii), in the Teapot in the EP, once she found it, she did quite well hopping her way up to M22. We observed this great GC together for a bit, and then it was on to our next object. I had planned on hopping to M17 (The Swan Nebula), but the Moon was just on the rise and starting to obscure the anchor stars in which we would hop to and from.
At this point, we both took a few minutes to take a look at Jupiter and its 4 moons as it stretched majestically across the sky. The belts were very easily visible, as were the different zones, but no sight of the GRS this evening. There was a star in the same FOV that made it appear as if there was an extra moon, which was a neat sight in the EP.
I then slewed my scope towards Delphinus, which was almost at Zenith, and was going to attempt splitting a few of the doubles in the "Dolphin". I did, however, have a heck of a time getting any of the stars of Job's Coffin in my finder scope. I can not explain it as I have had no problems previously locating Delphinus, but tonight it decided it just didn't want me to observe it. Some nights are like that.
Jackie on the other hand found it straight away and enjoyed observing a few of the doubles, as well as locating a unique double that did not appear in our Pocket Sky Atlas.
As Jackie was busy observing some doubles, I slewed the scope to Lyra, and took in the double-double as well as The Ring Nebula...one of my favorite PN's. Using the OIII filter, the detail of The Ring was striking, even with the Moon now looming large and bright in the eastern sky.
Moving away from Lyra, I then took a few moments to observe the striking double star Struve 163 in Cassiopeia. With the Moon now placing a fair amount of wash in the sky, I decided to observe the southern highlands of the Lunar surface for a bit. The wrinkle ridge Dorsa Smirnov was spectacular, as were the craters Cyrillus and Theophilus, their central mountains looming like fingers from the center of each.
Even though the Moon forced us to call it a night fairly early, it was good night under the stars. I am excited being able to observe with Jackie, and I am also pleased at how well she is doing with getting familiar with her new scope, changing EP's and learning to "sweep" different regions of the sky. I am also having a blast explaining and helping her, and seeing the excitement in her face as she finds new objects on her own.
Hyde, the black lab, was spoiled tonight as well. He was, as always, close by, but tonight he was treated to a blanket being spread out on the grass for him to lie on. He too must have had a good time as the stillness and quiet of the night was broken only by the sound of his snoring only a few feet away.
DSO's:
M17 - Swan Nebula
M20 - Triffid Nebula
M22 - GC
M57 - Ring Nebula
Planets:
Jupiter
Stars:
Antares
Polaris
Kaus Borealis (Lambda Sagittarii)
Struve 163 CAS
Epsilon Lyra (double-double)
Equipment:
XT10i
Orion 10x50 binoculars
Eyepieces:
32mm
20mm
15mm Expanse
10mm
6.3mm
Orion 2x Barlow
Other:
13% Moon glow filter
Skyglow Filter
OIII Filter
Seeing/Transparency: 5/5
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Comments [0]
09/14/2008, Lodi, CA
Although we both knew better with a full Moon shining overhead, Jackie and I decided to try and get a little observing in this evening. I knew that the DSO's would be all but non-existent tonight, but we were hoping to catch a glimpse of the GRS transiting Jupiter, as well as the shadow of Io as it transited the face of the King of Planets.
Not only was the night sky lit up by the glow of the Moon, but there was also enough of a breeze that the air was very unsteady, and I could not keep Jupiter in focus for more than a few seconds at a time. I was able to see the GRS, but the shadow of Io was elusive. Not being able to keep Jupiter in focus long enough to pick up on any subtleties within or near the bands, I could not confirm the observation of this unique phenomenon. The shadow would appear like a speck of pepper near the northern band, but with the unsteady air it was impossible to study this region in any sort of detail. I will try again during our next dark night.
As always though, it was enjoyable to observe together, comparing what we were seeing through our scopes. It actually helps to confirm what we are or are not seeing through the EP. Although mine is a 10", and Jackie's is a 8", our scopes have the same focal length, and we have the same EP's, so we are able to visually see the same things at the same power, especially at higher magnifications.
As always, our faithful companion Hyde was close by, keeping busy going from me to Jackie in an attempt to garner as much petting as possible.
DSO's:
M13 - GC/Hercules Globular Cluster
Planets:
Jupiter
Stars:
Antares
Equipment:
XT10i
Orion 10x50 binoculars
Eyepieces:
32mm
20mm
15mm Expanse
10mm
6.3mm
Orion 2x Barlow
Seeing/Transparency: 3/3
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09/13/2008, Lodi, CA
With a cool breeze early in the evening and the Moon blaring bright overhead, Jackie and I weren't really sure if we were going to do any observing for the night. But by 10:00pm, the breeze had died down and we decided to bring the scopes out to observe the Moon as many of the DSO's have faded into the glow of the Moon.
After making some adjustment, I was finally able to get the COL on Jackie's scope to work, which she will enjoy tremendously when we start our DSO hunts together. As she is still learning how to star hop and to use her scope in general, it will also prevent a lot of frustration on her part, allowing her to actually observe instead of searching endlessly in the dark void of space. Naturally she was given a crash course in how to use her COL
I then sat down at my scope and slewed it towards the bright orb riding high in the south, and was immediately struck by the ruggedness of Cavalerius, Grimaldi & Hevelius region. These craters appeared to be a storm of geological upset on the edge of the Penumbra. The craters Plato and Aristarchus to the south (in my EP) also seemed to jump out in the FOV as contrasting starkly against the bright background of the Moon's surface.
Also of interest was what appeared to be a mountain range within the crater Grimaldi, of which I observed in detail with a barlowed 15mmExpanse EP. I also noted a spectacular play of shadows on the crater wall of Pythagoras and its double central mountains.
After observing and comparing various formations together, I slewed my scope over to Lyra to try and take in The Ring Nebula, which was just barely visible through the glow of the Moon. I also took a quick glance at the Double Double as well. Slewing the scope towards Sagitta, I was able to just frame The Coathanger within the 32mm EP.
Although it was enjoyable to be out observing with Jackie, for the most part the Moon just drives me crazy. Gone are all the wonderful OC's, GC's and other DSO's that fill the sky. But, I have to admit I am enjoying observing together more and more; a combination of enjoying Jackies newfound excitement of observing and just being able to share our experiences of the night sky together.
As always, our faithful companion Hyde was close by, filling the quiet of night with an occasional snore.
Moon:
Cavalerius (crater)
Grimaldi (walled plain)
Hevelius (walled plain)
Aristarchus (crater)
Herodotus (crater)
Vallis Schroter (rille)
Gassendi (walled plain)
Gassendi A (crater)
Gassendi J (crater)
Gassendi Y (crater)
Gassendi L (crater)
Billy (crater)
Puiseux F (craterlet)
Lohrmann (crater)
Kepler (crater)
Copernicus (crater)
Plato (walled plain)
Sinus Iridum (bay)
Pythagorus (crater)
Montes Recti (mountain)
Montes Teneriffe (mountain range)
DSO's:
M57 - The Ring Nebula
Planets:
Jupiter
Uranus
Neptune
Stars:
Alberio
Double-Double (in Lyra)
Equipment:
XT10i
Orion 10x50 binoculars
Eyepieces:
32mm
20mm
15mm Expanse
10mm
6.3mm
Orion 2x Barlow
Seeing/Transparency: 5/5
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09/10/2008, Lodi, CA
Observation Date: 9-7-08
Tonight Jackie and I spent a few hours under the stars observing with her telescope. Although she wanted me to drag my scope out with her, I thought I'd just sit back and enjoy watching her learn to use her new lawn cannon and EP's.
The night was quite warm, and just a subtle hint of a breeze, but not enough to ward off the balminess and humidity of a rather hot day. Unfortunately this did render the sky quite unstable and the transparency was as can be expected during the summer heat: Bad.
Naturally, there were also the dreaded particulates in the air as well from fires earlier in the afternoon, which added to the poor transparency. Adding to matters, the Moon is riding fairly high in the south in Sagittarius and belting out a good amount of light, which, naturally, pretty much killed and chance of allowing us to observe the many DSO splendors in this favorite constellation.
But all was not lost, as the wife really enjoys observing the Moon, and tonight she got her chance. Using all the EP's and the Barlow in her arsenal, she enjoyed some excellent views of our near neighbor and the many craters, riles, walled plains and Maria it has to offer for those who choose to slew their scopes in its direction.
After observing the Moon for a bit, she then slewed her scope to the King of the Planets, which was also riding high in the south. She was amazed to actually see the bands across its disk, as well as its moons. She spent quite a bit of time observing Jupiter, both enjoying the view and allowing herself to improve her seeing of finer nuances.
As how I don't yet have her COL functioning properly, I helped her locate some familiar objects in the EP, thus allowing her to actually observe a few objects instead of sweeping the vastness of space. She did manage to find a few objects on her own by star hopping, which I thought was great! They were simple objects, sure, but at least she is trying to improve her skills, which is both encouraging and fun to see. Given the fact that up until she got her own scope, she had never even tried star hopping or finding any sort of objects; so she is doing quite well trying for the first time with a 8" scope.
Overall it was a fun and enjoyable night under the stars.
As always, our faithful companion Hyde was close by.
DSO's:
M8 - The Lagoon Nebula
M11 - Wild Duck Cluster
M17 - The Swan Nebula
M20 - The Triffid Nebula
M57 - The Ring Nebula
NGC 884 & NGC 869 - Double Cluster
Pleiades
Planets:
Jupiter
Stars:
Alberio
Almach
Double-Double (in Lyra)
Equipment:
XTi8
Orion 10x50 binoculars
Eyepieces:
25mm
15mm Expanse
10mm
Orion 2x Barlow
Seeing/Transparency: 5/3
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09/07/2008, Lodi, CA
After doing some research and comparing different scopes, we finally went to the Orion Store in Cuppertino, CA and purchased my wife's first telescope. She decided on the XT8I Intelliscope. Along with her purchase of the new scope was a 15mm Expanse EP, a Moon filter and a couple of observing books.
As how this was her "First Light" and our first night of observing together, I spent time helping her located different objects AND she was able to find a few on her own by star hopping. For her first night out, she actually did very well, taking in some of the more common DSO's, a few double stars, and the Moon.
For me, it was a visit to some old favorites, but with the added excitement of doing so together, the wife with her scope, me at mine.
The night was quite warm and balmy as it tends to be this time of year, and the Moon cast enough of its light to obscure a lot of the wonders that Sagittarius (sitting in the southern sky) has to offer. But for the most part we were able to get in a good nights observing. I know the wife is tickled to death with her new scope, and was quite excited by actually being able to see some of the wonders in the heavens for herself.
I know I too am equally as excited to be able to share this great hobby with the wife, together, with our own scopes. I look forward to many more great nights under the stars together.
DSO's:
M8 - The Lagoon Nebula
M11 - Wild Duck Cluster
M13 - GC
M17 - The Swan Nebula
M20 - The Triffid Nebula
M24 - OC
M31 - Andromeda Galaxy
M57 - The Ring Nebula
NGC 884 & NGC 869 - Double Cluster
Pleiades
Hyades
Planets:
Jupiter
Stars:
Alberio
Almach
Double-Double (in Lyra)
Equipment:
XTi10
Orion 10x50 binoculars
Eyepieces:
2" -35mm
32mm
20mm
15mm Expanse
10mm
6.3mm
Orion 2x Barlow
Seeing/Transparency: 6/4
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08/10/2008, Lodi, CA
After spending the day creating my observation targets for the evening, I was looking forward to another great night of observing under the stars. The weather seemed perfect; mild temperatures, a crystal-clear sky, and just a very slight hint of a breeze. Boy, can initial looks be deceiving!
After allowing the scope come to temperature, I settled in for a good night of observing, my goal being a few more difficult objects. Well, it seemed as if the Moon instantly dashed any hopes of observing many of the fainter objects on my list. I had hoped that by the time I got out to peer through the EP, that the Moon would have set in the west. Not so. It was riding fairly high in the southern sky, pretty much washing out Scorpius and Sagittarius...the two primary constellations that I had built my observing session around. Undaunted, I decided to move from DSO's to double stars, objects that aren't affected by the bright glow of the waxing moon.
Firstly though, the King of Planets, Jupiter, was beckoning. Putting in the 15mm Expanse EP, I slewed my scope to the south, located the planet in my finder scope, and was ready to see what this gas giant had to offer up for the night.
Would I see the shadows of one (or more) of its many moons transit the face of the planet?
Possibly I could finally see the GRS; after all, the sky was clear.
I peered into the EP and...fuzzy! It looked like everything was out of focus. I collimated the scope earlier, and I had at first wondered if I had messed it up somehow. I tried switching to the 20mm Ep, and the same thing...fuzzy. Reaching for my red light, I shone it at the EP. It was fogged up! It then dawned on me that I was sweating. Shining the light around, I noticed that there was already dew settling in. Checking my weather report on the cell phone, it noted that the humidity was a whopping 49%...extremely high for this part of California during this time of year.
So, I decided to sit it out, sipping on some coffee and having a smoke or two to allow myself to adjust to the outside temperatures, so to say. After almost an hour, I was able to continue my observing for the night; but between the unexpected light from the moon and the high humidity, I had somewhat lost my enthusiasm.
I fired up the COL, aligned to my stars, and although my warp factor read +0.2, everything seemed to be way off when slewing the scope. I tried realigning, and the same thing...I was off by a very large margin. After a little bit of tinkering, I was able to figure out where the objects I had entered actually would appear when looking through the EP.
Even though the night started off less than stellar, I was able to observe and sketch a few objects. Most notable to me were the Globular Clusters M2 and M13. The stars that resolved in these magnificent GC's were just absolutely astounding. These objects also provided some challenges to sketch due to the sheer amount of stars in the FOV. I naturally visited some old favorites such as the Dumbell Nebula, the Little Dumbell Nebula, and a few other Open Clusters and a galaxy or two.
However, due to the poor observing conditions in combination with the glare of the Moon, many of the objects I had planned to observe were too washed out, and the air was extremely unsteady. I just managed as best as I could to salvage the night.
DSO's:
M2 - Globular Cluster (sketched)
M15 - Globular Cluster (sketched)
M27 - Dumbell Nebula
M76 - Little Dumbell Nebula
M57 - Planetary Nebula: Ring Nebula
NGC188 - Open Cluster
NGC869 - Open Cluster: Double Cluster
NGC884 - Open Cluster: Double Cluster
NGC1023 - Galaxy
NGC7662 - Blue Snowball Nebula
Planets:
Jupiter
Stars:
Alpheratz
Mirphak
Polaris
Ari E180
Equipment:
XTi10
Orion 10x50 binoculars
Eyepieces:
2" -35mm
20mm
15mm Expanse
10mm
6.3mm
Orion 2x Barlow
Seeing/Transparency: 5/3
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