The joys of dark skies!

[julianh72]

So, I'm up in the Whitsundays for a bare-boat sailing holiday. I brought binoculars, but not a telescope - I figured "What's the point? How could you use a telescope aboard a rocking boat?"

Now I'm kicking myself - beautiful clear, cloudless skies, and I'm seeing things easily in binoculars that I normally struggle to see in my 130 mm telescope in light - polluted Brisbane skies. Eta Carina and the Southern Pleiades in particular are just stunning from on board as we sit at anchor, and I'm wishing I had brought some sort of small telescope to take ashore and set up on the beach!

[raymo]

If you are trying to make me jealous, you're succeeding.
raymo

[rustigsmed]

sounds amazing!

[madwayne]

I get horribly sea sick and can walk outside and sea dark skies, nothing like it. Seriously enjoy your holiday.

Wayne

[muletopia]

Well tonight, at my dark sky home, I could see Achenar (alt about 2.5) and the milky way is just that.
My new 'scope should come soon.
I wonder what I will be able to see!

[Renato1]

Sounds like you should have taken bigger binoculars.
Cheers,
Renato

[brian nordstrom]

:thumbsup: cool, what scope is coming? .
Brian.

[muletopia]

Hello Brian,
A Tak μ 210, I have just received an email from Claude to say he has put it on the courier.
I am hoping!
Chris

[julianh72]

So - after 6 glorious cloudless pitch-black nights (and balmy sun-soaked days) in the Whitsundays, I'm back in Brisbane, where it's clear, but much colder and windier (although nothing to complain about compared to those of you living in southern areas!)

But - who stole all the stars and the Milky Way?!

It's hard to believe it's the same sky!