Catching a view of Jupiter

[ZoidbergPhD]

Hi IIS,

I'm keen to get up the blue mountains this weekend given clear skies and would like to get a good view of Jupiter though conditions seem far from optimal. As i see on the charts sunset is roughly 17:50 at which point Jupiter should be at around 30° altitude and have set by 20:30. Do you think Jupiter would be visible in these conditions or should i head up a little later and get a good look at saturn?

And if conditions are bad are they forecast to improve in the near future or degrade?

Cheers, Mitch.

Side note: what does everyone use to carry their gear? I've placed an order for a hockey stick bag and am looking at picking up a foam case from Jaycar for the bits but i would love to hear your solutions

[Steffen]

The last two nights had pretty decent seeing in Western Sydney, which is about all that matters for viewing planets. Jupiter is slipping away fast now, but with a quick-setup rig like a Dob you should still be able to get some nice views.

Did you try Sunday and Monday night from Bonnyrigg? Saturn was awesome from Toongabbie (more so Sunday night).

I often find that the seeing down here in the suburban muck is better than up in the mountains, even though transparency is poor and there is lots of light pollution. With planets, that's not an issue, though.

[ZoidbergPhD]

No i hadnt't Steffen, I did go up to mulgoa Sunday night intending to head to the rock lookout, got there in pitch darkness and decided I was better off not getting lost or falling off a rock. Ill give suburban viewing a crack once the overcast clears

[AEAJR]

You asked how I carry my stuff. Most of my observing is done in front of the house. But I do toss a scope in the car from time to time.


My astronomy stuff lives in the garage. Those things that are not being actively used go into a bin on a shelf. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-3Q2900CLMCB-Storage-Blueberry-Frost/dp/B002HDHM36/ref=sr_1_12?s=storageorganization&ie=UTF8&qid=1504906621&sr=1-12&refinements=p_4%3ARubbermaid

My 15X70, 10X50 binoculars and binocular monopod also sit on a shelf.


My actively used stuff goes in a bucket
https://www.amazon.com/Purina-Tidy-Cats-Instant-Action/dp/B0018CJVPY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1504905117&sr=8-4&keywords=cat+litter+bucket litter bucket

Bottom of the bucket has a foam pad to soften the ride for the things I carry. In this bucket lives:

Baader Hyperion Zoom - padded bolt case
2" GSO Barlow - original padded box
38 mm 2" eyepiece - Original padded box
Clipboard with notebook and paper for observing reports
Pencils and pens
Brightstar Atlas 2000
Orion Moon chart
12V adapter cord for my GoTo scopes
Hand control for whatever scope I am using that night
Spare batteries
eye patch
red flashlight
7X35 binoculars
reading glasses
Dual stalk clip on red light



Also in the bucket is my Orion Eyepiece Belt Case - below is what is in the case - I find it very handy.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0069VZOLY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UT F8&psc=1



ES 25 mm 2" -
1.25" 2X barlow
2 moon filters
Celestron 24 to 8 zoom -
ES 82 degree 8.8 and 6.7 -
Meade SWA 82 degree 5.5 mm
Meade HD60 4.5 mm
5 colored filters
1 Nebula and 1 OIII filter



When I go observing I grab the telescope of choice, my Denver chair and the bucket and I am set for the evening.
http://www.valleystargazers.com/Chair.pdf


The bucket serves as a place to sit my clipboard and observing list and notes when I am observing. the red light clips onto the edge of the bucket so I can see to take notes. I also have a small table that folds up into a bag if I feel the need. If needed to drive my ETX 125 I also bring my power pack.
https://www.google.com/search?q=sears+jump+starter&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiS54OWyJbWAhUM94MKHfjMBc IQsxgIKQ&biw=1600&bih=770#spd=17017837345751364756