Planets from last night 9 December

[Averton]

We set up for the evening to probably take some of the last images of the planet season. We started with Saturn which was already at only 28 degrees by the time it was dark, and it won't be much longer before it is gone. There is probably still a bit longer for Jupiter but again it is getting low making it more difficult to get good images. And Mars is just difficult regardless! We did three versions, first one colour, second one R+IR 610nm long pass and the third one 850nm.

All taken with our 6" SCT.

[Saturnine]

That is a pretty good result for the session P & C .

[Mickoid]

I like those P & C, you must have a reasonably good view of the northern sky east to west to take all three planets in one night. I took my gear up to my in-laws place at St Andrews just so I could capture Mars. Too many trees where I live. Great results from the 6 inch once again. Yep, that's about it for Saturn and Jupiter for me as well, hasn't been a great planet season for us in Victoria this year.

[Crater101]

Superb. Mars has been difficult for me to observe - the seeing has been poor - but you've battled through the haze to get some great results. And while all of the images have come up nicely, I do like the one of Jupiter and the four "main" moons, it's an absolute cracker of a shot! My compliments.

[John W]

Nice set of images of these planets P and C. Well done.
Cheers john W.

[Dave882]

Great shots! Saturn and Jupiter are fantastic! Yes mars is a real funny beast to shoot and process- for me it’s got to be at zenith or close otherwise it’s a mess, but even then it’s tough. Nice work!

[Averton]

Thanks Jeff.

We enjoyed the night :)

[Averton]

Thanks Michael. Yes, we're lucky that our neighbour to the north is still a single storey residence and they don't have any tall trees, just some well pruned fruit trees. There is a tree or two to the ENE so we do have to wait til things have risen on occasion. Mars has been rising to the north of this tree so we have been fortunate. Hopefully next year La Nina will be behind us.

[Averton]

Thanks Warren. We agree, the wider view Jupiter image was probably our favourite for the night as well. The moons add some perspective.

[Averton]

Thanks John :)

[Averton]

Thanks David. It would help if Mars could decide to rise higher than 27 degrees :) But you can only make the best of what's on offer. It's going to be a few years before we get another real go at Mars and we had a great night trying.