Morning Astronomy

[gaa_ian]

Morning Space addicts:astron:
What else can you do when you wake up at 4:30 am, go outside & see what the sky is like of course.
A quick scan with the 16X60 Pentax's gave a nice view of Omega Centuri & the Comet K4 was an easy find.:)
Natually I had to have a look for Jupiter & this was soon followed by a session with the Dob, nice views of Jupiter, with some of the minor cloud bands visable & swirling in the cloud bands evident in moments of good seeing.
Have a great day all:D

[silvinator]

Sounds like a peaceful and serene morning you had there mate! Almost inspires me to get up that early tomorrow...almost :P
How does the view of K4 compare to Machholz? Glad you got some sky time.

[gaa_ian]

When I was looking the other night, the view of Machkolz was bigger & brighter than K4.
K4 is fading while Machkoltz is brightening, so the difference will only become greater, should make for a good view of Machkolz on the 7th & 8th when it is close to the Pleaides. :cool2:

[iceman]

Great report Ian, I too had a look outside at 3:30am this morning, but unfortunately my skies were full of clouds.

The sun is bright and the sky is clear today, hopefully it will stay that way tonight and I'll be looking at teh same objects you did :) Well, except for K4. Have you got a finder for it? Does it have a tail?

[ving]

sorry... I am just not a morning person! 10 am is still night time for me. It's hard enough dragging my butt outta bed for work at 6:30-7

[gaa_ian]

Check out "Southern Sky Watch" on abc.net.au/science & navigate to the space pages.
It has the maps for both Comets
I'm on Holidays in Cairns for the next Two weeks, but i should still be online.
I am taking the "Astroscan" with me.
It is an ultra portable rich field scope from Edmond Scientific.
Gives lovely tack sharp wide field views.
Cheers
ian