Tripped over Saturn ...

[Shano592]

My wife and I were sitting on the back balcony last night, at about 12:30am.

I go out there to look at the stars, and my wife feeds the possums ...

Anyway, the moon was really playing havoc with Orion and his neighbours, so I thought I'd aim elsewhere. Sue asked what "that star over there" was, and I wasn't sure, so in I zoomed ... and bowl me over .... it had arms!

In goes the 4mm lens, and sure enough, there is Saturn! It was in the Northeast sky, maybe 20 degrees or so above the horizon.

I am just stoked that this toy scope Powerseeker 60AZ was able to show any detail at all. It has trouble with Jupiter - the best I can tell is that Jupiter is only half-illuminated from my POV. Also, it is lower in the sky, I guess.

Anyway, with the terrible heat today, I think I may be outside again tonight, looking for Saturn once more.

[WadeH]

Hi there Shane,

Yes first views of Saturn are always a buzz! And second, third, etc. Just wait until the rings start comming back, then they will really blow you away.

As for your view of "Jupiter", I think you will find you are looking at Venus. Jupiter has set by sunset now and is close to the sun I think. Hence no detail.

Enjoy your observing!! Lots of fun to come.

[Matty P]

That's great to hear Shane. I still remember my first view of Saturn through my little 70mm refractor. My jaw honestly hit the ground. :D Sure is a sight you will never forget.

Now imagine if you have a 12" Dob..... Whoops shouldn't have said that. :lol: :whistle:

Good luck with tonight. :thumbsup:

[Shano592]

Matt, fear not ... the 12" Dob has been nagging me for a fortnight now. And so has the 16", for that matter.

I don't want to crosspost, so I will just say that I will soon be in the market; I just need to decide where I will take this particular hobby.

[Matty P]

Good luck with your decision Shane. You can't go wrong with your particular choices.

:thumbsup: