Clear Skies in the NT !

[gaa_ian]

After a few weeks of storms & rain the last 2 nights have been clear, getting better as the evening progressed.
Did the usual Favourites tonight of 47 tuc, Tarantula Neb, M42, Andromeda Galaxies (M31,32,110) Plus M33. Both the SMC & LMC are ideally placed for viewing & are a rich feast of nebulas & clusters, plus of course Mars.
Decided to try for a few new Messiers, picked up M103 in Cassiopia & M74 in Pisces.
You cant help but admire our old french friend charles M. :prey2:
For me with my 10" Dob M74 was a faint smuge !
Tried to find M76 (Little Dumbell Neb) without success.
Will have to give it a go from our northern coastal site.
All in all, a very satisfing night, helped along by a cold glass of Chardonay or 2 :drink:

[asimov]

Glad you got some viewing in up there!

[fringe_dweller]

Thanks Ian - makes me feel like i was there in a way - I love reading reports like this :)

[Mick]

Nice report Ian, must be getting hotter by the day up there. We've had a few clear nights on the CQ coast but the humidity is rising.

[ballaratdragons]

It's still freezing here at the moment!!!

Nice night of viewing Ian. It must be great to see both hemispheres!

[atalas]

Nice Ian ! oh yes the report was good too . :)

[gaa_ian]

It certainly is getting hot, standard Astronomy outfit at 10pm:
Shorts & Thongs ! ;) & thats the truth !

[hogly52]

Ian, you left out the other wearing essential - Aeroguard :help3:


Graeme

[rmcpb]

Especially if he is only wearing a "thong"!!

[gaa_ian]

Yep Aeroguard is an essential !
Wearing a thong ? ...that is to scary to imagine :scared:

[dhumpie]

My Aeroguard does not work on the damn Brissie mozzies. Have to use the mozzie coils!!!!

Darren

[ving]

my mozies are lame... a good dose of BO will keep them away! :D

nice report... cloud 'ere :(