Observation report 7/4

[Liz]

Clear skies finally in FNQ, so very eager to set up and do some observing.
Love carbon stars and wanted to check a few out, but only found the easy one. :) Did try for W Orionis and R Leporis, and V Hydra.
Unable to see even the Leo galaxies, due to poor seeing :sadeyes: .. or visibly see Omega Centauri which I can normally see from here.
Had aimed for many more objects but conditions uncomfortable, so a very basic observing list only.

Date - 7/4/10
Time - 8-9 pm
Place - Saunders Beach
Instument - 10" coll-dob. 15mm SWAN 72' FOV. 9mm Nagler.
Conditions - 26.5 dg 84% humidity. Not great seeing.

Saturn - a delight as usual, very sharp and clear, with 4 Moons visible!! Not sure if I have seen 4 Moons with Saturn before, and checked with Stellarium to be sure.

The Orion Nebula - M42 - This emission nebula is a favourite of mine, as such a beautiful sight. Trapezium was very clear, and the streams of nebulosity were stunning. I did try a nebula filter (NPB) which didnt seem to make much difference.

ESB 365 - Carbon star in Crux - 7th mag star in sam FOV as Beta Crucis. Always a wonderful sight, though appeared a little dimmer than when I last saw it.

The Jewel Box - NGC 4755 in Crux - Beautiful little open cluster with bright stars, and a gorgeous red star as the ruby of the jewels.

Also checked out a few stars - Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Castor, Alpha Centauri and Rigel.

Inside about 9pm, was so muggy and just dripping in sweat, clothes saturated so inside to the shower. Still a great night though. :thumbsup:

[erick]

Well done! You saw more than I saw last night - clouds and I couldn't get out anyway. Good work Bella!

Turn the NPB filter onto the Carina Nebula next chance you get.

Try for "Hind's Crimson Star" (R Leporis) not too far from Rigel.

[jjjnettie]

Great report Liz.
Doesn't it feel good soaking up all that cosmic energy!! Nothing beats being outside under the stars.
I'm so jealous. I had clear skies but no scopes. sigh....

[Liz]

Will do that Eric :thumbsup: Oh, did try for R Leporis, but it had sunk down behind the giant grapefruit tree :sadeyes:. Earlier, when it was up, the neighbours had to leave their backdoor lights on for quite awhile (only about ...5 m from me).



Yes, was great to be out there again, and will only get better up here now.
Just got a little toy in the post ... a zoom Skywatcher Ep - didnt cost much so prob pretty crappy, oh well, look forward to trying it :)
Where is your scope??

[jjjnettie]

:lol: A dear friend has removed them from the house so I won't be tempted to set up.
Wise move I think.

A zoom ep. Let us know how it works out.
Speaking of mail... I'd better get things sorted out here so I can mail out that disk for you.

[erick]

Ooops, I'd better read more carefully. :ashamed:

[Paddy]

Congratulations on finally getting out with Bella. Pity about the seeing and humidity. Sounds amazing to get so soaked.