Last night's observing

[shelltree]

So I really went over to my friend's place to get something signed for my passport but one thing led to another and the telescope was hauled out into the driveway for some twilight/early night observing :)

We were discussing how Alpha Centauri was actually binary and decided to see whether we could distinctly see two stars as the last time we looked, it just looked like one star. Turns out twilight was the best time to look as two stars could be clearly seen! It was absolutely amazing.

We also looked at the phases of venus which was really cool and then I trained my eye on what we decided must be Saturn and there it was, looking absolutely beautiful with two of its moons close by :D We saw Mars as well but it just kinda looked like a bright blob hehe.

We also had a look at M22 which was rather faint but still awesome! Then the clouds rolled in so alas our night was cut short. I still had so much fun though, it was an amazing night!

[Rex]

Congratulations Shell! Researching objects and finding out all about them is really fun, but then turning your scope onto them and actually seeing them is very exciting. Well done. Hope to hear about more of your descovery adventures.

[renormalised]

Sounds like a fun night was had:)

As Rex said, it's fun to research what you're wanting to look at and then actually looking at them. But what I've found over my time is that despite knowing what I do, just the sheer enormity of it all still excites me. It also gives me a perspective on things...just how small we all are, yet important at the same time because we're all part of the one great universe. It's also a great way to relax:)

[shelltree]

Thank you both, this is only the second time looking through a telescope but I am in absolute awe of our universe and it all just excites me so much!! And I definitely agree, it does really put things into perspective, sometimes I'm just overcome by the sheer enormity of it all and I just want to know everything there is to know about it! :)

[Liz]

Hi Shell .... well done on seeing a few goodies in our night skies, always a buzz. Yeah, Mars is not too spectacular at the moment, as is still retreating away from us. :sadeyes: Lots of other planets though!!

[shelltree]

Thanks Liz, it was a really great experience! :)

[luigi]

Good report Shell, I like this kind of observational reports because they give ideas about what to see, what others saw, paths and they are also quite good for the ones that couldn't go out at that day. Like a recap of a TV show :)

[shelltree]

Cheers Luis, I agree! I'm already starting to make a list of objects I'd eventually like to find myself once I get my telescope and I'm sure it will continue to grow as I read other people's observations :)