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Looks like I am the first up to give a report on the night's proceedings.
What an odd night, weather-wise. Crystal clear viewing until about 10.15pm, then the sky turned to cloud soup. Sucker holes teased from then on, only lasting in one place for 30 seconds or so. I then packed up at about midnight, only to find at about 12.30 after the pack-up was complete that the sky was clearing again. Don't you hate that?
Anyway, I had enough time at the EP to enjoy some special views, and share same with a few of the of the lads.
The stand out objects for me, with the Ethos, were the LMC, NGC 253 and NGC 1365.
The LMC was crawling with nebulosity and clusters. Not in a dull or faint way, but an "in your face screaming" sort of way, with incredible detail. I have never felt so close to that vast object.
NGC 253 spread beyond the limits of the Ethos FOV, and was magnified just perfectly such that exquisite detail was apparent, far beyond the usual "mottling" that one might normally observe. For the first time ever I could sense the spiral shape and see the object (without colour) as it looks in many photos.
NGC 1365 was bright and clear as the object one sees imaged. One thing that several people (such as RB) picked up was that the spiral arms showed soft edges, rather than just faint lines. Again, it was reminiscent of many photos I have seen of this object, where one sees the arms as not having hard edges, but simply a trail of knotted stars.
I also enjoyed a range of other objects, such as 47 Tuc, M42, NGC1261, NGC 1535, Mars, and the Adhara double in Canis Major.
After I had packed up, it was nice to catch some views of Saturn and Luna through Deeno's scope. Nice views were enjoyed through the 6mm Radian.
As always, it was great to catch up with everyone. It was nice to hear the familiar sound of Geoff's LX200 (that sound has so many happy memories..), enjoy Mike's Thai chilli chips and choc chip cookies, and sit down wind from RB's Romeo and Juliet cigar. Mmmmmmmmm!!! Good to see David again, and his dad (Laurie?) and to share the company of everyone, including Rick, who I can't remember seeing before?? Welcome Rick!
Thanks for the company, guys! Until next time....
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