Finally got them at 5.20est yesterday morning. Venus and Jupiter.
As an observation report, I'm probably not the best at describing things but Venus sat lower in the eastern sky and was (as my wife put it) ((yes I was brave enough to wake her)) the brightest object she's ever seen in the sky. As for detail, I really can't say that I had that much time to sit and stare, but I didn't really notice anything.
Higher in the sky and just slightly north, was the prize, Jupiter. Even from my light polluted back yard, it was awesome!!! I could clearly see the four moons, the more orange of the moons appears to be just off the southern edge of the planet. Jupiter itself was clear and bright and I could make out two caramel stripes running across the planet surface.
Saturday night, I attended a ASV, How to use your telescope evening and had a brilliant time, learnt heaps, and had a great time in excellent company. From a park in southern Melbourne, saw omega centauri, 47 Tucana, Ngc 2516, the jewel box and pleiades. Spent a fair bit of the evening getting the hang of averted vision. I've read about alot of people here doing it, but I've always found personalised instruction easier.
After getting home at a very reasonable hour, I just couldn't stand the idea of going to bed when there were clear skies!!!!!!!!!!!!!so staright out into the backyard and put a few of the things I'd learnt during the evening into practice.
After, 2.15am or so, with the moon disapearing in the west, Scorpius was visible in the east and I managed to see M4 straight view, and M80 with averted vision. Then M6 and M7 and a little later, Jupiter again.
All in all, a great weekend of viewing.
Darren
