Seeing conditions:8/10
Transparency:10/10
Wind:nil
jetstream: no idea
Dew: medium
Another pleasant nights viewing starting just before midnight. 152mm F/8 achro EQ5. This 'cheap' refractor never ceases to amaze me. On DSOs it's pretty damn good..If this is any indication, I just can't wait to get my hands on an APO!
Lagoon nebula: Very pleasant to look at @ 50X
Triffid: Someone's been dropping burnouts on those bitumen roads! (dust lanes) Blacker than in the reflector @ 50X-160X
Omega nebula: Spent 3 hours on this sketching it.
Nice views!
Tarantula nebula: I love looking at this. The more you look, the more you see. Really nice details @ 50X
Globula's: Saw quite a few of these that I don't know the names of.
Split antares @ 80X ?? Fact. Using the aperture mask
Mars:
This planet brings out the worst in everything. The telescope, the seeing. But I must admit it's the best view of it I've copped so far. Using the aperture mask & the fringe killer I saw the dark markings & the polar cap...Is this dwindling, or what? seems to be getting smaller (the cap I mean)
I've been waiting for mars to get higher while I'm typing this, so I'm off to have another gander!
Update: Just got back in. The seeing is deteriorating swiftly. 5/10.
Mars was a total washout! Not to worry.
I'm excited though! because I caught the orion nebula!!!
Oh what a wonderful sight! @ 50X the nebulousity extended more than I've ever seen it.
4 stars in the trapezium. Would you believe, while I was viewing it, TWO satellites crossed my FOV? 1 I managed to track for about 15 secs. The other one was too quick for me. I got up close & personal with the orion neb. @ 80X & 160X I'll never get enough of the orion nebula.
Pleiades: There up there at 5.30am....Saw em'.
Horse head nebula:
Could see the nebulousity where it's located. Can't expect miracles out of a 6" achro now can we?