This 5000 post was to be part of my observation report for 25/26/01/11
But the report is taking so long to complete so I thought I would publish this part separatly.
Saturn Report 26/01/11
00.14
Saturn was about 25 degrees high when first observed,
with a 6mm radian and a 2.5mm Barlow could see a white band in the northern part
But could not be sure it was the storm as it took up most of the width of the planet.
I was not sure how far the storm had spread round the planet.
Had a quick look at the moon then inside for a coffee break and chat group session.
01.32
Wow!
With Saturn at about 40 deg altitude the storm is now easily seen, going about two thirds around the planet,
A White streak looking quite cometary, eye piece used 6mm radian and 2.5x Barlow giving a mag of 762 times Wow
It was just like looking at Trevors(quark) pictures
.
I tried all eyepieces from 6mm upto 21mm, but the 13mm Nagler was the lowest eyepiece I could see the storm in
and that was only because I knew it was there .
The Cassini and Encke divisions where plain to see
Saturn was quite unusual as it was on it's side in my scope,but gave me a great view of the storm.
It will be interesting to see what other sized scopes and eye piece combination's can see the storm.
A fantastic nights observing
Called it a night at 01.45