[smithcorp (Brian)]

Noticed that the sky was quite clear last night, so tonight after dinner, the 7-year-old and I got the binoculars and telescope out for some clusters.

We started with the old favourite, the Jewel Box in Crux. We can both find that with our eyes closed now and despite the sky looking still fairly light, we got a nice clear sight of it through both devices.

Then, with the help of Stellarium, we found the Butterfly Cluster, M6. Almost directly overhead, so involved some contortions with the binos (there is just no way to make these comfortable when tilted too far up, even with the tripod) and the telescope to find it. Once 'on', it looked better through the 25mm telescope eyepiece than the more powerful 10mm one. Then across to M7 and again, better through the wider view.

Through our little 4.5" Dobsonian it was a noticeable cluster of stars, though without the incredible profusion you can see using Stellarium.

Still, we got in some nice viewing before a band of high cloud came over from the south. I dare say it would have been more spectacular later in the night.

Can't wait to get a 10" or so next!

smith