|
Re: 2012 DA14
I had what I regard as a successful morning observing from my brother-in-law's place a bit north of Kyneton in central Vic.
I'd decided to go north on the strength of 7timer and Skippy Sky predictions that the sky would be clear and a bit more transparent than Melbourne. I've also realised that I haven't used the scope in the backyard since we built our new garage and it just wasn't looking good for access to the right parts of the sky.
I also wanted to see comet Lemmon from a darker site.
Arrived up there about midnight and observed until 6 am.
Didn't start looking for 2012 DA14 until a bit after 3 am. I initially picked it up at 3:30 as it movd into the area where I'd made more detailed charts.
I lost it again soon after when I paused to send a text to say I'd found it.
Followed it, with the occasional loss of contact through until dawn.
Lost it for the last time around 6 am when the sky was brightening and I didn't have many other references. I went to readjust the scope in a different way and couldn't pick it up again.
I had also been checking the finder towards the end and I believe I did spot it there.
Quite a problem with dew until the wind changed at 5 am and brought some noticeably warmer air.
Also had my look at comet Lemmon in the earlier part of the night. Made a nice pair with 47 Tuc, looking like twins either side of a star in binoculars.
Peter Thomas
Oakleigh
|