[pw (Peter)]

This morning I spent some time observing the sun with my homemade Baader solar film filter on my 8" dobsonian scope. It was good and I could see more detail than I have previously, two large sunspot groups (1711 was very clear and good to look at, as was 1713). I could also see some sort of white tracery toward the limb around 1719 and 1718 which I've never seen before.

Then just now tonight I was able to get my first views of Saturn through this scope which I've only had a for a couple of months. Initially through a large Eucalypt in the neighbours yard, but then in clear sky. It was not good seeing, but every now and then the view would clear and I could see it crisply with its rings and planet quite clear. I could see a band on the upper half of the planet (ring shadow? and I guess really the lower half as the view is inverted) but no divisions in the rings.

Anyway both sessions were very interesting for a beginner.