Melbourne - Finally clear skies

[Sarge (Rod)]

Last night in western Melbourne was the first really clear night for at least a month (that is when I wasn't working in the evening). Spent nearly 4 hours in the cold (really cold) and only gave up with the dew became too much (and my ears felt like they were about to drop off).
I used Astroplanner and Stellarium for the evening plans, selected 16 objects and found 13 of them, M4, M6 (very large and beautiful open cluster), M7, M8, M16, M17, M20 (got M8 and M20 confused for a while, but think I had then right in the end), M22 (truely a "mini me" Omega Cen) as well as 5 NGC objects 5986, 6093, 6231, 6388 and 6723.
Gave my 2x Powemate a good work out and was very impressed - "I like it!!".
Here's hoping for many more nights like last night. (absolutely beats watching the idiot box by far!)
I have just completed writing up my observations.
One happy astro nut.

Rod

[DavidU (Dave)]

Great stuff Rod. I chickened out last night because of the cold. I need ski boot's. My feet freeze !

[richardda1st (Richard)]

I managed an hour or so, just had to observe jupiter.
Must sort out some dew heaters soon, boots as well.

[Liz]

Well done Rod, sounds a good night, apart from the cold. Clear skies at least.

[Suzy]

Good on you Rod . M22 is one of my favourites - I like your comparison of this to Omega Centauri

[goober (Doug)]

Good stuff - cash in because weather is on the way tonight. Sounds like Perth copped it yesterday.

[Sarge (Rod)]

Back inside for the next couple of nights - cold, wet, windy and cloudy (depressing). That's all the reasons in one. Early next week looks a little more promising.

I heard Perth coped some bad weather, hope they got through all right,

Rod

[mozzie (Peter)]

its clear and cold here at the moment undone the pod warm clothes ready hopefully its going to stay a cracker of a night.alarm set for 12.30am take advantage of the moon and look at some galaxies,jupiter will be up wooohooo
please no cloud please

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

set up last night because it was looking promising from the west. Had just finished polar alignment and was working on focus when the clouds rolled in and remained for the rest of the night.

Great views of the milky way and the winter time goodies. Really looking forward to getting some longer exposures.

Forecast is clear tonight 8C. Monday clear 9C. Fingers crossed.

[Rex]

Nice report Rod, Glad you got some viewing time in, I know the good nights are few and far between for you guys down south this time of year.

[pgc hunter]

Originally Posted by rcheshire

set up last night because it was looking promising from the west. Had just finished polar alignment and was working on focus when the clouds rolled in and remained for the rest of the night.

Great views of the milky way and the winter time goodies. Really looking forward to getting some longer exposures.

Forecast is clear tonight 8C. Monday clear 9C. Fingers crossed.

I was expecting clear weather tonight, but on the way to hungry jacks from the station I could see a massive bank of cloud against the twilight skies...never mind a night in with some junk food, booze and family guy while parents are on holiday is almost as good as observing