Jakes Observing Log

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #1 09-10-2006, 10:23 PM

I decided tonight was a night to have a break from imaging and spend it with my boys just doing visual observations. They like to help capture, but it's more fun 'seeing' stuff with them.

My son Jake was given the 12" dob and he did the searching/finding himself!

He found Tarantula, 47Tuc, Trifid, Antares, and lots of open clusters throughout Sagittarius! He was so proud of himself

The only objects I found for him were Swan & Eagle Nebs and Wild Duck Cluster.
He absolutely loved them.

The temp had dropped to minus 2 and my hands were in severe pain (I left my jacket and gloves at Leons

) and he was getting tired so we packed it in before we turned into popsicles

It was a great night and he did an excellent job finding objects!!!

During his observing session we noticed several large fireballs!!!!!!!!!!

They are still happening outside at the moment. At least one every few minutes!!! From the North. An excellent addition to a great night.

Onya Jake, you did well matey

h0ughy (David) · #2 09-10-2006, 10:40 PM

top stuff Ken - gee you are getting the winter chills there, I was at Dubbo fri-today and it was cool last night but not that cold

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #3 09-10-2006, 11:30 PM

-3 at the moment here Houghy!

Ric · #4 10-10-2006, 12:29 AM

Hi Ken,
It's great to see the next generation of amateur astronomers learning the craft. I still get the same buzz now as I did at their age when I find something that I haven't seen before.

Cheers

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #5 10-10-2006, 12:47 AM

HUSH with the temperature readings Ken
i know a certain fella from mangrove mountain that would pay you a visit down there just so he could wear his freezer suit

(there will be a few IIS members from the central coast that know who i mean)

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #6 10-10-2006, 12:51 AM

I might add that he would kidnap me and make me wear mine as well

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #7 10-10-2006, 12:59 AM

Hey Geoff, you've gotta use the super-suit sometime. Might as well make the trip down so you can justify owning it

GTB_an_Owl (Geoff) · #8 10-10-2006, 01:11 AM

OH! if only i could Ken
would be nice to pop down and sample some southern hospitality
think i only got to wear my suit once since i bought it
oh well - Ilford is not far away now
maybe i could take it to lostock and see if i could float down the creek in it?

What do you reckon RB?

RB (Andrew) · #9 10-10-2006, 01:30 AM

Excellent report Ken and great to hear young Jakes' obs' session.
It's so exciting to watch the young ones enjoying themselves using a scope under the stars.

Yep Geoff gotta love that suit.

Thanks for the report Ken.