Clear skies at last

[figgylion (Steve)]

Got home from work last night about 11pm, looked up to see a totally cloudless sky for the first time in what seems like months.
Pulled the scope out and after a a quick trip around some of the usual suspects, I went after two specific targets. Found the Tarantula Nebula a lot easier than expected (heavy LP to my south) and spent some time in that area before heading off to search for my main target M5. After giving it time to rise above the tree line I started my search, using a combination of a planisphere and a bit of earlier research with Stellarium, I got Antares and Arcturus as reference points and began my search. My target was located within about ten minutes and was a beautiful sight, although not comparable with Omega Centauri( where I ended my nights viewing. I can't stay away from this beauty )

I think the highlight of my night though was the simple fact I was able to locate my targets by being able to find my way around star hoppping. Obviously messing about with Stellarium at work is paying dividends now
Hope I haven't bored anyone too much but seeing things for the first time is just too exciting not to tell somebody.

Cheers
Steve

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Steve,
You can't bore us, we're with you all the way.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[GeoffW1 (Geoff)]

Hi Steve,

Good to hear. It's never boring to read about this, far from it.

I recall my first sighting of M57, so gratifying, and I could not resist posting about that.

I shared your experience last night with the clear skies, and spent a lot of time on the Ghost of Jupiter, rated one of the best planetary nebulae around

http://www.astropix.com/HTML/L_STORY...T/PLANETAR.HTM

I was very bothered by light pollution, but at least up at the zenith it was a little darker.

Cheers

[erick (Eric)]

Keep us right up to date with what you find, by purpose or by accident, Steve.