Keep your eyes open

Scorp56 (Peter) · #1 25-03-2010, 09:33 PM

Hi all,

Last night I was out messing about with my scope and working up imaging the moon, Mars and Saturn with webcam. Still on a learning curve , but I am making progress.

One avi capture I took of the moon on close inspection showed an object that raced across the field. I am assuming it was a satellite of some sort that just happened to cross at the right time???

I also got image of Saturn (needs work, but it showed a moon in the field too, ? Not sure which one it was yet)

This made me realise how much is actually going on out there.

Thanks to all on IIS for inspiration, images and heaps of useful info !!

Cheers

Peter

dannat (Daniel) · #2 25-03-2010, 10:06 PM

are you going to post the frame for us to see??

Scorp56 (Peter) · #3 25-03-2010, 11:01 PM

Hi all,

Here is a few frames from the avi showing the mystery object (?satellite) crossing the moon last night 24 Mar 2010. See lower Left corner

Cheers
Peter

DavidU (Dave) · #4 25-03-2010, 11:21 PM

That's a great capture Peter.

astroron (Ron) · #5 27-03-2010, 01:36 PM

Without seeing the Avi I would say it looks like a bird?
Which telescope where you using?

Scorp56 (Peter) · #6 27-03-2010, 07:48 PM

Hi Ron.
I was using GSO 8" Dobsonian scope.
Are you thinking a bird due to lack of light reflection?

Cheers
Peter

astroron (Ron) · #7 27-03-2010, 08:20 PM

Hi Peter, No not light reflections, a Satellite would have to be very large indeed to make such an image in an 8" scope.
As Satellites orbits start at around 350kms and go out to 30.000 kms they would be miniscule in your scope.
As a visible observer for many years using 8" and16" scopes I have seen many birds fly in front of the moon over the years.
The shape of your object also leads me to think A bird.
Cheers

Scorp56 (Peter) · #8 27-03-2010, 10:56 PM

Hi Ron,
Thanks for insight into the mystery object across the moon.
Seems it was a "bird" after all.

Never mind !! I am getting back into astronomy and I guess I will see plenty more strange things out there.

Cheers

Peter

astroron (Ron) · #9 27-03-2010, 11:15 PM

Never mind !! I am getting back into astronomy and I guess I will see plenty more strange things out there.
Hi Peter I hope you enjoy your return to a great hobby

Sure enough you will see many more strange and wonderful things in the future

Kevnool (Kev) · #10 28-03-2010, 08:39 AM

Hang in there Peter theres lots of interesting objects to view visually and through scopes and binos.

Theres enough to satisfy everyones needs.
Cheers Kev.

duncan · #11 28-03-2010, 10:15 AM

Whether it is a bird or not it is still a great capture and a great talking point.
Send it to those who promote UFO sightings, they'll have a field day with it,LOL!!!!!!!!

Cheers,
Duncan