Saturn Report 26/01/11

[astroron (Ron)]

This 5000 post was to be part of my observation report for 25/26/01/11
But the report is taking so long to complete so I thought I would publish this part separatly.
Saturn Report 26/01/11
00.14
Saturn was about 25 degrees high when first observed,
with a 6mm radian and a 2.5mm Barlow could see a white band in the northern part
But could not be sure it was the storm as it took up most of the width of the planet.
I was not sure how far the storm had spread round the planet.
Had a quick look at the moon then inside for a coffee break and chat group session.

01.32
Wow! With Saturn at about 40 deg altitude the storm is now easily seen, going about two thirds around the planet,
A White streak looking quite cometary, eye piece used 6mm radian and 2.5x Barlow giving a mag of 762 times Wow
It was just like looking at Trevors(quark) pictures.
I tried all eyepieces from 6mm upto 21mm, but the 13mm Nagler was the lowest eyepiece I could see the storm in
and that was only because I knew it was there .
The Cassini and Encke divisions where plain to see
Saturn was quite unusual as it was on it's side in my scope,but gave me a great view of the storm.
It will be interesting to see what other sized scopes and eye piece combination's can see the storm.
A fantastic nights observing
Called it a night at 01.45

[davewaldo]

Sounds great Ron, thanks for sharing!

[astroron (Ron)]

Thanks for reading it Dave
Cheers

[Suzy]

Congratulations on your 5000thpost, Ron!

Wow, that sure is a lot of posts and observing reports.

Thank you for your report on Saturn - I have been eager to find out what people see with the storm. And it's on its side?! Wow- really can't wait to see it. I wonder how long this storm will stay put for .

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Suzy

Congratulations on your 5000thpost, Ron!

Wow, that sure is a lot of posts and observing reports.

Thank you for your report on Saturn - I have been eager to find out what people see with the storm. And it's on its side?! Wow- really can't wait to see it. I wonder how long this storm will stay put for .

Hi Suzy,Thanks
It looks like the storm will be around for a while ,it may even circumvent the whole planet
So With a bit of luck and some good sky's you may get a look at it but you will need High mag
Cheers

[astroron (Ron)]

I had a look about 01.45 using the same eyepiece combination as last night and the storm was not visible
The Mist came in and that was the end for me
Cheers

[pgc hunter]

Sounds like you caught one of those very rare nights Ron. Well done!

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Well done Ron it was a great read and reporting.
Enjoyed it.
Must of been a planned night without those white puffy things that spoil your view.

Cheers Kev.

[Liz]

Thats great Ron, well done with the storm!!
Yes, looking at recent images, the storm has certainly s p r e a d .
I had a peek the other night but no luck, though Moon close, so may have hindered my view of the storm. Saturn looked gorgeous though.