My observing today - Day and night

[pw (Peter)]

This morning I spent some time observing the sun with my homemade Baader solar film filter on my 8" dobsonian scope. It was good and I could see more detail than I have previously, two large sunspot groups (1711 was very clear and good to look at, as was 1713). I could also see some sort of white tracery toward the limb around 1719 and 1718 which I've never seen before.

Then just now tonight I was able to get my first views of Saturn through this scope which I've only had a for a couple of months. Initially through a large Eucalypt in the neighbours yard, but then in clear sky. It was not good seeing, but every now and then the view would clear and I could see it crisply with its rings and planet quite clear. I could see a band on the upper half of the planet (ring shadow? and I guess really the lower half as the view is inverted) but no divisions in the rings.

Anyway both sessions were very interesting for a beginner.

[leon]

Excellent Peter, glad you enjoyed the moments, keep at it mate.

Leon

[Suzy]

Wonderful Report Peter, thank you.
It's always fun to read what people observe- especially when we can't get out there ourselves to do it- rain, cloud, moon... you know how it goes .

Next time, pop your report into the Observing Forum and then go into the sub forum "Observing Reports". It'll get more attention there.

I look forward to your next report.

[pw (Peter)]

Thanks Leon and Suzy, plenty of clouds and rain in Melbourne lately so nothing new to report.