January 31, 2015: Session after dinner with friends

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Yesterday we had some friends over for dinner (my own recipe of mahi-mahi fillet in coriander and almond sauce, served with rice and red salsa cruda ), and I noticed the skies were great. I first set up the 80mm and showed my friends comet Lovejoy at 15.5x with the massive Nagler 31T5, and at 20x with the little MaxVision 24mm 68 deg EP (they found the 22T4 Nagler a bit harder to find the right spot for their eyes). It was all the way over in the Perseus/Andromeda region, far from Orion/Eridanus where I first spotted it. After that we swung over to the moon at 60x with the Delos 8. Lovely sight for all involved. After they left, I couldn't resist setting up the C8, and had a look at Jupiter. Seeing was pretty decent, and the scope held up well at 290x with the XW7. No red spot was visible, but the bands showed some nice detail. I did consider imaging for a moment, but felt too tired. I ended the session after a 290x view of the moon. Gassendi was particularly well lit at that moment, well worth a look.

Two short sessions, but happy that I got to see and share something

[cotterless45]

Neat, just in from the Moonlight. Certainly provides stunning entertainment for guests.

Comet stunning and some super views at x240 of Jupiter. Managed some fine belt details and packed in. One of those nights that you don't need a torch,

Nick.