Friday Night mm Saturday morning was Saturn Time

[Steve55]

Turn of events left me with a Friday Night off, weather seems ok , looked at the forecast and it was a bit hit n miss with the cloud. Checked when Saturn might be right and 01.30-0230  was the seemingly best time. So i decided to take the plunge and try my luck and out onto the Lincolnshire Wolds i went . Was out bright n early about 2200  and set up . Few things to look at , what with the Moon being bright  cut down somewhat on things , but Venus hence being there at 10 and Jupiter, where up and gave me something to look at shooting Stars where about too. Not too much cloud at first , then a light covering came across and left just as quick so a clear sky and very still . Actually that alone was very peacefull.

Hot Chocolate time was here and it was getting on for about 1.30. So where was the Planet i came out for, matter of checking out anything bright in the south west i thought , took some time  just hunting for it  but finally i hit on this odd shape , with some knob turning and EP turning there it was. My first sighting of Saturn,  when i first realised it was i jumped up n down like a silly sod , now it was only a small thing in my 6" dobs , but the planet and Ring as it appeared to me where as clear as they could be after some time looking.  What a fantastic feeling it was. Heavy Cloud set in  after that so time to call it, but seen plenty of Saturn so who cared

Then it Dawned me a little scarily when i said to myself , Steve you gotta get a bigger Telescope mate . Great night very rewarding enjoyed it immensely.

[Pig]

Nice report Steve

I think the first view of Saturn is excellent and a moment that never leaves you. Saturn can take quite a chunk of magnification if the conditions are favourable and it is worth experimenting with your higher mag eyepieces ..... Well done.

It sounds like you have also found the slippery slope to financial ruin

[Pete Presland]

Nice report! not seen Saturn yet this time around, but looking forward to it.

[Steve55]

I did try using the x2 Barlow, but using the Hyperion Clickstop Mklll "which is excellent"it just seemed blurry even at lower Mag on the EP. I have a feeling it being the first thing i bought when getting the Dob's and have been sold a bit of a cheapo Barlow actually and not realised it when buying. 

[cotterless45]

Nice, you don't need a bigger scope ! I get plenty good views in a 4" achro and a 6" Newt. Saturn is very bright and it's a delight to see the ring full on,

Nick.

[Steve55]

Onward from this, i was surprised at how bright it is. I actually was telling someone about what the realities of the size is of what you see. Knowing it was following the moon up , i set up looking out the window . Full moon two street lights directly inline  were we where looking and to my surprise Saw it plain as day not as good as  Sat morning but could see it very nicely. Goes to show sometimes you do not need to be out and about .