Well after the alst of the fireworks had finally fizzed out and the clouds of smoke had dissipated, the night was rather clear and inviting. It had certainly been a while since the scope had been out, so long in fact that the scope had been dismalted and reloacted to its resting place upstairs in the library.

Still the beauty of a dob is the speed at which it can be reassembled. About five minutes, then a few minutes to check the collimation. First on the list was M1, closely followed by the trio of M36, M37 and M38. After I couldnt resist a look at M45, aka The Pleiades or Subaru. Now I mknow why the Subarus have stars on their badge!!

Afterwards, it was back to M42 with the nebula filter. Not the massive contrast improvement I was expecting, but it was better and very impressive. Then time to check out the trapezium. Very good fun indeed!

Lastly, I was serenaded by a very loud owl in the vicinity. Not heard one for some time so it was a very pleasant surprise.