The first chance of a clear night on a day when my offspring could enjoy it obviously had them excited. I was excited for different reasons. I could check my Collimation after moving the primary up the tube. This seemed to work for focusing the toucam without the barlow so result.

First off we started to look at saturn...and waited for the clouds to [removed word] off again.

I used the time to introduce Jessica to Arcturus, Vega, Pollux and Castor and Ursa Major. Emily got rather bored and after an almighty bang I discovered she hadnt expected the patio doors to be closed. I consoled her by ramping up the mag on saturn and had a satisfying "THATS AMAZING!!!"

Jessica was logging what she learnt which was a very satisfying thing to see. I think she will make me very proud in the future.

Once teh kids sloped off to bed i was left alone with clouds and the laptop trying to get some images of Saturn. I eventually got some which i will work on. I am coming to the conclusion though that imaging with my scope to a standard that i want is nigh on impossible. Maybe a more powerful barlow will give me the results i want but i doubt it.

By this time the sky was totally clear. I took in beehive again as I love how easy it is to get. Just looking seemed to yeild more stars by the second so i drunk that in for a while.

Then onto the random What can I find Game.

I was pleased to resolve M5 as a lovely fuzzy glob.

I tried for a few galaxies gain bu still with no joy. I am really missing a trick on those i think!

Then i took a try at the ring nebula and was very pleased to get a clear resolution on it.

Besides my very cold feet (better boots needed), cold nose (nothing can be done about THAT one) and my total inability to find a galaxy a very enjoyable night under the stars.

Now I have to decide if a 3 or 4x or even a 5x barlow is actually worth it or do i just play with the moon. I am pretty sure i will never be satisfied with what i can achieve so its probably best to stop trying.

Clear Skies people.