Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

Blog 19590

  • entries
    45
  • comments
    48
  • views
    3,861

Observing report 07/10/2010


RayGil

294 views

Observation Session 07/10/2010

Arrived at the Obs Site at 19:10 and once polar aligned and balanced took approx 30 minutes to complete setup.

Tried to 3 star test but handset kept coming up failed alignment? After checking over the scope and synscan unit, no problems were found, this continued for another 30 minutes and frustration was starting to set in, until I noticed the scope position, I turned the scope around and repositioned it with its tube rings, re polar aligned and continued with the 3 star set up and handset reported alignment success? (not 100% sure why the handset reported errors).

Continued through my alignment tests, checking my usual objects to prove alignment, these include M13, M57, M31 and the double cluster, all were clearly visible within the FOV.

Conditions at the obs site were clear but breezy with slight gusts, nothing really bad but would rule out any photography. But as the main object of the session was to locate comet Hartley 2, I was not too bothered about photography, although I did want to check out the new zoom skywatcher EP 7mm-21mm.

The sky was really dark tonight, Milky Way stretched right across the sky, and with no Moon in the sky most of the DSO's were showing up nicely.

Quick check of M39 open cluster, always try to get one new Messier object every time I'm out.

Back to the Open Cluster to locate the comet, 22:43, finally tracked the comet down, not very bright and very diffuse, I would have expected it to be brighter?, tracked the comet for 30 minutes.

Over the last few observing sessions I have had various visits from the Police, being out in the middle of Birkrigg Common and strange hours of the night, has caused some concern? Although I am not sure why. tonight was no exception, had a visit from an officer at about 23:00, but he was genuinely interested in what I was doing, on seeing the scope set up, it was a Wow! Can I have a look through it? He viewed the comet but don't think he was as impressed as I was, his idea of a comet is the bright ball with a long tail.

His next comment was what else can I see? I showed him M31 and his jaw dropped, M31 in my 32mm EP is an inspiring site, then onto Jupiter, now that was impressive using the 10mm EP, the banding was visible and Moons were all well placed, M13 very impressive, the globular cluster from my dark site really stands out. After 45 minutes of viewing, he let me carry on, but to be honest, by this time I was ready to pack up the gear and get myself home.

Finished observing the comet at 00:00.

1 Comment


Recommended Comments

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.