stolenfeather

Hi there Todd!

My first tries with Saturn were very disappointing. Over time,..many many times,... I used a point and shoot camera and just "got lucky". I also used a 2X Barlow and tweeked it with Picasa (of all programs,..). You know, when I think about it. the less complicated I am with the equipment and the less "I want it" the better the image!

In the end, I try not to spoil an entire night trying to obtain "that one picture". I have fun and if something quasi-interesting comes up when it comes to images then I celebrate!

Isabelle

The ultimate scope set-up,.. that sounds like a wonderful project to me! I'm afraid that I'm not there yet since things are a little complicated where I teach. Since it is in a native town and I am non-native, the house isn't mine. Building is limited and the children have little respect for the belongings of others. Maybe one day,..

Isabelle

Clear skies Nick!

Isabelle

Got any rocks? Yeah,.. enough said. I have issues with the baseball floodlights near the arena. They are usually only used during the summer when I am away camping but this year, some major repairs were done to the arena which needed extra security. Those stupid lights flooded my sky all winter!

Planets were not hard to locate but most deep-sky objects were washed out! :(

Isabelle

Yeah,.. the clouds always roll in when the night promises to be perfect. I prefer a glass of wine myself. :)

Isabelle

Very nice equipment here. makes one want to drool a little. I love your pictures! The sun should have been more active no? Mind you, I myself have never ventured close to the sun and prefer night gazing myself.

Isabelle

Unfortunately, the moon is going to be with us in high gear for the following nights but rest assured that Saturn will be with us long enough to capture those Precious views"

Isabelle

Hope you see Saturn soon Jason!

Isabelle

Sorry for the tardiness of my reply everyone! Clear skies!

Isabelle

hi Isabelle, yeah thats what it looks like over here in uk was out last night and i got the same view, bit disappointed, not very clear at all Saturn, very yellow like your picture, mind you it was coming up in the east low.

Yeah, my view of Saturn also was quite low to the horizon. I guess we need to be patient as it climbs higher in the sky in the coming months.

Isabelle

James,

Your comment managed to bring a smile to my lips after the most hectic day! I have to say that I do love this particular picture of the moon and was actually thinking of having it framed. Up till now, I simply thought that I was being overly positive but you have given me the second opinion I was looking for.

I love writing and when I create a blog about the stars, the passion simply takes over. I am overjoyed that you enjoy reading my posts. My astro fires,... burn without stopping and to this I wish you c;ear skies!

Isabelle

Thanks Pat! Steven and I are doing fine and you seem as enthusiastic as always. Clear skies!

Isabelle

I do live quite "up there" so I have to receive some kind of bonus for being in the cold! Ha! Ha!

Thank you for the compliments. I had to wait quite late in the night to see Saturn but it was well worth the wait!

Isabelle

It is indeed very small but you have captured it well since it can be quite difficult. I for one have been incapable of anything as remotely successful :(

Congrats!

Isabelle

Aha! I see you have received a TELRAD. I told you it would make things easier on you! :)

Isabelle

Aha! Yes! A dob is tough on your knees! It was like this for me until I received a much appreciated gift, a astronomy chair! You can see it in my profile picture. It will do wonders trust me!

Isabelle

Like you, I use my birding binoculars when stargazing and it suits me fine. What strikes me from the Andromeda galaxy is not what I see (mind you I do have a 10" dob) but what I know about it. I find it overwhelming to know that a galaxy of that calibre is our neighbour. To me it's like finding out that a HUGE Hollywood star is camping in my backyard.

Can I suggest purchasing a TELRAD as a finderscope? It suits me just fine.

Isabelle

I think writing this will be very helpful to learners and yourself. I did the same thing when I first started and now like to read previous journals and my many mistakes for a good laugh!

With time the journals served as a great collection to what I had seen and helped me plan my stargazing evenings in the future. I wish you clear skies and the best in your new endeavour!

Isabelle

I tried to look at your picture but the page was empty. I have been wanting a prize picture of Mars myself but unfortunately, I am ill equipped!

Isabelle

There is no mistaking it,.. Saturn is indeed glorious! I'm sorry that your new born is having issues with acid reflux. Poor little one!

Isabelle

Very nice capture! You must be happy!

Isabelle

This 'blind stab" is perfect for me! Take in the night sky,.. mine is still littered with clouds!

Isabelle

The trees in my backyard hide Mercury so you are very lucky to have seen it.

Isabelle

I can't believe it but in one night, we ca see Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn and here I am under cloud cover. I just need to be a little patient!

Isabelle

We saw some on Friday but since then, we have been under cloud cover. :(

Isabelle

All your pictures are incredible but once again, I am most attracted by your shots of the moon. Such clarity!

Isabelle