Paul M

I don't think we can see the penumbral shadow. It's outer edges are extremely diffuse but the inner portions will give the umbra a less defined edge and maybe increase it's perceived size. I think the apparent size difference is illusory as demonstrated in this image from: https://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/jupiter-jumps-back-into-the-evening-sky021720161702/

My reason for suggesting a Molniya class satellite is that it would have lower angular velocity at apogee, possibly with certain viewer geometry they could appear momentarily stationary? This Globestar satellite is in a circular orbit so not what I had in mind, but the analysis is still interesting!

Excellent. I wouldn't have the courage to edit a Wikipedia entry for the same reason I never question change given to me in a shop. I'm usually wrong!

I think I've posted before about a number of "transient" naked eye stellar type objects I've seen over the years. Some I've put down to retinal "flashes", visual apparitions caused by the eye's vitreous humor dragging on the retina during sudden eye movements. They are related to floaters which I happen to be plagued with. Other flashes have almost certainly been real events - that is not due to visual effects. They lasted maybe 5 seconds, then faded rapidly. No movement was visible. I've seen plenty of satellite flares and I'm something of a plane spotter and have been confident the flashes were not conventional satellites or aircraft. Momentary bright, stationary phenomena all before the drone era, except the most recent one and I've put that down to possible drone activity as it was low over towards the seafront - popular with drones. So what gives? Unlikely to be stellar in origin. Nothing could build and shed that kind of energy so rapidly that didn't make the news! Satellite laser ranging? Maybe? Very stellar in appearance though. Not a military grade red or green laser then. A flare off a Molniya satellite at Apogee? Possible I suppose. And that's my final answer. Imperfect but the best I can do!

Here's my big gun poised waiting for Jupiter t'other night.

Ah, here it be! Just about all I have left from the early days. Here is a post from my introductory thread in 2013:

Somewhere I have a photo of my old bookshelf, books long since donated to the library. I think every book so far mentioned was on that shelf plus many more. Can't find the photo, I think it was inside one of the books for safekeeping...

That's another of my early books. And mine was marked with the planets positions just the same. All that action with Mars, Jupiter and Saturn between Gemini and Leo in the 70's and early 80's There was a table of planetary ecliptic longitudes in the appendix that took me a while to work out how to use or what it even meant but when I did...Wow! Them's planets them is! Halcyon days.

...

The whole tube assembly looks like a Fullerscope to me. The focuser, access door, primary cell and tube end trim are surely Fullerscope components. The secondary mount/spider aren't like Fullerscope components that I've seen. My own 6.25 Fullerscope of early 80's vintage came with a David Hinds mirror which was standard for the "Export" models I think. I can't say I've heard of Jim Hysom (sorry Jim!) but along with that Dob mount you have a fine classic looking scope there! Happy stargazing

Don't get too excited, maybe this is cycle 25 peaking early

I had these too but They are all long gone I loved this book. Wore it out nearly. Not sure if it's still in the loft or if it's "Moon, Mars & Venus" from the same stable up there.

I remember the 1.5 x erecting lens on my old scope being very poor optically and only ever worsened the view, whilst it did "correct" the image, that doesn't matter on the sky. The 12.5mm eyepiece will give good views of craters on the Moon provided that the optics are in good order, i.e. not scratched or misaligned.

My old Dixon's own brand "Prinz?" 60mm refractor came with those accessories, but so did a lot of other imported scopes! A picture paints a thousand words... Anyway, as already said, forget the Sun filter. Assuming it's the bit of tinted glass that screws to the back of the eyepiece just throw it away and forget it. Not a safe way to observe the sun, not worth risking your sight for.

Just found a delightful satellite animation while checking out the current tropical weather situation on Wunderground, where hurricane Barbara is a hot topic: https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/Spectacular-Hurricane-Barbara-Peaks-155-mph-Winds-Now-Weakening?cm_ven=cat6-widget

I agree, a great composition and result!

Here's one of mt phone camera snaps from Side in 2006

Excellent news! Nice photo too. I've only ever taken quick "ambiance" snaps during totality. It is, for me, an all senses experience. Hear it, feel it, er can't actually say I've tasted it if I'm honest and last but not least, see it. I'd be wasting my time, money and effort if I tried serious imaging. What does an eclipse taste like..?

Just in from a two hour session Nice clear sky here since lunch time and the forecast was for it to stay clear and it did. I set up the 10in Newt early on and by the time I went out observing Jupiter was clear of the obstacles and I found Europa already clear of the disk. Very unsteady seeing with Jupiter really boiling at times but it improved steadily . My 6mm TMB planetary gave me 200x which was optimal for the conditions. I tried 300x with the 4mm TMB but it wasn't too good. Anyway, Europa's shadow popped into plain view as and when the seeing allowed. Better than I anticipated for the circumstances. Disappointed that the GRS didn't reveal itself to me. Plenty of other disk features could be seen. I later tried for Ceres, not far from Jupiter but I hadn't bothered setting up the mount. Polar alignment was probably not within 5 degrees and I didn't star align. Tracking was still near enough to follow Jupiter with some adjustments but no chance of a GOTO working. I tried star hopping but the sky was just too bright. Probably too bright to see Ceres anyway!

Thank for the invite Stu! My scope is setup waiting for Jupiter to clear the fence, once it gets dark, if it stays clear, if I stay awake...

I really wanted to get that big one in the States last year but no way could my shifts accommodate that

Aint that just eclipses for you Gina? I chose the wrong location!

Nice! I found a hotel right on the center line in jut north of Side. Just strolled down to the beach as totality approached to find the Sky and Telescope tour group right there too. Me in my Speedo, they in their anoraks! Seriously, hoods up and all!

That was nice but a lot of atmosphere in the way and some dodgy camera work. Looks like this was a better link. Good old La Silla...

Some of them may be better than Jaffa Cakes, which I ate a full packet of when they "fell out of the cupboard" when I was passing the kitchen on my way to bed a couple of nights ago. Didn't they used to be bigger?