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Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
mcrowle replied to andrew63's topic in Observing - Widefield, Special Events and Comets
As mentioned, I headed out to the footpath (thankfully now less muddy) last night for another look at Pons-Brooks. I'm not sure after all whether the transparency was better, as unfortunately there were now a couple of floodlights affecting my night vision at the location (they appeared to be illuminating an entirely deserted outdoor basketball court). Despite this, the comet was easily visible in the 7 x 50s, and the tail was clearly longer in the photo frames. Here's a slightly cropped 135mm lens image, which is from a stack of 22 x 30 sec frames (with Starnet++ having been employed to temporarily remove the stars before stretching the contrast). Regards, Mike. -
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
mcrowle replied to andrew63's topic in Observing - Widefield, Special Events and Comets
Transparency is looking better tonight, so going out for another look. Regards, Mike. -
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
mcrowle replied to andrew63's topic in Observing - Widefield, Special Events and Comets
Yes, I have to do the same as I cannot see westwards from my observing location. There are some places along (currently very muddy) footpaths nearby that I can observe from with binoculars, and/or image with a star tracker and short telephoto. This was the comet last night, the tail showing nicely to the camera (though not to the eye, via 7 x 50s). Regards, Mike. -
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
mcrowle replied to andrew63's topic in Observing - Widefield, Special Events and Comets
I too had another look at Pons-Brooks tonight, with 7 x 50 binocs. Although it has brightened apparently since I last viewed it on 29 February, it was not easy to pick out due to the rather murky conditions. Shortly afterwards, low cloud moved in, so I was glad I hadn’t set for the planned deep sky session! Regards, Mike. -
Caught aurora on camera here in Cornwall between 8:30 and 9pm this evening, but not visible to the eye, sadly. Just going out for another look. Regards, Mike.
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Only a brief session - my first of February (good job it's a leap year ). Viewed Comet 12P Pons-Brooks via good intervals between shower clouds, easily in 7 x 50 binocs, from a local footpath (as I cannot reach its location from my telescopic observing location). Regards, Mike.
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Sessions in 2024. Per month ongoing ?? Your stats please !!
mcrowle replied to Telescope40's topic in The Astro Lounge
Not your typical January for me: 10 sessions (though some were of limited duration due to cloud). -
A wonderful report and photos, Nicola! Brings back a few memories for me - and a regret. I was lucky enough to visit the observatory during a walking holiday in the region back in 1998. I remember queuing to view the Moon through the 24” Clark, but when it came to my turn I looked at the wobbly view (due to turbulence) for about half a second, said “thanks” to the staff member managing the viewing, and walked off. I should have savoured the view through such a classic instrument for a little longer at least! 😄 Regards, Mike.
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Yes, similar here in Cornwall. Very clear from mid-afternoon, with all forecasts showing it staying so until later in the evening. I set up about 6:45pm but have a lot of thin cloud ever since. Regards, Mike.
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Not me, in mid Cornwall. Totally clouded out this evening, but can't really complain as the last 7 nights have been mainly clear (bar a little intermittent cloud). Regards, Mike.
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Holy cow, did you see the weather forecast😭😭😭?
mcrowle replied to uhb1966's topic in The Astro Lounge
Been lucky enough to have had a full week of mainly clear skies here in mid Cornwall, though the clouds have returned now. The wind gusts caught me by surprise on Wednesday evening, though. I clearly hadn't paid enough attention to the forecast, and had set up my 12" Newtonian to image M42. Typically my Total RMS error is around 0.6", but Tuesday it was 2.5"! I've deleted the worst frames, but am hoping to salvage something from the rest 🤞. Regards, Mike. -
SCALED MODEL of the Sky-watcher collapsible
mcrowle replied to Nikolai De Silva's topic in DIY Astronomer
That looks good! Excellent modelling skills. Now, if only a full size one was as easy to carry! Regards, Mike. -
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Yes, perhaps! I don’t have dew issues here often though. Actually I was imaging the same galaxies tonight with no issues even after several hours. The humidity was certainly lower than last night. Regards, Mike.
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My 12” Newtonian, out imaging M81 and M82 last night, shortly before the secondary dewed over. I’m adding more data this evening. Regards, Mike.