Best night's observing in ages

[Andymarrison]

Remarkably the skies were clear here last night, and also the seeing was the best in weeks due to some cold air moving in, I guess, and getting rid of all the humidity. I decided to pay the price of bleary eyes today in order to get a few good hours of observing - packed up at about 1:30 am.

Once it had gone more or less properly dark (midnight) I had my best views, since getting the scope in March, of M13 and M92, the two big globular clusters in Hercules. Initially I enjoyed some moderately wide field and nice contrasty views with the 24mm Hyperion, and then some higher mag views, which resolved a lot more of the cluster members, with the 15mm BST. I was then able to Barlow the BST by 1.5 and 2x and still get nice bright pinpoint stars, so the seeing must have indeed been pretty good. I was really impressed with the BST - first time I'd had chance to try it out properly and it was very sharp and also comfortable to use.

The highlight of the night for me was when I decided to have a go at observing the ring nebula, M57. I wasn't expecting much (lots of LP where I live) but with the 15mm eyepiece I was really surprised how large and clear the ring structure is - just like someone had blown a perfect cigar smoke ring in between the stars!

Best night I've had since getting the scope - can't wait until the crisp, clear (hopefully) nights of Autumn arrive - things can only get better!

[starnut]

Glad you had a good night, down here in South Hampshire at 1.30am I saw one star between the clouds

[andrew63]

Good that you were able to get under the stars, observing has not been too good over the last few months - in s wales anyway. Some great objects on view though.

andrew

[JamesF]

Indeed. It's nice to know at least someone in the UK is managing to get out and see some stars. At the moment it feels like *any* clear night is going to be the best night's observing in ages

[NGC 1502]

Great ! I too love summer stargazing. If you are prepared to lose some sleep, it's surprising how much can be seen in June between midnight & 2 am.

Not so cold and little dew problems too

Regards, Ed.

[The Sailor]

Yes a great night last night, seeing was good, was able to see a number of Messiers quite easily .

Jim

[Steve Ward]

Good night here as well , if a bit bright still .

Sat out with a binocular and had a leisurely wander through the Milky Way , made a nice change and really warm despite the stiff breeze.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice report. Glad you got some clear skies.

[Double Kick Drum]

Thanks for sharing.

It's been slim pickings recently.

[The Sailor]

A good night again last night, lots of pollution lower down but great viewing at the zenith. One problem though, at about 0130 the floor of the observatory started to vibrate as though a heavy vehicle was going by but all quite, wondered then if there had been an earth tremor .

Jim

[m_j_lyons]

A good view of M57 is a great way to cap an evening under the stars. I know it always brings a smile to my face.