An hour with Saturn

[kerrylewis]

Observed Jupiter last night with a good view of a shadow transit and left the mount set up for the early hours. Clear for Saturn between 2.45 and 3.45. BST when clouds began to come over again from the east.

I didn't think seeing was great. All the main moons visible but the Cassini division hovered on the edge of clear visibility coming into view and then blurring again. I assume this may be because Saturn is low and only just over the rooftops with me. Tried a green filter near the end which improved contrast.

But good to see my old friend again - it's been a while but she's lost none of her beauty

Kerry

[John]

Nice report !

The rings are beautifully presented this time around. It's a pity that it's not going to get a bit higher though - it's only just above the rooftops for me too !

[emadmoussa]

I had 30-minute viewing of Saturn last night...very nice. And yes, the rings are tilted forward which was awesome. I agree, the planet's transit would've been great if a bit higher. Mine was slightly over tree tops, but It was comfortably observable from around 1:45am from my back garden. I had to cut my session short after I dropped one of the counter weights on my knee...

[John]

..... I had to cut my session short after I dropped one of the counter weights on my knee... ....

Ouch !

No permanent damage I hope.

[emadmoussa]

Nope, was OK after a while, the only thing that never heals is my awkwardness

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice report. Saturn is awkwardly low in the sky, and that does give seeing problems, on the other hand, the rings are at a decent angle, which evens things up again.

[MadAlbert]

Nice! WelJel, tho!

What mag did you get to?

[kerrylewis]

MadAlbert

I mainly use my 10mm eyepiece which with a focal length of 2350mm gives a mag of x235. The 6mm eyepiece gives x390 which is pushing it unless the seeing is really excellent. I've tried it a few times lately but is is rarely better than using the 10mm

Kerry

[simmo39]

Also had a good view of Saturn, First time for me and what a site!!!