A Night in Northumberland 11/03/14

[scarp15]

The nightscape was full of drama but not full of stars.The Gibbous moon along the terminator was quite spectacular as was the intermittent flares from a nearby military training base. Yet despite the brightness there was plenty to do.

Jupiter looked lovely, a shadow transit hung within one of its belts, the moons clustered together in an arrow shape as though about to launch an assault. I panned around for open clusters M46 and M47, NGC 2362, then M35 arresting and requiring attention as always, M37, M36, M38. A quick look towards Cassiopeia NGC 7510 and the Double Cluster, followed by the Pleiades, always an uplifting sight. I swung the scope around for the Plough and M81 and M82 clearly displayed regardless of the moon shadow I was casting. I also located NGC 4449 very easily to (refer to the Daniel-K thread). M40 double was picked up before my attention turned to welcoming Mars which was gaining in prominence. It too looked lovely though I stayed at low / medium power. M3 was then sought, very engaging working through low, medium and high power.

I drove down from my lofty vantage point into swirling fog to join the main road. A rendition of Bach's flute sonatas kept me alert on the drive home. The wildness of Northumberland beckoning 'haste ye back' (but on a dark night). 

[swamp thing]

Nice report Iain. Some good objects there.

Great pic to round the post off, like that

[Mike73]

Glad you got out and made the most of the weather Iain, if I had my 16" available (the secondary holder is in Holland getting fixed at the mo) I would probably been out there aswell.

I've got to say that I'm a little surprised that you've all been picking galaxies out so well but I guess thats because your looking 180˚ from the moon?

Is that a cover over the bottom of your OTA?

[Daniel-K]

very nice NGC4449 is very bright isnt it. just think what it will look like when there's no moon! Auriga is one of my favorite places to visit, i never get board of those open clusters:) glad you managed to get out.

Glad you got out and made the most of the weather Iain, if I had my 16" available (the secondary holder is in Holland getting fixed at the mo) I would probably been out there aswell.

I've got to say that I'm a little surprised that you've all been picking galaxies out so well but I guess thats because your looking 180˚ from the moon?

Is that a cover over the bottom of your OTA?

Mike i try and cover the bottom of my scope to stop stray light getting in the back

[laser_jock99]

I drove down from my lofty vantage point into swirling fog to join the main road. A rendition of Bach's flute sonatas kept me alert on the drive home.

Can't beat a bit of JS - I had the Orchestral Suites on the way home tonight!

[Qualia]

Lovely report, Iain and thank you for sharing it with us I think I headed out a few days earlier than you, and as you say, even with the Moon about there was plenty to see. Lovely shot of your telescope.

[scarp15]

Thanks everyone, it was a little challenging with the moon being so bright, coupled with occasional flares,some way off in the distance, but the location was fabulous with a great 360 degree horizon. This session was aimed as a taster really. Whilst I was focused on open clusters (also bumped into M50 and M41) as Mike indicated 180 degree from the moon was considerably darker with a chance for galaxies. Yes I do have a cover on the primary end Mike, an astrozap, a little expensive but I really like these for the good tight fit they provide, easy to stash away in the dark and are breathable.

[acey]

Very nice report. I was observing in Northumberland on the night of 10-11th, beginning around midnight under bright moonlight with SQ 20.1 - too bright for the Milky Way to be visible. I still managed to see a number of galaxies, though it was a struggle. I made sure I was positioned out of direct moonlight and kept it well out of sight so that my eyes could adapt as much as possible - the surrounding landscape looked bright. Things began to darken around 3.30 a.m, about half an hour before moonset. Once it was down the sky was truly dark at last - I measured SQ 21.5 at 4.45 a.m., a 72% reduction in sky brightness from when the moon was up. A galaxy I had been completely unable to see (NGC 5620) became clearly visible in my 12" at x375. But by then it was already astronomical twilight, with the below-horizon sun beginning to brighten the sky, so I quit just before 5 a.m.

[m.tweedy]

You should join us at Derwent Reservoir when we (Sunderland Astro) go observing there which is our dark site.

[m.tweedy]

Hi Ian Sunderland Astro are at Derwent tonight. I assume you got the text. Sadly I cannot make it to see through your lovely scope again.

[scarp15]

Hi Michael yes I received the text. Would be good to get along if I can - but currently have a social arrangement. See you next time.