January 9, 2016: Brief session with binoculars

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Much to my surprise, yesterday evening the skies suddenly cleared, and I couldn't resist getting the 15x70 bins out. M42 looked really nice, and M35, M45, M31, M34, and M36, M37, and M38 followed quickly. M33 was lost in the slight haze westwards, and M32 and M110 were also not spotted. The Double Cluster was lovely, and M81 and M82 were also very nice indeed. M101 was too faint, but I did get a glimpse of M51. I ended up on M44 (Praesepe). Nice to see the stars are still out there, even though I hadn't time or energy (having just returned from Switzerland) to set up the scope at that late hour.

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

I noticed that it was clear for the first time since New Year's Eve,in my neck of the woods,last night (well,2.15am,to be precise).

However,as I'v just had a major tooth extraction,and my mouth was a bit sore,I decided not to venture out into the cold!

Foiled again!

[laudropb]

Nice report Michael. Unfortunately it rained non-stop all day here.