May 7, 2018: Quick binocular bash with Nova Persei

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Had the big 16x80 binoculars out yesterday. I was too tired after two hours of ballroom technique training to lug out the scope, so bins it was. First I went for Nova 2018 Persei, which is clearly fading, now at mag 8.7 or 8.8, I guess. As a test of sky transparency I had a look at M101, which was almost overhead. It was visible, but only just. Given that it wasn't completely dark yet this isn't bad. Nearby M51 was very easy by comparison, and M81 and M82 even more so. I ended up with three globulars in a row: M3, M13, and M92. Always nice sights, especially in big binoculars. Just a short session, mainly to visit some old friends, but fun nonetheless.

[mark81]

that's a real nice group of objects there, I think I might bring out the binos this weekend, they are perfect for ' visiting old friends'