Bright sights, cold night.

[cotterless45]

Bright ! Couldn't even see M42 by eye . As the temperature dropped it got brighter , packed in at midnight -3.7 degrees. No benefit of being frozen to the ep.

It did give a chance to visit some bright old favourites and low Messier's. No chance of anything faint .

Followed by a tour of Leo .Algieba is bright and a stunning sight. Subra (ο ) in the lion's paw,gives a most delicate view, somewhere I had this as a multiple. 90 Leonis is a lovely triple system.

Caught both " winter Albireo" sets . Thought that HJ 3945 was just superlative with brilliant glowing orange and sapphire blue. Monoceros gave some stunning clusters, including the overlooked M50 .

Dropping down to C Major, caught M41, a bit of magnification giving contrast.M47 gave a beautiful view with a very bright binary foremost in the view. Had another look at the deep red coal glow of "Hind's Crimson " and compared it to the very bright "La Superba" (Y CNv).

Very chuffed with the views , lingering over a few and a quick dot to dot attempt adds to the pleasure as does a hot choccy drink, under clear skies ! Nick.

[wookie1965]

At least you got out for a bit great drawings as usual another set to add to my lists.

[RobertI]

You always get so much pleasure from your sessions Nick, and I always enjoy reading.  ?

[Pig]

It was a nice night Nick, it also got quite cold toward 1am .... all the same some lovely views to be had ? it was great to get out after such a long period of poor conditions.

[Astro Imp]

Great report and sketches as usual Nick, thanks.
I observed Iota Cancri a few nights ago, what a gorgeous sight.