16/10/2009 Report

[robneath]

As this was the first clear night i've had decided to practise some star hopping and the Jupiter moon occultation.

Aligned and setup about 19:30 UTC left to cool for 1.5 hrs then to business!

tried the Jupiter moon occultation - got nice view of jupiter - equtorial bans nice and clear (20mm Meade 5000 + Barlow), but the seeing dint let me see the moon occultation.

So onto star hopping - Aldabaran was up so located it, then star hopped to Pleiades using star chart ( upside down - made it alot easier) achieved that - nice view of the Pleiades.

Decided to wait for Orion to rise as the transparency was very good and the seeing had improved. So inside to warm up and plan for Orion.

Out at about 02:00 UTC - orion up so decided to have a bash at M42 and M43. Found it a bit tricky till I scanned with bins and got my bearings. used the 20mm and eventually found M42 and M43. This was the highlight of the session for me, especially when I put the Barlow in - saw the 4 stars in the Trapezium and just watched the beauty of the nebula for a good 20 mins.

All in all an excellent session, learnt alot and know where to look now!

[ashenlight]

Sounds like a fantastic session and it sounds as if you are getting the hang of finding your way around. Using your binoculars to get your bearings is the way I acquaint myself with a new area of sky, really good technique so kudos for using it Unfortunately I didn't brave the cold for Orion but if tonight is clear I am hoping to go out a little later and wait for my favourite constellations to rise.

Give Auriga a go next time you're out there, it is open cluster heaven

Great session

[Doc]

Sounds like you had a great time. tried your hand at star hopping which does become esier thr more you practise.

M42 is a fantastic region to study and one I cannot wait to see again.

[iamjulian]

Brilliant, well done on getting up for Orion. I have decided to wait for a more civilized hour Cannot wait to see them though.

[albedo0.39]

Nice session - Yup, gotta agree that M42 observationally is pure magic, there is so much going on in there - dare you up the maginifaction and go for the E star ?? - Good luck

[Taff]

Hi Rob' weldone on your first night with your scope' sounds that you had a great night.Mark

[Beulah]

Ooooh, Orion was up and viewable by the time I packed up...but I want to leave the best things 'till last.............

[robneath]

I thought about upping the mag on M42, but it was a tad cold by then , so packed up - give it a go next time I get the chance.

Auriga is an area I'm going to investigate once this stupid cloud goes

[jgs001]

Good session Rob, sounds like you really enjoyed yourself... There's lots of lovely clusters and Asterisms in Auriga...