2/3/2010 - Not a bad night

[greenninja]

Tonight was the night I brought the goto on line- so lost some sky time to alignment and setup.

M42 - with no moon the definition of the nebula was much better with the clouds appearing much more luminous.

Mars - very bright and red, could make out ever such slight hint of detail, but the cold was making my eyes water a bit.

Rigel - managed to split the companion, this was a first as I've never achieved this with other telescopes.

Saturn - just crept high enough over my neighbours roof to pull into view - great view of the rings, looking very yellow too. I could make out 1 moon. Planet was a bit too low for really good seeing.

Not a bad session, apologies if this is not particularly well described - still learning the ropes!

[Doc]

Sounds like you had a great session. I think as long as you are observing then any session is a good one

[Doc]

Sounds like you had a great session. I think as long as you are observing then any session is a good one

[The Sailor]

Had the same myself tonight, lovely clear skies. Used my new scope for the first time in anger and Mars was great to see, will be going back out again later

Jim

[lunator]

GN

Sounds a good session.

Now you have split Rigel, I recommend having a go at 2 others.

Castor -Alpha Gem

Iota Cancri

Cheers

Ian

[DarkerSky]

What scope are you using? M42 is a marvelous sight in any sized instrument I think

If you like doubles I'd go with Ian's suggestion of Castor. I split it last night. It really is a beautiful pairing

[greenninja]

Castor -Alpha Gem

Iota Cancri

I will definitely try those - I kind of didn't get the the double star thing until I saw Rigel, I think this could become a target list for me!

What scope are you using? M42 is a marvelous sight in any sized instrument I think

It's a skywatcher evostar 120 - only have the stock eyepieces so far - but I was super impressed with M42, best view I've had of it (then again this is the most able scope I've had!).

I will say that seeing conditions were very good while I was out, it got a little hazy around the eastern horizon about 9pm - which was also accompanied by the neighbours security lights flicking on and off for no good reason....