Summer came early this morning

[mike.brightmore]

Woke up at 2.00 am this morning and noticed the sky was pretty clear. Just couldn't resist a session. Saturn was high and beautiful and Ursa Major was well placed to show off its galaxies (M81, M82, M51) and managed to see 2 of the Leo Triplet (M65, M66).

Then looked to the East and the Summer Triangle was well above the horizon (Vega, Deneb and Altair) so had a preview of the summer 'lollipops' - the double star Albireo, M57 (Ring Nebula), M56 Globular, M13 Globular, M92 Globular, M15 Globular, M27 Dumbbell Nebula. Absolutely beautiful - mild, no dew and no moon. Finished off with the dawn chorus.

[yeti monster]

Sounds like a worthwhile mornings observation. I'm hoping for some clear skies tonight, if I'm not busy trying to make things operate as they should do around here, that is..............

[dobserver]

Sounds like a great session. You're tempting me with the summer treats.....

[russ]

Sounds a glorious session indeed. And you can't beat the dawn chorus...best time of the day.

[iamjulian]

Summer lollipops, I like it! Sounds like a lovely start to the day.

I must make more effort to get up early.

[yeti monster]

Typically cloudy here tonight, but warm and humid. I was hoping for a good sunset but it couded over at just the usual time. I'll be up early to see if there's any chance of Jupiter before sunrise, although I think it may be too low.

[russ]

Just ran Stellarium and at 5.45am (in a very bright sky) Jupiter is really hugging that horizon. You'll certainly need an excellent Eastern horizon and a high elevation i reckon. Good luck

[yeti monster]

South China Seas, a fairly good eastern horizon, 21 degrees N. Elevation not too good though, about 20-25 meters, if I'm really keen I could push that to about 80m, but it means climbing a very tall ladder at about 05:30 o'clock hundred hours, a.m. Somehow, I can't see that happening really!

[russ]

wow South China Seas....21deg N.....that's makes a difference

Just don't fall off that ladder.

[yeti monster]

A lovely clear morning, all except for that improtant 15-20 degrees, to the east, where the cloud banks are made! Still, I saw a large hawk (could have been a young eagle) snoozing on the walkway. We both got a bit of a start, he tried flying away but appeared hurt and rested on the deck again. I walked right up to him, passed him and then he managed to take off and appeared ok. He must have still been muggy our first encounter. So it was worth being out early to see that.

[Beulah]

Mike,

What a great way to start the morning! Totally inspirational.