10.10.10 Jupiter mini report

[Rob]

Was it just me, the seeing was so bad from my location last night. I could hardly see the moon transit, and this has to be the worst obs I've had for years. Such a boiling mess. Very dissappointed last night. On the flip side though, DSO work was great

[russ]

It was indeed poor seeing. Although in the good moments there was a lot detail and Io was pin sharp. Was great seeing Io in front of Jupiter and then gradually peel itself away.

[Rob]

For the first time I can remember I saw no good moments at all.. it was very odd. I had both scopes on Jupiter, both fully collimated and producing the same poor result, if anything the 150P took the edge by only just seeing the inky dot of the moon (only just as drifted in and out of heavy boiling)

Going to try again tonight

[Polar Bear]

The skies over Lancashire were the clearest and calmest I have seen all year . Jupiter and its 4 major moons were in perfect clarity with my Vixen 10 x 50s. Saturday night was totally different with no moons visible at all through the bins.

There are a few layers of warm air drifting around the country. So much so that Aviemore had a ground frost last night but it was 13 degrees 1000 ft up on the hills.

[starman345]

I know you guys are far far away from me...I'm in Canada, but after spending a lot of the day yesterday getting my new Moonlite focuser installed and getting everything collimated, the Jupiter views were absolutely terrible last night, I was figuring on spending more time on collimation today but after reading these reports I'm a bit encouraged that it wasn't just me.

[Rob]

Well.. lets hope tonight can repay!. Looking to setup from 9pm and give it another try before the cloud arrives at 11pm.

[russ]

Looking on all the forecasts it should be clear until at 1am. So providing its steady this time, we should get a reasonable view. I haven't looked to see if there are any events, GRS or transit.

[Rob]

I have to say I've timed it right on the last 5/6 Jupiter obs nights from the garden. GRS or transits (or both) every time!!

Fingers & toes crossed!

[Rob]

I may Russ.. if your happy give you buzz around 10pm when out there?

[russ]

If Stellarium is correct, then we have the GRS for most of the evening but no transit.

That should be fine Rob. Depending on the kids, i may not be out there until a little later. Won't be out for long though, i only had 3 hours sleep last night.

[Rob]

Thats fair enough mate.. I'll give you a shout later tonight then

[russ]

Unfortunately tonight is the worst night ever:

Transparency - 1/10

Seeing - 1/10

Gale force wind - check

Terrible LP - check

Scope packed away in shed - check

Going to bed - check

Could see the GRS.....just

Max power possible - 88x but better at 60x

[Rob]

My visuals were so much better than the night before!.. not the best mind you, and very windy

Rob

[John]

I had excellent seeing here in North Somerset but a very blustery wind. Unfortunately I'd picked the wrong scope (for the wind) and the 10" OO newt was buffeted about making even 150x too much power.

For the few seconds at a time the view did settle Jupiter was wonderful - it could have been some of the best views I've had of the planet - but for the wind

At least it's confirmation that the scope is well collimated - I managed a very clean split of stars A, B and C of Iota Cassiopeia in another all-too-brief lull.

Might be OK tonight but there's quite a few cloud groups scudding around ATM.

[Rob]

Clear here.. but I have man flu, so going to wimp out

[John]

Clear here.. but I have man flu, so going to wimp out

Bad luck Rob - get well soon