Just got in

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

I know some of you die hards will still be at it out there in the cold, and I wish the clouds had stayed away. This is just a tale of stuff being the wrong way round but ending up very enjoyable.

I checked all the forecasts (execept Metcheck as that hasn't been right once for me) and the clouds were going to be a fixture. People round for socialising with drinks, all very pleasant and that up until about 11 o'clock. When they left I checked and it was cloudy. Chat with gorgeous chick and stuff for maybe another 30 minutes. Check the real life cloud situation - oh! Could be clearing! Better get the shed undone just in case.

Popped out for a nosy at the stars and aimed at M42. I received a new filter from USA land which should give better DSLR pictures as it's a Hb and OIII pass filter similar to a CLS. Aligned the 'scope with a one star align, focus over 5 frames at 30 seconsds and BAM! Clouds all over the place. Waited for a bit, just in case, and the clouds stayed around M42. And they're still there.

Off for plan B, M81 and M82. As these are in a different direction the goto didn't quite, but close enough. Whizzed off some prime focus DSLR shots of M82 before the clouds encroached on that bit of sky as well.

Spotted a big bright shiny Saturn in the cloud free bit, so off to set up the Mak. and Toucam.

Managed to get a few AVIs to add to the ever growing collection, so we'll see what's in there later.

New camera isn't ready to go on the astroshed computer as I've not installed the software yet so no chance of a play tonight.

All in all it's been quite frustrating but it was great fun. If any of you enjoyed being out as much as me I'll be really glad. Best night since before christmas.

Captain Chaos

[SteelRat]

Nice CC - real glad you had a goodun mate 8)

Managed to sneak in nearly an hour on lunar before the clouds hit proper here - t'was ace

[Alan D]

Glad you got out CC. I had intended to do the same but spent most of Friday on Trains so was Knackered by 10pm.

early night My targets were to be M81 & M82 as I want to get them both in the same frame!

Alan

[lunator]

CC

glad you got out. I hope your persistence in chasing the holes in the clouds pays off and you got some good pics.

Cheers

Ian

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

As I was going to bed after posting on here and finishing a beer there were no clouds at all. None. How annoying is that?

Salvaged a Saturn from the cloud ridden AVIs so that's going in the imaging section next.

Captain Chaos

[geppetto]

Nice Saturn it is too CC 8)

That type of night you had was an "in out in out shake it all about night" :shock:

I shall put an SGL technical name to such a night, from henceforth, it shall be

termed "Okee Cokee " seeing conditions