Its been so long since I’ve written an observing report that I’m not sure if I can still do it, but I’m going to give it a shot anyway, since last night was the first really good night that I’ve been able to get out with the telescope. To top off the outing, not only would I have to reorient myself to the night sky (the constellations had changed a bit since I last saw them), I would have to orient myself to a new location. The good thing was, that only took a few minutes.

I packed up the XT10, the eyepiece case, and a red flashlight, and drove about 6 miles to the outskirts of town. There are a few business’s in the area I went to, but most of them have closed up due to the economy, I suspect. Even though they were all closed for the night their security lights still stood a vigilant guard over the property. The building I was closest to is new, and I had permission to be there. It has yet to have any night sentinels posted on it. So I was able to put myself in a position to block the encroaching light from all of the other buildings, except for one. That building was to my south, and would only affect one target, until the gas giant rose high enough from the southeast to escape the murk.

Arriving at the location, I stepped out of my truck and was awestricken by the first view that greeted me. I had gotten a later start than I had wanted, and it was already 10 pm. Looking west, I found myself staring into the rusty colored face of a waxing crescent Moon.  It was already dipping below the tree line, but I’ve never seen the Moon this close to the horizon before. It couldn’t have been more than 4 or 5 degrees above the horizon. Within minutes, it sank to where I could only see an orange tip sticking above the trees, giving the scene an almost candle-like appearance. A few minutes later, the candle smoldered out; leaving Arcturus in its wake, and Scorpius shining in the southwest. I had left the camera equipment at home, and was already regretting that decision. You can bet that the next time I visit this location, I’ll at least have my Canon Xti with me. I was also seeing flashes of lightning (what most would call “heat” lightning), but I wasn’t going to let this deter my plans. I could do my observing between the flashes, which wasn’t all that bright anyway.

I turned my attention to the rest of the sky and found that I could see the Great Bear to the north, and the little bear just above him. Cassiopeia decorated the northeastern sky, while Pegasus and Cygnus dominated the east. I didn’t know where to start. I’ve never been able to see this much sky at one time from my observing location at home, and I quickly decided the best place to start would be in getting the equipment out of the truck. Dropping the tailgate, I slid the XT10 (and the homemade base) out and set it on the ground. The eyepiece case and red flashlight was left on the tailgate, my make shift table for the night. I didn’t have a star chart with me either, but from what I could see above me,  I wasn’t going to need one.

The bears kept drawing my attention, and I felt the best way to sway their influence would be with “the hunting dogs”. I swung the scope toward Canes Venatici and went on the prowl for M51. I almost passed over it the first time it slid through the field of view, but at 48x, and sitting at approximately 24 degrees above the horizon, I knew it would be hard to see, but it was there. A dim gray wisp of a patch that held no detail at all, at this power. I bumped the power up to 120x, and the spiral pattern of the galaxies were  more evident, yet the detail still wasn’t going to be there. I decided to forego a visit with M101, and my favorite galaxy duo (M81/82) was just too low to attempt.  While in the area however, I did visit with one of my favorite double stars - Alcor and Mizar; which always end up on my list of observations.

From there, I swung over past Cassiopeia and landed in Andromeda. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Chained Maiden, and she never disappoints when I go knocking at her door. Dust lanes were visible at 120x, and M32 was right at her side, like a watchful pup. I let the view sink in a moment before bumping the scope enough to view the other companion galaxy, M110. I backed off from the eyepiece and shielded the light from the neighboring building with my right hand, trying to see if I could see the glow of the Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye. After a few minutes, and with averted vision, I was able to pick it out. Later in the evening, it would be much easier, but I knew I would be long gone before then. I had probably another hour of viewing before I would need to pack things up and head home. There were other plans that I had in mind before retiring for the night, which I’ll get into a little later.

Getting away from the galaxies, I figured it was time to go a-fowl, so I swung the scope up to Cygnus. With Deneb in the field of view, and the 25mm back in the focuser; I eased the scope down a little and slid it to the east gradually.  The “checkmark” slipped into view, and at 48x  was pleasing, but I wanted more. I pulled the eyepiece from the focuser, and fished my UHC filter from the accessory case. With filter attached, I reinserted the eyepiece and took a look. The nebula had drifted off center, but a slight bump brought in back in line. The view was much more pleasing with the contrast tightened up a bit.

I remembered from Zachsdad last report the mention of the “egg nebula”.  I laughed at myself for even contemplating that one, since he had been unable to see it with his 18" Obsession, and 24mm Hyperion. Being the glutton that I am however, I had to give it a shot. I left the swan and slid toward the Veil Nebula, knowing that if I ran into 52 Cygni I had gone too far, and was too high up. It wasn’t long, before the star slid into the field of view. Ok, so I passed it. I worked back toward the Swan, more slowly this time, and concentrating harder on seeing something faint, and small.  I also dropped down to the eastern end of the Veil before making the trek back. I hesitated now and then to back off from the eyepiece to study the location where the scope was pointed. When I was in an area where I thought the “egg” should be, I bumped the power up to 200x, and continued to creep toward the Swan, like a kitty on the prowl. Needless to say, I never found the egg either, but I wouldn’t have been satisfied if I hadn’t tried.

A quick look at my watch told me I needed to grab more targets and leave the omelette ingredient alone, if I was going to find more than just the few targets I had seen. Picking some easier Messiers, I went for the Dumbell first, and found it without much problem. Next was M29, an open cluster above the Swan, that I love viewing, and neighboring globular M56, and planetary nebula M57. The ring has always been one of my favorites, because it usually reminds me that I need a snack. If only I had brought some snacks.

To finish up the night I paid visits to clusters M15, M11, M52, M92, M103, M71, M72 and M73; which brought me to my last target for the evening - Jupiter. I first noticed the alignment of the Moons, two on one side, and two on the other. I wasn’t sure at the time, but felt that Io and Europa were the two that were the closest together. Later at home, I would confirm this. I also looked for the GRS, but since I hadn’t checked it’s transit time before leaving home, I wasn’t sure when it would be back around. I found out after returning home that it was in the wee hours of the morning; after 3 AM.

I was satisfied with my outing, although I would have liked to stay out all night. I knew that couldn’t happen, since work would be waiting this morning. I packed everything up and headed home, content with the clear night that had allowed me to quench my appetite for the night sky. The night wasn’t over however, I had one more thing to do before I could grab a shower, and climb into bed.

The launch of space shuttle Discovery was scheduled for 1:36 am, and I wanted to make an attempt at seeing it. I turned on the NASA channel and waited for the countdown, while I went into the kitchen to fix that snack that M57 had reminded me of earlier. Once the snack was devoured, I went ahead and took a shower since I had time.

I watched NASA until 1:30 am, when they announced the launch would be scrubbed. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to plan for another late night tonight. Now... watch the clouds roll in.

Kevin Bozard:

To top off the outing, not only would I have to reorient myself to the night sky (the constellations had changed a bit since I last saw them)

I went through the same thing a couple of days ago. 

Sounds like you had a good night.  Maybe the weather will begin to give us all a chance soon.

What a great report, Kevin.  I'm just sorry that the shuttle launch was postponed, that would have been a nice way to top off the night.  I particularly like your description of the setting moon as a candle flame.  For an outing shortened by the demands of work you managed to see a lot of fine objects, and even managed a bit of Egg hunting.  Good job

A great report Kevin. Now both you and Terry got me worked up to try to find this elusive egg.

I didn't get out with my scope last night. Honey Dew list just seemed to pop out of no-where. I wish I had as it was very clear, looking out my window to the sotheast I could see Jupiter just begging to be observed. I did stay up to watch the shuttle go. At 1:30 AM I also went to bed when they announced the postonement.

Well there is tonight and may if the clouds hold off I will get out there for some observing.

Thanks  very much for the report Kevin.  Your writing and observing skills have not deteriorated from disuse caused by poor skies.  You had me smiling at several points and that was very welcome indeed.

I may have to try this celestial egg when I get a chance.  If I fail to track it down in the usual way don't tell anyone but I may then "cheat" just to make sure that it has not been consumed by Aquila or something.

I am curious though, since you were hanging about the hunting dogs did you visit Cor Caroli? It is one of my favorites and I would like to know what colours you espied.

Wasn't that portly waxing cresent of last Tuesday night fantastic?  I was able to marvel at it as well on this coast after visiting my sister.  It is very rare for us to have such a clear horizon this time of year and the Moon's location and aspect were a real marvel to behold.  Your description of it brought back a good memory of this recent setting.  The Moon remained bright as it set to my southwest, getting just a bit yellowish as I lost it among the rooftops.

I am thankful that you finally got outside to enjoy the night and that you were able to share it with us.

Thanks again,

L

leo731:

I am curious though, since you were hanging about the hunting dogs did you visit Cor Caroli? It is one of my favorites and I would like to know what colours you espied.

Hi Leo. I didn't view Cor Caroli on that night, but I have viewed it at other times. From what I recall from my notes on that double, the view depends on the eyepiece I'm using at the time. When using low power eyepieces, I remember the pair being a bluish white. But when I boost the power enough to split them, the primary star looks white; while the fainter secondary appears to be a palish blue. I'll give them another look the next time I'm able to get out and see if the same holds true.

Kevin Bozard:

I'll give them another look the next time I'm able to get out and see if the same holds true.

Thanks Kevin.  I ask because this pair has always amazed me.  The colours seem to vary more than most doubles depending on sky condition, telescope used, and as you noted even the eyepiece used.  Most times I too have seen it as a white bluish pair but on occasion a purplish bit of lavendar seems to pop up. 

L