Inspiration - Herschel's Garnet star

[Greenman]

As luck would have it I woke up around 01:45 this morning, and wandered down to the loo. When I had dealt with the problem at hand, I wrapped my dressing gown around me, and briefly stepped out on to the patio.

Teasingly, the sky was crystal clear, and I spotted this shimmering red item in the blackness. Without my glasses, I couldn't really know if this was a star, or as I suspected a tail light. Binoculars! I thought and swiftly returned to the cottage, and grabbed them from the bookcase where they recline - until my wife asks me what bird is that on the feeder.

Eventually sweeping my 10x50’s up I saw the splendour of Mu Cephe. The red supergiant winked at me for the next 10 minutes, until a waft of cold air reminded me of my combat-ready neither regions; that threatened gathering frost.

Now normally, the last thing I use binoculars for is astronomy; how wrong I have been, the immediate availability, and ease of locating the target was brilliant.

I will now sound like Mr Sad Hat, it was an inspiring moment after weeks of clouded skies. So, I'm never too old to learn, or to be reconnected to this wonderful hobby we all share.

[helicon]

Sounds like a great time to observe, in the early morning hours - and you had an amazing sight through the binos. What more could anyone ask for than to regard the majesty of the heavens at times like these. Thanks for the report GM.

[Lady Fraktor]

Binoculars make great grab and go equipment and for when the sky is only willing to open up the odd small patch of sky.
Some people do the majority of their viewing using them.

[Makuser]

Hello GM. This is a great observing report on this classic jewel. And, I am glad that you were able to catch it in your binoculars. Thanks for your well written and fun read report GM, and the best of regards.

[Greenman]

Thanks all..

It was one of those moments to be honest, when you just go wow!

[Bigzmey]

Nice catch GM! Never underestimate the power of even small binos.

[pakarinen]

I do have to have a look with binos. When I last observed it with a scope, it was an orange-ish yellow to my eye.