Extended Observing Report - 29/30 June

[Unitron48]

I was planning on getting out later tonight to check out some doubles, the Moon, and finally Saturn and Jupiter. However I checked the solar activity and noticed the sunspots. I took a quick image showing groups 2835, 2836, and 2837 (you have to look closely for 2837). It's been awhile since I'll seen the Sun this active.

The scope (my SV110ED/G11) is out and tracking. Hopefully sky conditions will hold for some more observing later this evening and I'll add to this report tomorrow.

Dave

[WilliamPaolini]

Seems like it has been a rather LONG time since it has been active. Guess that is a good thing though.

[Bigzmey]

Nice capture Dave!

[KingNothing13]

Nice pic, Dave. Thanks for sharing!

[Unitron48]

I returned to my scope at about 8:30 pm and first located Venus (90% illuminated) which displayed in the twilight as a relatively crisp disk at 128x. I then located Mars which viewed as a smallish red disk.

While waiting for the later planets to check in, I spent the time checking out about 20 doubles in Cygnus, Lyra, and Hercules. I also took a look at the several globulars: M10, M12, M13, and M92. Nothing noteworthy in my heavily LP backyard!

Saturn broke the horizon before midnight and offered some nice viewing as it cleared the denser atmosphere. While waiting for Jupiter to rise, I checked out several doubles in Aquarius.

When Jupiter became visible I was able to view the GRS transit, and was also treated to Ganymede passing behind the planet a little after 1 am.

I finished out the evening by taking a quick look at the Moon (66% illuminated)...and the blue dot Neptune. I think that covers everything. Heading to bed!!

Dave

[helicon]

Thanks Dave for the two reports - the 2nd session in particular was quite productive!

Congrats on winning the TSS VROD of the Day!

[Ylem]

Congratulations on the VROD Dave!
I hope to get out today for some solar Thanks!

[KingNothing13]

Nice part 2, Dave - quite the night, thanks for sharing.

Congrats on the VROD.

[Unitron48]

Nice capture Dave!

Thanks, Andrey, but don't hold your breathe on any more AP from me! I inherited an older Canon and had a T-mount to try it out. While the exposure was okay, the focus wasn't very good. I've convinced myself that "old dogs can't learn new tricks"!!

Dave

[Makuser]

Hi Dave. A superb solar image and the active regions show up nicely in your capture. And, your further report on the several planets and finally the moon observed was a pleasure to read. Thanks for your well written report Dave, and congratulations on winning the TSS VROD Award today.

[Bigzmey]

I returned to my scope at about 8:30 pm and first located Venus (90% illuminated) which displayed in the twilight as a relatively crisp disk at 128x. I then located Mars which viewed as a smallish red disk.

While waiting for the later planets to check in, I spent the time checking out about 20 doubles in Cygnus, Lyra, and Hercules. I also took a look at the several globulars: M10, M12, M13, and M92. Nothing noteworthy in my heavily LP backyard!

Saturn broke the horizon before midnight and offered some nice viewing as it cleared the denser atmosphere. While waiting for Jupiter to rise, I checked out several doubles in Aquarius.

When Jupiter became visible I was able to view the GRS transit, and was also treated to Ganymede passing behind the planet a little after 1 am.

I finished out the evening by taking a quick look at the Moon (66% illuminated)...and the blue dot Neptune. I think that covers everything. Heading to bed!!

Dave

Planets, lunar, doubles, globs - congrats on the well-rounded session Dave! 20 doubles would be plenty for me! I was keeping eye on Venus but forgot to check out Mars. Thanks for the reminder. I have only seen Jupiter and Saturn naked eye this season, maybe next week.

[Unitron48]

Planets, lunar, doubles, globs - congrats on the well-rounded session Dave! 20 doubles would be plenty for me! I was keeping eye on Venus but forgot to check out Mars. Thanks for the reminder. I have only seen Jupiter and Saturn naked eye this season, maybe next week.

Thanks, Andrey. All in all it was a pretty fast paced but satisfying night. Weather hasn't cooperated much recently. I usually don't plan that many objects, but wanted to take advantage of the conditions. Also, seeing was in and out, but mostly good and I split several doubles down to 1.3 seconds.

Dave

[Bigzmey]

Also, seeing was in and out, but mostly good and I split several doubles down to 1.3 seconds.

Nice! Seeing rarely gets to 1" here in the desert, so any split like that is special for me.

[John Baars]

Thanks for your nice report!
Nice to see some sunspots again.
Congratulations on the VROD!

[kt4hx]

Very nice outing Dave, and time well spent on a variety of objects. Well done on the VROD as well.

I have to agree about old dogs and new tricks. But you've gone a step beyond what I ever will - you actually did an image!

[Unitron48]

Thanks, Alan! It was a very fun night.

As far as the AP goes, I may attempt a few Lunar images, but that is my limit. I find that what I have done so far no where near represents the crystal clear images I can get visually!

Dave