Date: Apr 29, 2022
Time: 2100 - 2300 Easter Daylight Savings Time (EDST)
Location: Our patio, suburban Maryland
Coordinates: 39 N, 77 W
Altitude: ~350 ft
Conditions
Temp F: 48F and falling
Winds: Calm
Humidity: Low
Clouds: <5%, mostly contrails
Jet Stream: > 30 m/s
NELM: Estimated 3.5
Seeing: Meteoblue - Predicted 5/4; Actual - 4/2
Other: Pollen "high", little foliage yet, street lights and security lights in a 200 degree arc around the observing location.
Instruments:
Jason 10x50mm binoculars
TASCO 20x50 binoculars
Celestron Astromaster 130 Newtonian
Other Equipment:
Electronics: Fire Tablet running Stellarium w/ 3000 mAh back up power supply,
Two patio umbrellas for blocking the worst lights
Misc - Two cans of Sam Adam's Wicked Easy lager
Results
Both sets of binos are recent acquisitions, used, very cheap. The Jasons performed well and are light enough to use without a support. The TASCOs are a bit heavy and may not be properly collimated. Narrow
The Astromaster came during the winter and hasn't been used at night before. It was also purchased used and needs more of tune up than I expected. Controls are in different locations than my older Newtonian and I kept reaching in the wrong places.
Definitely need to clear more space so I can reposition to avoid the relevant security lights when I change targets.
Targets:
M44 Open Cluster - Acquired three times using 10x50 binos between 2130 and 2215. Easy to locate using Gemini for visual reference. Lost in the sky glow after 2215.
M81 Bode's Galaxy - Not acquired, stupid neighbors kept going in and out, yard lights on and off ruining my night vision for the spot I'd set up the Newt.
