My observatory has some limitations and benefits compared to other observatories. I gave a key to my brother and to my landlord, who is one of my closest friends. Since they are not as much of a geek as I am the observatory is slightly more Spartan. I keep the telescope in hibernation mode so they can use it with the flick of a switch. That limits my photography capabilities, but I don't mind. I also installed a set of bunk beds and extra cot, should grandkids or children want to "go camping" for the night. I can sleep up to 5 before I have to bring out a camper. This year I added a fire ring and always have some folding chairs set up with some snacks ready. On this particular evening three guests showed up. The first one came about 5:00 before dusk and the last one left about midnight. A fourth guest was scheduled for the night, but he didn't show up. This was to be a retired man with a new telescope that he didn't know how to use. Two of my former students (brothers), both in their 20s, just lost their father in a bicycling accident. They are both physics students and are planning to use the observatory as a place of retreat while they wrestle with their loss. One is now at the University of Chicago and the other is at West Point. The observatory will make a quiet spot when they are home from school. Both know how to handle the equipment.
My main target for the night was Saturn. It was just climbing high enough for good views at midnight. My goal was to focus on the belts and zones. I have never paid much attention to the surface before. I started viewing at 70x and kept adding power on the C11 until I reached 560x. I couldn't get any clear views, even though seeing and transparency were both excellent. I took a break at 1:30 to let the planet get a little higher in the sky. By 3:00 I was back. Letting the planet climb higher in the sky made a huge difference, I managed to grab a picture at about 4:15 am. It isn't anything special and I don't know how well I have the features labeled, but it was a fun night.
During the night I kept thinking how fortunate I am to have such a unique spot in my little corner of the universe.
