Finally a clear night.

[Razz]

Tonight turned out to be a very clear night unexpectedly. It figures it would be because my sleep schedule is weird right now because I'm trying to get used to sleeping all day and staying up all night due to my new job. Anyway, I was too tired to set up my scope so I grabbed my binos and a lounge chair and out I went. I just randomly scanned the sky until my eyes adapted and then checked out Orion. Now, I was checking out the stars in that constellation not expecting anything else. Then I went to Orion's Sword. I could actually see what I believe to be Orion's Nebula. Obviously there wasn't a lot of detail but it was amazing seeing it thru binos. Then I shifted over to Mars and then the Pleiades. Honestly, I couldn't get much out of the Pleiades so I went back to Orion's Nebula. For some reason I was just mesmerized by it. I had only planned on being out a few minutes. That turned into an hour and a half. I'll be bring these binos to work with me. May as well take advantage of night shift!

[Frankskywatcher]

That’s great and I can certainly relate .
I was also out last night and I like to start out with binos sometimes to let my eyes adjust like you said .
I too was looking at the nebula with 7x 50’s and could see it very well .
Then with my 10” dob was looking at it with 20mm but when I got down to 9mm I could even see the trapezium very easily .
You also mentioned the 7 sisters and again looking at them thru binos I don’t get “lost” in it like with a scope!
I hope you adjust to working nights, I tried it but it turned me into a zombie in one week!
Thanks for sharing your night with us.

[Bigzmey]

Nice catch Bill! Small binos are great for impromptu sessions.

[helicon]

Nice bino session with Orion Bill. Certainly there are several things to see with the instrument but it's easy to get drawn back into the majesty of M42 every time. Congrats on obtaining the TSS VROD for the day! (1/17/2023) and also I hope you enjoy the night shift at work.

[pakarinen]

Clear night? I vaguely remember the concept, but it's been a loooong time.

[messier 111]

congrat on the vrod , thx .

[Unitron48]

Nice bino session! Looks like you may be able to take advantage of working the night shift!!

Dave

[Unitron48]

Nice bino session! Looks like you may be able to take advantage of working the night shift!!

Dave

And congrats on your VROD recognition!!

Dave

[Makuser]

Hi Bill. A very nice binocular observing report from you. And I always tell folks to hang on to their binoculars even after they buy a telescope. I use my 15x70s to first scan the sky to check the view conditions and second to orient my way in the sky before bringing out the heavy telescopes. Thanks for your well written report Bill and congratulations on receiving the TSS VROD Award today.

[Razz]

Thanks all! Much appreciated!

[John Baars]

Congratulations on the VROD!