TheSkySearchers

The transparency last night was the best I've seen it this year - truly excellent.

Just after 6pm i took my family out to watch the ISS pass over as it was ideally positioned and would go to 61 degrees alt max and mag -3.1 Luck would have it the sky remained clear contrary to the forecast and the sky was already brimming with stars. With the binoculars it was quite easy at around 20-30 degrees alt, the shape of the ISS was quite obvious. After we watched that and spotting numerous small satellites crossing (to much excitement to the kids) I showed them M42 in the binoculars and we headed back to warm up with some cake that had just come out the oven.

After the kids were in bed I decided it was far too good not to go out even though I was feeling far from 100% - so instead of the dob I opted to take the 120ST with a BCO 10mm and 32mm (as my finder) in my pocket out on to park next to me where I wouldn't be impeded by a streetlight to attempt NGC 1788 - a reflection nebula in Orion. Unfortunately I didn't take out my iPad for SkySafari reference and ended up looking a little bit too low. It was one of those time where I should have taken out my S&T pocket atlas! Anyway, M42 looked superb with the 10mm and the running man was also easily visible. M31 (just visible naked eye) really showed a good area of dust in the 32mm and almost filled out the 10mm.

I switched to binoculars for an easier tour around without any real targets in mind. I revisted M31 and then on to M33 which rather unexpectedly showed a patch of light but no detail. The milky way was easily visible naked eye last night and could followed from Gemini through to Cassiopeia. The double cluster was stunning and just above that the area around the Heart & Soul nebula really showed extensive structure and a kind of density to it with the bins although difficult to say if I was seeing any nebulosity against the background of the milky way. Plieades was obviously a great view but could not discern any nebulosity.

A nice relaxed session in all. Pity I didn't capture NGC 1788 which was probably more down to me not looking in the right place but it was lovely just to have a look at the night sky and take it in without any real plan!

Oviously, that chance was not wasted! :smile:

Very nice session Dave!
The kind of everyday session (everyday, we wish!) as we can all experience it. Complete with your family, choices, some minor setbacks and ending with the binoculars. And a happy ending!
Thanks for sharing!

Nice report Dave - sometimes the random sessions when life precludes a more intense outing can be quite satisfying - nicely done with the 120mm and the binoculars, and congrats on obtaining the VROD for the day!

Thanks guys and (again) for the VROD! This was quite a bonus expected session as the forecast was not good at all.

We've just had a storm pass through today but I think we were pretty much on the edge of it. Forecast and ClearOutside is giving good to go from 1am for the rest of the night so I've got my fingers crossed for later.

Hi Dave. Wow, you took advantage of finally getting a good night sky with the 120ST and binoculars. The ISS flyby and lots of nice DSO objects followed a fresh hot cake sounds like a great night to me! Thanks for your report Dave and congratulations on receiving the TSS VROD Award today.

What a nice evening, I certainly look forward to nights like that.
Congratulations on the VROD

Congratulations on the VROD!