Grab-n-go Leo session

[helicon]

Just came back in from an impromptu session in Leo. Rising early, I stepped out onto the deck and saw Leo perfectly framed between two cedars.

Grabbing the XLT I was able to nail down the Triplet including NGC 3628.

Not super impressive but visible nonetheless as an oblong patch of light off to the side of M65 and M66.

I also notched five other galaxies in various parts of the constellation. Given the cold, 32 degrees and the fact that I was only attired in a light sweatshirt and jeans, I kept it to a ten minute session ending at 5:19 local time. I had checked the skies before bedtime and the moon was prominent and shining through some clouds so I hadn't expected much from the evening. Once again a morning session was the way to go!

And the scope at sunrise:

[Bigzmey]

8 galaxies with 100mm scope in ten minutes. Well done Michael! Your sky should be pretty good.

[helicon]

8 galaxies with 100mm scope in ten minutes. Well done Michael! Your sky should be pretty good.

Thanks Andrey. We are about 9 miles from town and the community doesn't allow street lights so that helps. Bortle 5ish. The mountain across the way is a preserve with no lights as well.

[Juno16]

Sounds like a lot of fun Michael! Great way to start the day!

Looks beautiful out your back door!

[messier 111]

nice night , thx .

[kt4hx]

Well done Michael! Agree with Andrey, you did excellent with galaxies using your small refractor in such a short time. I only wish my skies were still Bortle 5-ish.

[Thefatkitty]

Nicely done Michael! Bortle 5. Ah, memories... Nice haul of galaxies too. By the sounds of it, you need to throw on some more clothes for these chilly sessions

Hope you get out again soon,

[Falcon 63]

Nicely done Michael.