6337 replies to this topic

[MT4]

I woke up a little while back and stepped out onto my balcony for a quick look.   Even though the sky was partly cloudy I could actually see quite a few stars naked eye.   Went back inside to fetch my SQM-L unit.  Lo and behold it showed 17.75.   That's the best SQM-L reading I've got in the past few months.

 

Then I tried my Celestron StarSense phone mount which was taken from a cheap Celestron StarSense Explorer scope last year and adapted for use with a Vixen-style finder base.  It seemed to work fine showing the correct location for Polaris.   Woohoo!!

 

A little sleepy still, but very happy.   

 

 

Edit:   Many of you probably would probably laugh at my enthusiasm for 17.75 skies.   And rightfully so.   However, this past week I've been dealing with 16.50 skies and that's why I was very excited earlier to be able to see quite a few stars naked eye.

Edited by MT4, 10 November 2023 - 01:05 PM.

[Takuan]

A little sleepy still, but very happy.



Edit: Many of you probably would probably laugh at my enthusiasm for 17.75 skies. And rightfully so. However, this past week I've been dealing with 16.50 skies and that's why I was very excited earlier to be able to see quite a few stars naked eye.

The best readings in my city are 18-18.1 (normally, when I observe, 17.4- 17.7) and they are exceptionally clear and transparent nights. Those who live in dark places will laugh, yes, but I have great memories of those nights.🙂

[jrazz]

I really did think about you and Fiske last night… It really wasn’t that dark. In the winter we have a freezing layer that sets up and reflects light down so my sky was only 20mpsas. Abysmal

However, I repositioned to the far side of my yard - the light weight 117b/612 combo makes this so easy - and saw a magnificent sight. Orion rising over my house. I completely neglected the BT and just stared. It’s so incredible sometimes around here.

Sorry, I really don’t mean to rub it in. I lived under LP for most of my life so I completely understand the frustration. I’m very thankful to have my own sliver of sky to enjoy.

[scroff]

With 10x50 and 16x70 binoculars set up this evening (8:30pm central in USA), I'm viewing comet C/2023 H2 (Lemmon).  I'm seeing it below the star 111 Her and within a fainter circlet of stars. A very distinct patch of light. Not seeing a tail on it. I wonder if it will move out of this circlet within a matter of hours. Nice binocular object.

 

update: 9:05pm....the comet is near the edge of the circlet feature. Appreciable movement! Maybe about 1/4 degree. 

Edited by scroff, 10 November 2023 - 10:12 PM.

[Fiske]

I really did think about you and Fiske last night… It really wasn’t that dark. In the winter we have a freezing layer that sets up and reflects light down so my sky was only 20mpsas. Abysmal

However, I repositioned to the far side of my yard - the light weight 117b/612 combo makes this so easy - and saw a magnificent sight. Orion rising over my house. I completely neglected the BT and just stared. It’s so incredible sometimes around here.

Sorry, I really don’t mean to rub it in. I lived under LP for most of my life so I completely understand the frustration. I’m very thankful to have my own sliver of sky to enjoy.

Uh-huh. 

 

I met Bill Barlow and Dave Hudgins at Lewis-Young park for astronomy last night (30-minute drive from my house) to enjoy 20.14 mpsas skies.  AND, forgot my observing chair, which resulted in an interesting discovery.

 

Comet Lemmon was a significant highlight of the evening, bright and pleasing in binoculars large and small (with which I was well provisioned). No tail visible but a large bright envelope with some central brightening seen with the 100XL-SD and 14mm XW eyepieces (while standing). 

 

I also observed a bevy of deep sky lovelies, including some shy sky denizens not observable from my urban yard like M 33. Plus, I did a significant amount of handheld observing, including wider binocular doubles.

 

It was my second observing session with the GPO 8x56 Passion ED, first "dark" sky visit with it, and for astronomy its dominance in the 8x and under range has been fully established. For me, there is the GPO 8x56 and then there is everything else.  Its brilliance and contrast, deep clarity, viewing comfort, and ergonomics are remarkable. One of the best ever additions to my collection.

Edited by Fiske, 11 November 2023 - 08:31 AM.

[Cali]

Saw Venus but could not resolve the phase of the planet using 10x50's.

[Harry Jacobson]

…- and saw a magnificent sight. Orion rising over my house. I completely neglected the BT and just stared. It’s so incredible sometimes around here.

This brought back a childhood memory. We visited former neighbors who just moved into the first Levittown on Long Island in the 1950’s. I carry to this day the most vivid memory of the Milky Way surrounded by incredible stars.  That sparked my life long love for the night sky

Edited by Harry Jacobson, 11 November 2023 - 09:33 AM.

[Bill Barlow]

Last night Fiske also brought down the Meade 10x56 MC binoculars.  He let me observe with them in between views with my new C9.25.  Once he showed me how the diopter adjustment worked, the views were clear and sharp.  Some objects that stood out were the double cluster, the Pleiades and the Andromeda galaxy group.  I’m thinking of upgrading my 15 year old Garrett Optical 10x50’s with them.  They are about the limit for me to hand hold as I still had some shakes at times, especially when viewing near the zenith.  Thanks again Fiske for letting me use them.

 

Bill

Edited by Bill Barlow, 11 November 2023 - 11:54 AM.

[Fiske]

Last night Fiske also brought down the Meade 10x56 MC binoculars.  He let me observe with them in between views with my new C9.25.  Once he showed me how the diopter adjustment worked, the views were clear and sharp.  Some objects that stood out were the double cluster, the Pleiades and the Andromeda galaxy group.  I’m thinking of upgrading my 15 year old Garrett Optical 10x50’s with them.  They are about the limit for me to hand hold as I still had some shakes at times, especially when viewing near the zenith.  Thanks again Fiske for letting me use them.

 

Bill

So far, Orion has not reached out to me about being a brand ambassador for them...

 

[Bill Barlow]

I think Orion is trying to decide between Jordan, Terra and Bob.

[Fiske]

I think Orion is trying to decide between Jordan, Terra and Bob.

Jordan isn't an executive at Orion?

 

[jrazz]

Ya got me!

Now can I please get paid as an Orion Exec?!? Please?

[desert_sage]

I viewed Comet C/2023 H2 (Lemmon) … a lot. 

 

I went out about the end of astronomical twilight to see if it was visible from the Antelope Valley, and it was, indeed, eventually. It sort of turned into an unplanned 7 binocular handheld shootout.

 

I first tried the VisionKing 5x25’s, already on the dining room table since I had been using them to watch birds in the birdbath in the morning, no luck. 

 

Then, since they were there as well, the Kowa 6.5x32’s.   No luck.

 

I then jumped in magnification to the 12x36 Canon IS iii - and it was easy.

 

Now it was the turn of the Meade MC 10x56 - visible but not quite as nice as the Canons.

 

Then the Diamondback 10x42, yes, though quite dim.

 

The the Diamondback 15x56, oh yes, popping.  Maybe a hint of a shuttlecock shape?

 

Then the Diamondback 10x50’s, ok, not great.

 

 

Overall I would say the best views were the Vortex DB 15x56 HD (3.7mm exit pupil), followed by the Canon 12x36 IS iii (3mm exit pupil), and then the Meade MC 10x56 (5.7mm exit pupil).

 

I actually went back later and directly compared the DB 10x42s to the MMC 10x56s, thinking the smaller exit pupil of 4.2mm might make a bigger difference wrt the 5.7mm of the MMC, but the MMC’s definitely was the better view of the two (tho I still prefer the no-glasses view of the DB’s the MMC has enough eye relief that the entire field is visible while wearing glasses, which is nice).

 

 

And I took the time to look at the Coathangar, the Pleiades, M31, the Double Cluster, and Jupiter.

Edited by desert_sage, 12 November 2023 - 12:37 AM.

[DC869]

After wrapping up a brief double star hunt with my tele, I did a sweep in my Nikon 10x50s (hand held) through favorite targets. I viewed M38, M36, M37 in Auriga, the Double Cluster in Perseus, the Hyades and Pleiades. Andromeda looked very nice spread across the FOV. But the highlight for bino observing went to M33. I finally was able to find it with averted vision. 

 

~De

Edited by DC869, 12 November 2023 - 12:08 AM.

[Dave Mitsky]

I tracked a pass of Starlink satellites (Starlink G6-27) from my red zone home with my Canon 15x50 IS.  I counted 23 satellites.  I also took some iPhone Night mode photos and have attached one of them.

 

I looked at Jupiter, Saturn, 6 Equulei, Epsilon Lyrae, Omicron Cygni, the Coathanger asterism (Collinder 399), the Davis's Dog asterism, the Heart of the Swan asterism, Kemble 1 (Kemble's Cascade), the Kids asterism, Melotte 20, Melotte 25, M29 (faint), M39, M45, and NGC 869 and NGC 884 (the Double Cluster).

 

A bit later I traveled to the orange zone Naylor Observatory where I viewed Jupiter, Saturn, Albireo, 119 Tauri, Epsilon Lyrae, Omicron Cygni, the Coathanger asterism (Collinder 399), the Davis's Dog asterism, the Golf Putter asterism, the Heart of the Swan asterism, Kemble 1 (Kemble's Cascade), the Kids asterism, the Leaping Minnow asterism, the S asterism near Sadr, the Smiley Face or Cheshire Cat asterism, the Snake asterism, Collinder 65, Collinder 69, Collinder 70, Melotte 20, Melotte 25, M27, M29, M31, M33, M34, M35, M36, M37, M38, M39, M41, M42, M44, M45, M103, NGC 654, NGC 659, NGC 663, NGC 752, NGC 869 and NGC 884 (the Double Cluster), NGC 1528, NGC Stock 2 (very faint), Stock 23, and Trumpler 2 using my Canon 15x50 IS.  The best SQM-L reading that I obtained was 19.65 mpsas.

 

I also observed Jupiter (Europa was transiting the planet), Saturn, Sigma Orionis, Struve 761, M41, and M42 with the observatory's 17" classical Cassegrain.

 

High clouds began to dominate the sky so I called it quits.

Attached Thumbnails

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[Terra Nova]

Not last night but this morning. I was birdwatching from my balcony with my year-old Athlon Midas G2 12x50 UHD and my new Meade Masterclass 8x42 ED binoculars for well over an hour. Five turkey vultures, and a big Cooper’s hawk perched in the trees across the road and a huge redtail hawk soaring overhead. Itmwas around 50° but now wind and bright sunshine so Imwas very comfortable. I my coffee and breakfast out there while enjoying the show. Both binoculars worked splendidly together, handheld while sitting in my rocking chair. The 12x50s required a bit of arm/elbow bracing in the chair, but when braced, the images were incredibly steady and detailed. The much wider FOV and flat field sharp to the edge were a boon for the MMCs. In fact, based on this, I would say that the MMCs would make a wonderful general purpose bird watcher, no tripod, monopod, or bracing required. They continue to impress me!

[Dave Mitsky]

The observations in my last post took place on Friday night.

[Milos1977]

 

It was my second observing session with the GPO 8x56 Passion ED, first "dark" sky visit with it, and for astronomy its dominance in the 8x and under range has been fully established. For me, there is the GPO 8x56 and then there is everything else.  Its brilliance and contrast, deep clarity, viewing comfort, and ergonomics are remarkable. One of the best ever additions to my collection.

I couldn't agree more! And so great to hear that coming from you Fiske, and from such dark site!  

Edited by Milos1977, 12 November 2023 - 01:52 PM.

[Fiske]

I couldn't agree more! And so great to hear that coming from you Fiske, and from such dark site!  

 

The GPO 8x56 is awesome. 

 

There is not one thing I don't like about it. Okay, the edge performance could be a little better, but I would not trade that for the contrast/brilliance/clarity/viewing comfort this instrument delivers. And the field curvature is not annoying or distracting to me.

Edited by Fiske, 12 November 2023 - 02:01 PM.

[Dave Mitsky]

The sky was partly cloudy, but I was able to view Jupiter, the Davis's Dog asterism, the Kids asterism, the Sword of Orion asterism, Collinder 65, Collinder 69, Collinder 70, Melotte 20, Melotte 25, M42, M45, NGC 1980, and NGC 1981 from my red zone home on Sunday morning before going to bed using my Canon 15x50 IS.

[Hayballs]

Saw Venus but could not resolve the phase of the planet using 10x50's.

I’m trying to observe Uranus too using Oberwerk 15x70 Deluxe. What did you see? Was it a fuzzy green/blue blob?

 

Regards

H

[Cali]

I’m trying to observe Uranus too using Oberwerk 15x70 Deluxe. What did you see? Was it a fuzzy green/blue blob?

 

Regards

H

Venus? It was a white ball. Couldn't make out the phase.

 

- Cal

[desert_sage]

Saturday night I had to cut my observing of Comet Lemmon (Comet C/2023 H2) short because of a breakfast being held Sunday morning (canceled because the host came down with the flu), so the 70mm and 80mm binoculars on pgrams had to wait.

 

Sunday night was completely clouded out, though my brother in Carson City tried, but he felt the identication was unsure.

 

This morning was a red dawn, no stars or planets, but it was interesting to look at Sol through the Lunt 8x Sunoculars - just one small set of spots were visible but the clouds streaming across the disk were neat, brightly backlit enough to be visible for a couple of diameters away. After a few minutes a hummingbird showed up and started buzzing me, eager to claim the new red “flower” in the my hands as his (her?) own.

 

Team Red: not just for homo sapiens!

Edited by desert_sage, 13 November 2023 - 08:23 PM.

[Dale Smith]

Brief cloud break tonight which was really a great thinning of the gray dome so that the stars were revealed, albeit for perhaps 30 minutes. I viewed Jupiter and two of its large moons, the Shaft of Aquila, Sagitta, and the Coat-hanger in 8x42s, along with M31, the Perseus Moving Group, and the Double Cluster. Switched to my 16x80s, also handheld, to repeat the circuit. M27 was visible, but despite repeated sweeping southeast of Altair down to the border of Aquarius, no sign of Comet Lemmon. The Double Cluster and M31 were spectacular in the 16x80s, even with thin high cloud. The Pleiades as well.

 

Returned an hour later with Nikon 7x50 SPs. The clouds had thickened but was still able to view the brighter stars in Cygnus and Perseus, as well as just make the Pleiades. We’re supposed to have clearer skies tomorrow. We’ll see. Meanwhile, I’ll take whatever star shine I can get.

[duck2k]

Wasn’t last night - it was on Saturday night. We went out to our star party area. Unusually crowded, and seeing was average (clear but upper atmosphere). I had my Canon 15x50’s.

 

Jupiter and its main company of moons

 

Uranus

 

Caroline’s Rose (one of my favorites)

 

NGC 752, and M34

 

M45, M1, NGC 1647/1746

 

Cr 69, Sigma Orionis, M42 and M78.

 

Christmas Tree Cluster.

 

Through my friend’s 16 in Dob:

 

Sculptor Galaxy, Stephan’s Quintet + NGC 7331, NGC 891, M74, M77, and Saturn Nebula.

 

It was still a fun night. I prefer less people though. Usually my friend and I try to go where there are two or three other people. Until next month, clear skies all!