MB, 01-16-01

by Jim Feldhouse


Made it to MB around 10pm.
Left around 12:30am, 38 degrees, winds, some gusting.

I was trying out a new fan I installed to blow on the mirror of my dob. while it functioned, I am not sure of the net affect. the wind was wiggling my view of the planets so much, i just don't know.

M42's nebulosity was more extensive than I have ever seen it. could clearly see 2 lanes in M43, like cracks in an egg. the flame was also easily seen, but I was having trouble keeping zeta out of the field for more study.

It's possible this was simply the affect of viewing the region near its transit, or maybe the fan helped the mirror, dont know.

I couldn't look at anything to the north, cause the wind would blow in my face.

I got really cold after about an hour of observing, decided to pack it up, about 5 minutes later the wind died down and it seemed warmer... 8)