by Michael Linnolt
The weather had been dismal there this winter, probably related to the same systems that pummeled the west coast. But it miraculously cleared on Saturday, with perfect clear blue skies. The NELM was about 6.3 in most directions, except in the SE towards Honolulu. The skies there are actually quite dark, even though its only about 25 miles from the major population centers on the island. And thats about as far as one can drive away from town!
I only had my binoculars with me, so mainly concentrated on estimating comet Q2 Machholz, which is still quite well visible in the northern sky, near the big dipper. I called it m1=7.2 in my 10x50's with an 8' coma diameter. In some of the larger scopes, like a 15" Dob, the tail could still be seen, though faintly, I estimated it about 25' in p.a. 230 degs.
The thin crescent moon was sitting right on its back at this latitude, and made a nice show for the public with a good demonstration of earthshine.
The rest of the time I estimated a few southern variables, like VZ PYX, HL CMA and V442 CEN, which is in a long outburst. Also enjoyed all the star clouds and clusters in the Puppis and Vela regions which are quite difficult up here in CA.
And it was a nice change to be able to observe in 72F conditions at night!!
Posted on sf-bay-tac Apr 11, 2005 10:17:42 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Apr 11, 2005 20:32:38 PT