by Darrell Lee
Despite only having two nights of dark sky viewing, I had some terrific viewing. My best views ever of the Dumbbell, Trifid, and Lagoon Nebulae. First views of the Crescent Nebula and Stephan's Quintet. Got amazing detail in the nebulae, and was able to compare views of the quintet in nearby 12.5" and 6" scopes. Yes, it was visible in the 6" scope with slightly less than "averted imagination."
My first time doing a public night, so I shamelessly stole ideas from neighbor Matt Tarlach in objects to view and things to talk about. Hope I didn't insult too many oldsters by telling them that the yellow star in Albireo is older and aging compared to its hot young blue companion.
It was great to see other Nightsky scopes. Rashad, Tony, Bob Chandler (formerly TAC-SAC, now in Boise), and Kevin from Pyxis Ventures brought 16" Nightskys to keep my 18" Nightsky from feeling too lonely.
Found Bill Dreiling (Gator Chaser) early, so we didn't have to play email tag trying to locate each other like we did at TSP 2 months ago.
Posted on sf-bay-tac Jul 10, 2005 21:15:28 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Sep 28, 2005 20:32:11 PT