OR! backyard Salinas

by Jamie Dillon

Last night it was no longer buttcold in the backyard, and with weekend prospects so dismal, I hauled the scope into the backyard. Was out playing after 11, so the Moon was up, and no Richard I didn't do a star count. Seeing was moderate, 3/5, and the overall transparency was decent.

Sat and stared at the objects that have been singing to me when I'm out back staring up at the night without optics. Yep, M42, Saturn and M37 for good measure. At 210x it took some patience and averted vision to get 6 stars in the Trapezium. I'm encouraged to report that they're still there. It was interesting to note all the curdling in the middle of the nebula, just east of the Trap. Never ever looks the same twice.

Saturn showed colors and details in the disk. Tethys and Rhea and Dione were arranged like a crown along the SW side of the rings, with Titan leading off to the West.

M37 was the object that knew the Moon was up. This was more of a friendly visit than a study. This dense cluster is a favorite, and I'm used to the intake of breath when it comes into view in a dark sky.

Not everyone would understand this next comment, but you would. You know what was as much fun as looking thru the eyepiece, was just setting up the scope, putting on the finders and collimating. A ritual associated with repeated delight.

Friday night Felix (my 11" f/4.5 Dobs made by Discovery) and I have already booked for some more backyard action.

Hey, I'll take what I can get.

Posted on sf-bay-tac Dec 02, 2004 14:31:55 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Jan 22, 2005 11:19:28 PT