Montebello 4/18

by Rob Hawley

I arrived about 7 PM for the Public Star party. I brought my 10" travel scope that I have partially ruggedized for public use. The entire OTA can drop into the car without disassembly so it is great for quick getaways.

When I arrived the temps seemed in the 40's, but with a stiff wind. The wind was the issue. By sunset I was wearing everything I brought and longing for the foot warmers and wool pants I left at home.

We did get a few brave souls including at least one that expressed interest in SJAA. There were at least 10 astronomers including some long time friends.

The seeing and transparency were horrible. I did not even bother to set up my laptop instead choosing to look at bright stuff whose location I knew from memory. The light dome from the city wiped out viewing any galaxies from nearly south to north and as high as near zenith to the east. M51 looked only slightly better than at Houge. Only by the time you get as high as M81/82 or M65/66 was the sky dark enough.

By 10 PM I was having trouble locating objects. When I looked at my finder I understood why that was. Thick dew covered the finder. That gave me the excuse to head for warmer places.

It was good getting out. Had I dressed for mid winter I would have enjoyed the viewing more.

Rob Hawley