November 14, 2009: Stonyford

Shneor Sherman

My observing buddy Gregg has spent three or four hours researching a better winter observing site, and found an area in the gray northeast of Williams, off highway 5. We went for the first time Saturday night, and after exploring a couple of locations in the Mendocino National forest (which we reluctantly turned down due to a semiannual motorcycle rally that was taking place) we found a spot with excellent 360° horizons by a local reservoir. There wasn't really much room to set up - and if Gregg had brought his 25", we would not have had space for the both of us. But he brought his 10", and I brought my 22". I was being very cautious as I have aan apparently mild case of achilles tendinitis, and tried to stay off my feet as much as I could.

The closest Clear Sky Clock is Indian Valley, which looked pretty good. We were further north. In the event, transparency was mediocre the entire night, and I'd say that we had no better than a mag 5.5 sky, although there was occasionally very good contrast in specific areas. There were clouds to the northwest, always 20 to 35 degrees above the horizon, and a couple of small clouds crossed the sky during the evening.

We arrived at dusk, set up and ate dinner; we started observing around 6:30. There was significant light pollution to the south, which moderated after 10 o'clock. I'm sure the light pollution was enhanced due to moisture in the air, although we had no dew - maybe just a hint of dampness on an open book late. There also was practically no wind, although the seeing was average at best. It was cold, and we are pretty sure temperatures were in the mid to high 20's, especially at dusk and after 10.

Jupiter did not look too good, even though six or seven bands were visible. M57, as always, was stunning; so was the Veil. N288, low in the southern sky, wouldn't resolve with anything I put in the focuser, but detail was visible in N253, even though it was muddy. N7331 and one other group member looked quite good (13mm Ethos and 2X Powermate), but I was unable to see Stephan's Quintet. I had a very nice view of the Pegasus cluster and much later a superb view of the Fornax cluster, low in the sky though it was - 9 galaxies easily visible. I also had a nice view of N1360, a planetary in Eridanus, as well as a couple of galaxies nearby. Gregg found the Flaming Star nebula in my telescope, as well as a number of other objects (and viewed quite a few objects in his 10"). I spent some time on M42, with the pink and green contrast making it a really pretty sight. That, by the way, was enhanced with my NPB filter.

We quit just before midnight, packed up and left tired but happy at 12:55 am, for the hour and 45 minute drive home.

Shneor Sherman