That said, I’ll move on the the observations. M35 (NGC2168) is the first target. This open cluster is conspicuous in the eyepiece. M35 is an extremly nice star cluster and the slightest optical instrument will resolve the brighter stars and give a splendid view at low magnifications. The first thing you’ll notice is the two rows of brighter stars arching out from center. some observers see M35 as a nearly circular cluster with rather uniform stellar distribution. However you see it, one thing is for sure, low powers and wide-field eye pieces show M35 at its best.

Next target is NGC2392, planetary nebula due of its double-shell morphology, exhibits a particular appearance the Eskimo or Clown Face Nebula. This object was viewable with direct vision due to its 9.1 magnitude. At 65x the planetary appears round with a bright core surrounded by a fainter halo. The “Eskimo” features are not visible but I suspect with a larger telescope the features would be easier it see.

For the other four objects I observed this December I’ll let you explore my notes for yourself. You can find them at December Observations. I’d like to here from readers about their observation during December so be sure send them along.

Happy New Year everyone and clear skies!

Dan

Tweet this!

So, what is a conjunction? Conjunction is a term used in positional astronomy. It means that, as seen from the Earth, two celestial bodies appear near one another in the sky. In this case it’s Venus and the Moon.  Although not a close conjunction as some planetary groupings but, still an eye catching view because of each objects brightness. The Moon is just two days past new phase and is about 6 percent illuminated while Venus shines at about magnitude -4.0. The pair is separated by about 7 degrees. Another Conjunction of Venus and moon will occur again on Jan. 25 and 26 2012. I’m looking forward to it.

Tweet this!

I quickly setup the telescope and gave myself 20 minutes to allow my eyes to adapt while I looked over the night sky. It’s interesting to see the constellations changing this time of year as the remains of the summer constellations are passing overhead to the West and the winter constellations rising up in the East. But as I saw clouds approaching from the West I knew I had only a few minutes until the entire sky would become overcast.

The target would be Jupiter rising high in the East and well placed for viewing. Using my 27mm Extra Flat Field eyepiece (13x), Jupiter’s four bright moons are easy to see and I can make out the Equatorial bands quite well.  I dropped in my TMB 9mm planetary eyepiece giving this scope 38x and the Equatorial bands are well defined. I also noted a little shading toward the North Polar Region.

Jupiter is a great target in any telescope and the observing season for Jupiter is just getting started. After the Sun, Moon and Venus, Jupiter is the forth brightest object in the sky. Depending on Jupiter’s position in relationship to Earth, the planet can vary in magnitude from -2.9 at opposition, which occurred October 29th, 2011, to -1.6 during conjunction with the Sun. The smallest of optical aid will reveal the planet and its four Galilean moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Telescopes of 60mm aperture will reveal the North and South Equatorial Bands and with telescopes of 90mm and up even more surface features become visible. It’s always fun to watch as the Great Red Spot crosses the central meridian, although the GRS can be a bit tricky to see at times, or to watch the shadow of Io drift across the surface of Jupiter.

Don’t miss out on any opportunity to view the “King of the Planets”. There’s always something happening at Jupiter.

Clear Skies!

Tweet this!

I always thought doing outreach in the city would be rewarding but I never anticipated the overwhelming response to views of the moon and Jupiter. The moon was a few days past first quarter and showed craters along the terminator that drew exclamations like “No way!”  , “Dude, you don’t understand, this is way too cool!” and “Wow! I am so stoked!” (whatever that means). Jupiter, with its four bright moons drew similar responses.

I do outreach as much as possible like public star parties at state parks and local schools but, one thing is certain, this was the best outreach event I have ever been a part of. Astronomy outreach is an important part of the amateur astronomy experience as it helps to stimulate greater public interest in astronomy, makes the public more aware of the issue of light pollution and presents an opportunity for the amateur astronomer to become more engaged in activities that allows everyone to learn more about the universe.

I encourage amateur astronomers everywhere to engage in public astronomy outreach. If you’re a member of an astronomy club that holds public star parties, don’t miss out on the opportunity to share your interest and your telescope with the public. If you’re not associated with an astronomy club and still want to get involved with astronomy outreach, there are a few resources on the web that can give you guidance and a few free handout items to get things going. Check out Astronomy Foundation and Night Sky Network for ideas about how to get things going. Another good resource is OPT for outreach project ideas, handouts, audio/video and more.

Clear Skies!

Tweet this!

Once I located the object I dropped in my 2″ Meade Series 4000 QX 26mm Wide-Field eyepiece and I take a look……

C/2009 P1 Garradd August 23/24, 2011. Captured at French Creek Gun Range

For the next 20 seconds or so I am speechless. I found it difficult to move away from the eyepiece to let others take a look. Once everyone has the chance to enjoy the view I couldn’t resist breaking out my camera to image this very cool looking object. The sight of the comet against the star fill background is spectacular. The resulting image is at left and you can click on for a larger view.

A few days later another amazing thing happens. I get out to another dark sky site. This time I venture off to the Blue Mountian Vista Observatory to meet up with a few friends from my astronomy club (CAS). This never happens, me getting out to a dark sky site twice in one month. Since it even darker here I’m going to have another look at this comet. And once again someone had the coordinates close enough for me to find it.

Wow. Even cooler. And once again I have to get a photo. It’s the one at the top left of this post.

I certainly enjoyed my first experience observing a comet. I have read many times about different comet hunters such as David H. Levy and Don Machholz and others but never took much interest in comets, their origins or even hunting them down. While I don’t think I’ll start hunting for them or spending a lot of time trying to understand the science of comets, I will pay more attention to the ones that swing by close enough to get a good look at. Who knows, maybe I’ll snap their photo too.

Clear Skies,

Dan

Tweet this!