My first target is M57, the Ring Nebula in constellation Lyra. At 30x M57 looks like an puffy out-of-focus star floating amidst the background stars. Stepping up to 54x I can see the ring structure very well with a well defined dark center. The best view is at 108x. M57 has a green-gray color with well defined edges and a little darkening on the north edge.

The Globular Cluster M56, also in Lyra, is next. M56 is faint and requires averted vision to detect at 30x from my light polluted location. Switching up to 54x, the contrast is better but averted vision is still required. The object appears as an irregular fuzzy ball evenly bright across the surface.

Albireo is next up. Viewed at 30x, the jewel like appearance of this classic double star never fails to blow me away. The contrasting colors of blue and gold on a black velvet background. Wow! I never pass up a chance to look at this amazing spectacle the Medieval Arabic-speaking astronomers called minqar al-dajajah.

Jupiter is the final target for the night. At 142x the image is, well, out of this world (sorry, I couldn’t resist that). The NEB was well defined as were many other feature  on the planets’ surface.

That’s where I wrapped it up. Just about an hours worth of observing then the “Evil Orb”  a.k.a the Moon arose to wash out the sky.

We had some friends over for diner tonight and during diner we promised them a surprise to end the night. Around 9:00PM EDT, I setup my DS-90 to have a look at Jupiter. I dropped in my MA25 eyepiece, which gives me x40, and targeted the bright planet which was well placed for the nights viewing. Jupiter with it’s four bright moons is always a crowd pleaser and tonight was no different. Being that this was our friends first time looking through a telescope, I had to give a little instruction but they caught on quickly. They were wowed with the appearance of Jupiter, noting the two ruddy bands that run through the equitorial reigon and some slight coloration in the polar areas as well. And of course the four bright moons.

Anytime you get a chance share your interest in astronomy with someone, it’s always a rewarding experience. Don’t ever pass up an opportunity to show a friend the moon, a planet or deep sky object through your telescope. They’ll talk about for some time to come.

Clear Skies.