Report - 02/18/2011

Saturday, 19 February 2011 01:06

Okay, I know it's been a long time since I recorded any observing reports.  I can't explain why I haven't, but I have no excuses. 

Much like my last post, I've decided that I need to do get out under the stars more frequently and get more things done.  A New Year's resolution?  Hell no!  I don't do the resolution thing.  I just need to get back into my chosen hobby.  That's all.  I spend far too much time indoors, in front of the computer, and it's just not healthy. 

I find that being out under the stars to be calming, and humbling.  Occassionally frustrating, but that's part of the hobby.

Tonight, Colin was by for an evening with the family, when we both realized (well, actually he did, when he went out for a cigar), and we decided that if it was still clear at 7:30 that we would put my scope, a newly acquired, albeit second-hand, 1000mm f/5.3 Mak-Newt and check out Saturn. 

The temps were falling to roughly -25C tonight, but we observed and imaged in that temperature range previously.  The only kink in our adventure, is the recent addition of a 4-way pointing system on my scope.  Not only is there the main OTA and a 9x50 corrected-image finder scope, but I also have my zero-power reflex sight and Green Laser Pointer, online now.  The only problem?  Nothing was correctly aligned yet.  Ooops.

Anways, once that was ironed out, we set our sights on our only target for the night.  SATURN!

My Mak-Newt is designed for imaging, but it can be used for visual use (like all telescopes).  However, eyepiece optical train can so ugly that it can be dangerous having extender tubes and the like sticking out everywhere. 

We cranked it up to 400x  (25mm eyepiece + 2x barlow + 5x barlow), but the atmospheric turbulence and seeing were just too poor.  We found that around 200x (25mm eyepiece + 5x barlow) proferred excellent views tonight.  Imaging was out of the question, since we only had one scope running, so no "proof", so to speak, but it was fun.

The most surprising aspect about viewing Saturn is the fact I had never previously seen Saturns moons wth my 6" newtonian.  If I had to guess, I would say that the moons that we saw were Titan (mag 8.89), which was in the "lower left of the eyepiece", 4-5 ring widths away from saturn, and Dione (mag 10.89) or Rhea (mag 10.22), which was in the "upper right" of the eyepiece approx 1 ring width away.  Seeing as how they magnitude difference is almost .75, I'd be willing to guess it was Rhea.

Teardown was quick and painless (albeit cold) and all the gear (including the tripod) are now safely in the house...I just have to remember to get my tripod cover.