A Very Short Observing Session

From: Garmachi (none_at_none.com)
Date: 09/17/04 

Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 06:09:51 -0400

One good thing about astronomy is that it's very compatible with my
insomnia. I awoke at about 4:30, and after roughly 15 minutes of
tossing and turning I resigned myself that I wasn't going to get back to
sleep.

I puttered around in the kitchen a bit, and stepped out for some fresh
air. The sky was dotted with low, fast moving clouds (that would be
what's left of Hurricane Ivan) and between them I could catch glimpses
of bright stars.

I scratched my head a bit, tried to get my bearing, and it wasn't until
I walked to the sidewalk and looked over the house that I realized I'd
been looking at Saturn, Gemini, and Betelgeuse! Hello old friends,
haven't seen you in a while! (Morning observation sessions are a bit
like time travel for me... I always feel like "hey, these things arene't
supposed to be in the sky until months from now!")

I couldn't remember the last time I saw M42 (The Great Nebula In Orion)
so I hurried back inside and dragged out the four inch newt and set up
on my sidewalk.

I was surprised how good M42 looked given the smaller aperture and the
fact that I live downtown among the streetlights. I got a few good
looks, but never for more than ten seconds thanks to the thickening
cloud cover.

I didn't get to zoom in on Saturn, but I assure you I saw it with my
eyes and it's still there, never fear! And it always amazes me how
bright Venus is. It shone through some of the thinner clouds and even
had a bit of a halo at one point.

If I'm not able to get back to sleep before work, then this was an
excellent way to start my day.

2004.9.17

Equipment: 4" Newt
Clarity: Mostly Sucker Holes
Seeing: Quite good.
Location: Savannah GA, USA
Temp: Warm enough for shorts 

-- 
http://www.garmachi.com

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