Wow, it's clearing up. I might just have to dust off a scope and view the universe tonight. I wonder if the dust storm on Mars has abated. Also Jupiter and Saturn await.
7
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
3 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Wow, the air is really steady tonight. Jupiter is showing quite a lot of detail in the cloud belts and zones with all 4 moons visible. But, Saturn, fantastic!. The cassini's division is clearly visible and there is a cloud belt on the planet which I usually do not see. The scene is crispy clear. Some people, when they see Saturn for the first time ask me, "Is that a slide in there somewhere? " No, you are really looking at Saturn!! I'll let you know about Mars later, as it is still too low in the sky now.
starwatcher-al
Level 7
Aug 3, 2018
1
You have NO idea how jealous I am.
Hathacat
Level 9
Aug 3, 2018
2
That's why I moved to Az. But even from urban areas you can see the planets pretty well because they are bright. If you have a scope, take a look, if not consider getting one. Decent scopes can be had that show good views for about $200. Or find a local astronomy club, they usually have star parties.
@starwatcher-al I lost my scope somewhere in the last two moves. Illinois is not good star watching. I had much better luck on the north coast (Mendocino), even with the fog. But I do miss it.
Wait - what do you mean “dust off the scope”?! Ha! Who am I kidding, mind is boxed up, I should break it out before summer is over. Just need to drive 100 miles to get dark skies. ?
vcg1234
Level 7
Aug 3, 2018
3
That's why I live where I do. Skies are still reasonably dark. I have 4 scopes, I'll use the 8 inch tonight.
And actually I am cleaning off the mirror as it has not been done in a few years and is dusty! Dust does not degrade the image much but it helps with faint object to have a clean mirror.
@starwatcher-al
How do clean the mirror?
@Anonbene Very carefully! Water and dish soap and brush cotton balls over ever so lightly. NO pressure on the cotton. A little dust on the mirror will not degrade the image much. If you're not sure about cleaning - leave it alone.
@starwatcher-al Killing me...just killing me.
@starwatcher-al
Thanks. It will be my first time trying to clean it. Do you think it's safe to blow it off with a compressor?
@Anonbene That would be a good start but be sure you are in a clean area, you do not want to kick up any grit and start from a distance away.
Recent Visitors 28
vcg1234
Suburbia,
ScienceBill72
Chicago Heights,
EddieDean
Podunk,
starwatcher-al
Near Prescott, Az,
Anonbene
VA, USA
Photos 424 More
Posted by starwatcher-alThe occultation of Mars on the 7th.
Posted by starwatcher-alThe occultation of Mars on the 7th.
Posted by starwatcher-alSolar minimum was in 2019 so the sun is ramping up in flares, spots and prominences.
Posted by starwatcher-alI missed the early phases of the eclipse but the clouds mostly left during totality. All in all a great eclipse. Next one is Nov. 8-22
Posted by starwatcher-alI missed the early phases of the eclipse but the clouds mostly left during totality. All in all a great eclipse. Next one is Nov. 8-22
Posted by RobecologyFor those following the JWST.
Posted by AnonySchmoose The post-launch set-up of the new James Webb telescope has gone very well.
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.
Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.
Posted by starwatcher-al Did you know that you can see Venus in the daytime?
Posted by starwatcher-alOne of these days I think that I'll figure out this Nikon.