[LVAS] Friday At Redstone

[Fred Rayworth]

All,

 

Dave Blanchette and I met at Restone Friday night. Nobody else showed, probably because it was a work day for most, but also because of the moon and some crud in the air. However, we decided to brave it and I must say, it was worth it.

 

The moon was 1/4 phase and pretty much lit up the sky. It wouldn't have been so bad except there was some high-altitude moisture and possibly smoke crudding up the sky. The moon made the whole sky glow because of that crud. However, just as I was packing up to go home, the moon went down and it seemed to clear up.

 

I spent most of the evening with fruitless searches. I couldn't see ANY galaxies until almost 10. It took three attempts just to find M-33. However, I did find a few new open star clusters I've never seen before. I also managed to nail the NGC-474 group, though I could barely see Pisces.

 

Jupiter looked great, and the moon had lots of details.

 

Dave tried a few photos and got one of the Helix. However, he could not see it visually.

 

I wouldn't call the night a total wash because I did find a few things, but for most of you, it probably would have been a bust.

 

Still glad I went.

 

Fred

 
 		 	   		  
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