Skydome Observers' Group

Skydome Observers' Group Meeting Report - 11 December 2007 After postponing for only one night and a terrible spate of thick cloud and even heavier rain for over a week, we had a brilliant night, with 7 observers. Instruments used: 14" Newtonian Relfector, 8" SCT & 100 X Swavorski BIG binoculars. 8:45 - 10:30 Moon & Satellites We started the evening looking at the 2 day moon through all of the instruments, first against the pre-sunset skies, and later in the dark as the moon set. After an efficient meeting lasting less than 10 minutes to approve our desire to obtain charitable status, we saw the Hubble Space Telescope! I've looked for it countless times, so I was particularly excited to finally see it. It was set to be particularly bright tonight (Magnitude 2.7) and it was definitely easy to see. Later on in the evening Pam was the first to spot "Iridium #18" before it reached magnitude -1 as it moved in an arc across our Eastern horizon. Double Stars While lining up the Meade, I chanced on seeing the companion of Rigel - around magnitude 6.8 compared to Rigel (0.2). Sadly, no one else could see it to validate my vision. Never be bored with looking at things twice - you never know when you'll see more. Your eyes will often detect extra detail with familiarity and practice! Planets: Uranus and Neptune are the only planets high in the sky in the early evening. Though neither are at all spectacular, we still managed them through the whispy but clearing clouds. At the end of the night as the last two observers finished, Mars had risen in the East and was 'reflecting' brightly. Watch out for Mars in the next few months. Saturn should be on show from the end of January - when we will try to hold our next observing session. Deep Sky Hyades in Taurus & Pleaides (Matariki or M45)- both spectacular in the big binoculars. M41 - In Canis Major - Open Cluster M43 - Orion - Orion Nebula Tarantula Nebula - by the Large Magellanic Cloud 47 Tuc - 2nd best Globular Cluster - in the Small Magellanic Cloud I also witnessed a meteor/shooting star - keep your eyes out for the Geminids which peak this weekend. I used the laser to introduce a non-prominent constellation - Lepus - the hare, at Orion's feet, and Grus overhead. Thanks for the great night!