So we went up.
Was a brilliantly clear sky throughout. Got up there around 11:30 in the end. We set up the scope, got the fan going and talked crap, cosmology, quantum physics, m theory, possibility of life in the universe and why we love super sugarafied flask coffee.
When we eventually start looking up, it was amazing. I had seen the milky way a couple of times before but last night it was incredible. So bright and distinguished. It seemed that it got brighter as it stretched down to the southern horizon.
Our main focus last night were clusters. Seen a fair few including m39, m2, m103 and ngc663 in Cassiopeia, and the great glob cluster in Hercules, m13.
All looked amazing in the eyepiece. Of course m13 just popped more than the rest. Looked at it for ages trying to separate as many stars as we could.
We also looked at a couple of galaxies such as andromeda m31, m32, m110 and m51 (the whirlpool)
Also had a quick look at the ring nebula and neptune.
Really enjoyed it. Except for maybe when three large horses showed up from one of the fields and frightened the dinner out of us.
All in all, really enjoyable. Hope to get up again in the coming weeks.
Sean
"... quit trying to upset and disturb Dr. Venkman..."
  