Saturn 26 March 2008

Hi all

I'm not noted as a planetary observer, Mars does nothing for me, Venus not much more, I only observed Uranus and Neptune just to have seen them. That leaves jupiter and Saturn.

With Saturn riding high in Leo it warrants a look. Using the highest magnification I possess, 206X with an 8mm Hyperion and 2X Barlow. The sight was magnificent, and the amount of detail amazing.

On the planet itself the South Equatorial Belt was obvious of a light brown band, the South Polar Region was a slight darkening, seen best with AV.

In the rings the A and B rings were obvious, the Cassini Division was a black curving strip both east and west of Saturn. The shadow of Saturn was projected onto the rings, there wasn't much to be seen, but it was there. The shadow of the rings was seen on the globe as a curved black line.

I know I saw Titan, due to it's magnitude, there were others points of light around the planet, one above Titan and one on the opposite side of Saturn, whether they were moons or stars I couldn't say.

During moments of greater clarity a little more detail could be teased out. All in all a beautiful sight.

Nice one Paul.
Saturn has to be my favorite object in the sky.
Really good views will knock your socks off.
Thanks for the report.

Nice Report Paul.

Three big advantages apparent there of your fabulous Refractor over say my dob. The much greater contrast allowing you to discern colour in the cloud bands, The clarity to see the cassini division. I have only been able to say, 'I think' I have seen it. And lastly a good tracking mount. The shadow of the planet may well have been visible in my scope not that I would notice because the eyes are inevitably drawn to the stand out features of the rings and disc and before I have really had a chance to start studying the whole planet its gone to the edge of the FOV and I have to re-align my dob on it....and my eyes are drawn to the rings........etc

Saturn always blows me away (even though its small in my scope). I cant wait to look at it in my 8 inch scope (which i should be purchasing within the next 3-4 weeks).

Still waiting for Jupiter to rise high enough for me to observe it.