Observations 25th May / 26th May 2021

Hello everyone,

I hope you and those close to you are keeping well.

After almost four weeks since my last observation I was delighted to be back out with the telescope last night. I observed the Moon and Albireo between  23:20UT - 00:16UT. At 00:06 a satellite flew across the eyepiece (25mm Plossl) when I was observing Albireo. In fact, two more flew past it over the course of about twenty minutes.

I know we have observed this colourful double many times, but it really is one of those 'wow' moments if it has been a while. So, I decided to try to take a picture of it with my phone by holding the phone to the eyepiece. I only slightly adjusted the contrast of the photo, so no real editing done to it - I'll leave the real astrophotography to experts. I took the photo just to see could I capture it - of course the quality is not good, but hey, it worked!

In terms of the Moon, it was very bright last night, so much so that some people are saying it is a 'Super' moon. I am aware that these names are simply used to draw the reader in. So, I'll hold off on all names expect 'Luna'. I have spent some time this afternoon trying to identify the features, but I am failing miserably. I think one of features is 'Montes Cordillera', and quite possibly another feature is 'Eichstadt', but I could be quite wrong.

With the slightest of a shadow the features looked like a figure of 8-type of pattern to me last night. I have also, attached a photo of the Moon and marked where this feature is. So if anyone can help name it what I observed last night I'd be most grateful.

For the observations, I used my f/5 250mm Newtonian Reflector on a Dobsonian base, a 25mm Plossl, and 9mm Orion Expanse eyepiece. I also used an Orion Moon filter to view the Moon. When I came back in I had a few 'Jaffa Cakes' as a way to give Aubrey a nod for his Birthday.

That's my lot for now.

Clear skies to all,

Darren.

  
 

Hi Darrren,

I had a quick look using the virtual moon atlas (it's free, if you don't have it) and Rukl.
it does look like Mare Orientale and Montes Cordillera and Eichstadt are in that area.

Michael.

Hi Michael,

Very many thanks for your message. I have both those resources. They're great, but with my novice skills I still struggled to place them. So, I really appreciate your help - thanks a million! 

Clear skies, 

Darren. 

Fascinating report, Darren! 
Whenever there is an almost Full Moon available I often have a peek at it - just to see if some part is missing.
I'm so glad you did notice these 2 features. 
Great arrow too!

Good man! You spelt Albireo 100% correctly. 
Some folk allegedly stir clear at having a go. 
They simply call it Beta Cygni.  
It truly is a very colourful double star. 
Sad to learn it probably is not a true binary. 
But never mind! Some people upset themselves on such matters. 
Izar (Epsilon Bootis) is another. 

I'm keeping myself from ravaging some Jaffa Cakes until the 21st June. 
That's the anniversary of a Total Solar Eclipse in 2001 - which is a full 20 years ago. 
Where have the years gone? 
  
Clear skies from Aubrey. 
 

Very many thanks for your nice comments Aubrey. It was great being out with the telescope again.

Considering how many times I have made mistakes spelling that colourful star I was bound to get it right at some stage 

Funny, I too have been thinking about how fast time whips past... Blink of the eye kind of stuff alright! 

​​​But, it's good to reflect on these things. And staring into the universe is a nice backdrop to do it, hey? 

On that, will you make it to the Sugar Loaf tomorrow? 

Chat soon, 

Darren. 

Sorry, Darren!

But I'm up too early on Sunday morning. 
Church services are occurring and I have to be awake extra early for the sake of the musicians.  

Hope you have a clear night!
And please do report back on what was observed.
Thank you very much, my friend. 

Aubrey.