Observations 29/05/2021

Hi everyone,

I had typed out my full report from Saturday night's meet up yesterday evening, but when I pressed 'submit' I hit the wrong button, and the entire report vanished. So, I'm going to be more careful this morning. 

This was my first trip to Sugar Loaf since the great conjunction last December. There were five of us in attendance: Ben and his brother in law, Michael, Paul. Later in the evening we also joined by Ben's family. It was nice seeing and chatting to everyone again, and it will great to catch up with Aubrey at the next meet up. 

I had planned to observe Venus and Mercury, but there was a stubborn cloud blocking Mercury. Venus did not show any phase, and there was some colour to it. Later in the evening Mars made an appearance. Its disc is very small, so no detail was observed on the Martian. It gave me a whole new level of appreciation of the wonderful observing sessions I had with the Red Planet last year. 

In terms of stars, I observed Vega, Albireo, and Antares. Antares was low in the South-East, so it flickered beautifully displaying many reddish like colours. 

While I was in Lyra, I observed M57 - The Ring Nebula. It looked incredible through my 10" Newtonian Reflector. Using a 25mm plossl it displayed the slightest greenish shade. Averted vision really helped to bring out its structure. 

At approximately 22:54UT the ISS was seen. As I understand it the ISS won't be in Irish skies until July, so it bid it farewell until then. 

Towards the end of the night, Ben's brother in law and I observed the double cluster in Perseus, and the Owl cluster in Cassiopeia. Both objects are always on my list when visit the Sugar Loaf. But the best object of the night was seen through Ben's incredible 16" scope. M13 was incredible. I've never seen it display so many stars. It was like something you'd see in a photograph...truly amazing and it's sure to make it onto my list for favourite observations of 2021.

We packed up at 2am as the Moon was beginning to rise. I was worse for wear yesterday, but it was worth it... Great session, and I'm already looking forward to getting back to Sugarloaf again. 

Thanks my lot for now. 

Clear skies to all, 

Darren. 

Hi Darren,

It was great to see you all again. It was darker than I thought it was going to be so I'll bring the big scope to the next meeting.

Michael.

Hear, hear Michael!

There was a period when the skies did darken - it was great! Did you manage to get any images? 

Clear skies, 

Darren. 

Thank you very much for your excellent report, Darren!
I'm delighted there was a good number of folk out at the Sugarloaf on Saturday night. 

Perhaps next time any of us observe Antares we can see some black space between the primary and the secondary.  
It's about 5 years ago when I tried. But no split occurred sadly. 
The seeing needs to be extremely good to achieve the separation. 

M 57 always is very reliable okay. 
As is M 13 the Great Globular star cluster in Hercules.

I'm glad you observed the double star cluster (NGC 869 + NGC 884) in Perseus and NGC 457 in Cassiopeia. 

Clear skies from Aubrey. 

 

Thanks Aubrey!

I did not realise that Antares is a double. Everyday is a school day as they say ​​​​​​. 

Chat soon! 

Darren. 

Hello, my friend Darren. 

You might have a look at www.stelledoppie.it and enter "Antares" in the Search Box.
You will definitely discover everything you need to know about this grand super giant double star. 

Clear skies from Aubrey.