A lazy casual observers report (Thurs April 5th)

Around 10pm last night, Dee and I headed out to do some armchair observing... into the back garden! Insulated teas in one hand, bino's and green lasers in the other, we just propped the camping chairs on the back lawn and looked skyward.

The usual suspects were all out at this time of year. Venus was setting to the west, but was slightly shrouded in haze. There was some light cloud at times.

Between our own musings on the meaning of life, wedding plans, and dodgy film reviews (we are our own worst critics!), we spotted 7 satellites, took in a couple of objects in the binos (Praesep (the Beehive), M42, a couple of Leo galaxies, clusters here and there around the zenith), and spotted a very short but brilliant Geminid of about mag -1, with a 3 second trail, travel about 10 degrees (very short, must have been an almost vertical path of travel through the atmosphere).

Then, around 11pm, we went in. The rest I won't bore you with!



Seanie.

Nice write-up for what sounds like a great night (the bit outside under the stars)