Vesta on 29th

Hi all,

Myself and Aubrey Glazier spent about an hour looking at Jupiter, Vesta and variable star Chi Cygni through my Nextstar 11.

Vesta was beautifully framed in a 30 arc minute field of view with Jupiter. It was my first asteroid and hopefully the first of many. It will be close to Jupiter for the next day or 2 so if you want to show you friends an asteroid now's the time.

Next up was the transit of Io. We saw the shadow making it's progress across the disk but didn't spot Io until it cleared the disk. The spot was due to make an appearance but some trees got in the way before we could see it .

Lastly was the variable star Chi Cygni. A Mira variable and a lovely red colour. This was Aubrey's call so perhaps he will provide more info!

All seen from light polluted Dundrum in south Dublin with two sodium street lights and an assortment of security lights popping on and off, not to mention some sort of searchlight from the south east which I have yet to identify.

All in all a nice evening,

Michael.

Hi Michael.

Great report nothing but could in Balbriggan all night. Something has to be done about the light polluted skies in this country.Astronomy Ireland were invited to the Lord Mayor of Dublin Councilor Vincent Jackson in the Mansion House. We had a good chat about light pollution. and he admitted it was a very big problem

Thanks Carl,

Wherever that searchlight is coming from it must be working as there wasn't a single air-raid all evening .

Michael.

I was down in Ballinteer last weekend with a few friends, and I saw that damned light too, reachedd all the way to the roof of the sky, it was very strong.

What is it?

Keith..

Really neat report there Mike. It was clear enough where I was, but not really so for observing at times. Still, the Moon was on display, and I was knackered after the wedding, so I didn't bother.

Thanks Seanie,

We were lucky with the weather. It was cloudy before and after but it cleared up for the hour .

Michael.