Finally, a fantastic night!

Well, the weather people got it right last night. Weather has been very mild recently, but very cloudy here in Cork. Yesterday was as clear as a bell all day and carried on into the night. Got a load of galaxies in Virgo and Coma, so confusing, there are so many. It certainly is beautiful in that part of the sky! Some nice new clusters, even that small one beside M35. Think I alao got the polar cap on Mars. First good observation of Saturn this year. Lovely galaxy in Draco. Sorry about no names, all scribbled down downstairs. Eskimo nebula (nice!)
What a night, released all the frustration with lack of observing recently.
Cracked open a beer to finish and as I was looking for North Americam Nebula through binocs (will never get that!) I saw a huge fireball/meteor lasting about 3-4 seconds, fantastic.
As I said, what a night.

Bart

yea, it was certainly a super clear night last night, the enthusiasm is infectious.
I didn't get to bed till 3am, cought 4 planets, numerous clusters, galaxies .
It rained heavy just after midnight, had to close the dome, didnt last long though, was clear again in 15 mins.
Best view of Mars I've had in a few years. polar caps, dark and bright regions clearly seen in the binoviewer,
Its supposed to be clear again tonight,

Yep, first moonless clearish night in months and months. Was very showery all night up here but was getting 5-10 minute clear periods in between so finally made use of the scopes
Here's hoping the weather holds!

Hi Bart, Yeah great night, even if I was observing from my drive in central Cork on this occasion with lots and lots of light pollution!!. Interesting to read that you might have seen a polar cap on Mars. I have always been disappointed in Mars, always just a reddish blob no matter what eyepiece or scope I use (Celestron 8 SE / Skywatcher 254 Newtonian). Was your observation from a dark site and what gear did you use?

Decco20

Yes Gents, great night.
Decco20, i was using a 250mm Dob, reasonably well collin=mated so you should be able to see whst I did. I did observe Mars some time ago and it wasn't as impressive as it is now.
As regards LP, I live in East Cork near Killeagh. Near the zenith I can make out mag 5.7 stars so thats not bad although the West is bad with Midleton. Youghal cast some LP to the NW but its not too bad. North is ok and south, thank God, is pretty muck LP-free. That's not too say I wouldn't like to go somewhere pitch black.
From what you say Decco, my place is probably very different from yours. I understand the wish to observe comfortably (i.e. not from the side of the road!) in a spot darker than you're used to, so if you wished, you're more than welcome to bring your scopes out here for a session.
I'm currently checking out a spot near Cappoquin, about 40 mins from here. Should be as black as the ace of spades. If someone was interested they're more thsn welcome.

Clear skies.

Regards
Barry

Hi Barry, thanks for the offer, on this occasion it was just a matter of having a short time to spare so just set up in the drive. As part of the Cork Astronomy Club we have a few fairly dark sites which we use on a regular basis, although not too regular over the last few months due to cloudy skies!! Perhaps I need to check out the collimation!

Regards

Decco20