The Official Astronomy Thread

My apologies guys. The Io shadow transit was yesterday! Darn Starry Night that shows events that already happened. That' ll teach me to double check the date.

As a consolation, in the same time frame you could have seen Europa disappear behind Jupiter, and the GRS (Giant Red Spot) should also become visible.
 
Just got in after my viewing session. Pretty good night.

Watched Europa move behind Jupiter.
Went in search of the Helix Nebula, which I couldn't find previously. This time I got it. Not much detail is visible without a filter, but you can clearly see it's circular form and the stars around it.
Got to see Neptune for the first time as well. (That's if I didn't mistake it with something else). Even at 120x it's very small. It looks almost exactly like a star, but you can make out the blue tint.
Tracked down the Bernard Galaxy (I think). Was very faint without any detail except a smudge like appearance.
M30 Globular cluster. Small globular cluster. Couldn't make out distinct stars, except for a very bright core.

And as an added bonus, while sweeping around, a meteor streaked across the field of view. The trail it left was clearly visible for a second or two. An amazing sight!
 
mercurial said:
Do you any specific starchart to seek out these nebulae?
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No, I haven't gotten round to buying one yet. In the meantime I just use Starry Night. It helps with practicing the star hops required as well... although sometimes I have to run back and forth to double check. Not good for night vision! :D
 
Crusader said:
No, I haven't gotten round to buying one yet. In the meantime I just use Starry Night. It helps with practicing the star hops required as well... although sometimes I have to run back and forth to double check. Not good for night vision! :D
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Lol ok. I need to get myself a specific starchart for nebulae. I have a normal starchart for planets etc... but I haven't actually checked if they include nebulae, but I suspect it doesn't. I'd prefer to have something with me so that I can reference instantly, cos like you said - it ain't good for night vision :)
 
Well, the more detailed star charts should have the Nebula's shown. I think the Orion Deepsky Map also shows Nebula's quite clearly, although it's pretty difficult to use for us Southern Hemisphere observers since things look upside down, and you need to figure out how to get the orientation right.
 
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I've been using a skychart from www.skyandtelescope.com and it's specifically for us Southern hemisphere okes. It works beautifully :) I take it with me in the yard before I start observations or I just have a quick glance to see what I will be able to see at any date and time of the year, but mostly at this time when I want to observe.
I can send the PDFs and assembly instruction to you if you want.
 
is it possible to see the international space station from earth with a telescope.
 
marine1 said:
Yes it is.
Guys you can get a great star chart from Techno pro. I got one and its amazing.
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thanks man, it would be nice to see some pic of it and on that thought then its also possible to see the space shuttle docking with it?
 
ok so you and the guys have sometime to refine your skills..nudge...nudge...wink...wink...
ha ha
 
waynegohl said:
is it possible to see the international space station from earth with a telescope.
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It is possible, but it's very difficult. You pretty much need to have your scope set up and pointed in the right direction and then wait for the ISS to move through your field of view.

Here's a view pics someone took with a webcam:
http://www.eagleseye.me.uk/Sky/Hardware.html
 
Crusader said:
It is possible, but it's very difficult. You pretty much need to have your scope set up and pointed in the right direction and then wait for the ISS to move through your field of view.

Here's a view pics someone took with a webcam:
http://www.eagleseye.me.uk/Sky/Hardware.html
Click to expand...

Amazing. Damn I am moving soon so this month will be a write off however where I am moving to, the sky is bright with many objects for me to see :D
 
Astronomy Observation Challenge

I've got a little challenge for all those lurkers, closet astronomy fans and even us old hands. Instead of just reading about it, why not get yourself outside and start observing for yourself. A telescope is NOT required.

You are NOT allowed to use a telescope with GoTo functionality. The aim of the challenge is to find things manually!

The mission
Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to download the latest Sky chart (remember to select the Southern Hemisphere!) and print it out both pages.

Page 1 is the road map to your objectives. Keep it in a safe place, you'll need to refer to it often.
Page 2 contains a list of your objectives. In order for successful mission completion you need to eliminate targets indicated under "Naked Eye" and "Binoculars". More advanced operatives with the necessary toolset may also want to attempt the "Telescopic" targets, although this is not required.

Requirements
A set of binoculars (requisition from friends or family), clear skies, time, patience and perseverance.

Note: You might want to keep a log of target eliminations describing visual observations, first impressions and other thoughts.

Good luck and godspeed! :cool:
 
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Thanks man, now I only have to wait when I'm not all alone, I don't know which criminals are lurking right now ;) :D :p
 
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