Hodgson Observatory

Subject: S.E.A.C. Almost Full Moon Skywatch

The S.E.A.C has had some discussion lately about doing something different. In the past we have avoided viewing except on New Moon weekends. Last night, Saturday 4/28/07, we gathered at Hodgson Observatory to view the nearly full Moon and available planets . The weather was very favorable.We had Lunar map hand outs to locate features on the Moon. Jim Morris was the “Lunar Leader”, helping to locate and guide viewers to interesting areas of the Moon. 

John, Fernando, Jim & Anita came early to install a computer imaging system in the observatory and teach the Hodgsons how to use it.  Others in the group were giving a try at CCD imaging of Venus, Saturn, Moon, and maybe some Globular clusters. We were getting some practice in the Moon light, where computer glare is not an issue on a New Moon Weekend. Those interested continued to observe while we went through our learning curve. We still have a lot to learn!!

It was something different and a lot of fun!

Thanks guys & gals for making last night, an “Almost-Full Moon Observing Session” such a joy & success last night. We sure had a great time.

Subject: Hodgson Observatory Notes: 2007 Apr. 14/15 UT 

Hi Gang!Last evening & night (April 14-15 CDT) we had one of the best and grandest times at the New Moon Saturday Night gathering ever!  We had at least 15 Sioux Empire Astronomy Club (SEAC) members and friends in attendance. I say “at least” for I might have missed counting one or two others in the dark. The sky was totally clear all night, the wind slight, seeing was good but not exceptional (~ 7 or 8 on a 10 scale) most of the time. Sky transparency was ~ 6.0 and quite dark except for farm lights for the most part on the horizon. Everyone attending was really excited to be participating, making it the best  time since last year’s annual Star Party. Refreshments members brought were much appreciated.

Observing (in a way) began at 4:31 p.m. CDT (21:31 UT) when the 635mm (25-inch) Observatory telescope turned on SATURN. Unfortunately, although Saturn was probably then in the field of view, bright sunlight in the observer’s eyes prevented seeing the pale non-stellar image. That telescope was left tracking through dinnertime.

After supper, with the arrival of a few other SEAC members, the Observatory telescope was turned upon SIRIUS ~ 0h 00m on April 15 UT. As a bright point image Sirius was immediately seen with the 38mm eyepiece at 84.6x. The SUN was well above the horizon at the time. About 0h 30m UT that telescope returned to observe Saturn, and its pale disc with rings, Cassini’s division, and a surficial dusky band on the planet itself were are well seen. Saturn’s image was very steady at 84.6x, and still fairly good at 201x which was also used. All who had arrived early had a chance to observe Sirius and Saturn in the broad daylight — it was the first time I had ever done that with these particular objects. Wow!

But the night was just beginning. A variety of instruments were present.  Fiona Hammersmith, now age 9, displayed her  fine new 4.5-inch Newtonian reflector, enjoying views of Venus, Saturn, etc.  Jim & Anita Morris showed us “THE WHALE GALAXY” (NGC 4631) an object new to us that deserves revisitation. It was mentioned in Astronomy magazine for 2007 April. Paul Daugaard and Teresa Peterson showed us a device that identifies particular stars by name when you point to them, an act of sheer magic!  John Johnson, Rein Vander Hill, and Scott Rysdon all set up their large Dobsonians and shared great deep sky views too numerous to mention. Brook Moyer, about to move to SW Colorado, was present for his  last deep sky observations with us for a while. Others present asked good questions, sparked discussions, and did more casual viewing on their own. It was marvelous.I can only describe in some detail things observed with the 635mm Obsession > telescope on this night. All were seen with the 84.6x (38mm) eyepiece; some were viewed additionally at 201x with a 16mm Brandon Orthoscopic eyepiece where higher resolution was desired. Views were offered to all persons present. Exact times of observation of the following were not logged — this was more an asthetic experience than a strictly scientific one. Here is the list:

1. In astronomical twilight, Saturn showed at least five satellites at 201x.

2. We then turned to NGC 2903, a fine spiral galaxy in Leo about 30,000,000 light years distant. It is an old favorite of mine, one Messier missed. I understand it is now called “the HOTSPOT GALAXY.”  Cf. “Astronomy Magazine, April 2007, p. 54.

3. Viewing M95, M96 and M105, three galaxies in Leo, followed. All are about  26,000,000 light years from us.

4. Shifting the telescope from Leo to Canes Venatici, attention focused on the magnificent spiral “WHIRLPOOL GALAXY” (M51) and its lesser companion  NGC5195 which were well seen.

5. A little farther south in CVn M63, the spiral “SUNFLOWER GALAXY” followed. According to S.J. O’Meara it is 23 million light years distant.

6. Near the southern border of CVn was the very impressive globular star cluster M3. It was given a closer look at 201x, and was well resolved at that. It is in our own Milky Way Galaxy, 32,000 light years distant.

7. Later in the night, after a break, we observed three globular clusters in Hercules. The first of these was the least impressive and probably most distant, NGC 5466. This was followed by M13, 23,400 light years distant and gleaming with ~ 500,000 stars, generally recognized as the most impressive globular cluster in the Northern Hemisphere, and it was that at 201x! The third was M92 25,400 light years distant, at 201x almost as fine as M13. Sky conditions remained clear.

8. After 6h UT (1 a.m. CDT) a few intrepid observers continued. The 635mm telescope was used to examine the impressive globular star cluster M5 in Serpens Caput at 84.6x and 201x. Wow!

9. Then came a look at the famous RING NEBULA (M57) in Lyra, a distant star in our galaxy that exploded a few thousand years ago to form planetary nebula. At 201x it was impressive, but its central star was not seen.

10. Finally, JUPITER was observed briefly low in the SE with about half aperture. The seeing was very poor, and the atmospheric bands were not at all steady. The poor quality was a surprise, not being seen earlier. The four Galilean satellites were all seen.Observing ceased at 2:30 a.m. CDT (07h 30m UT) for the 635mm (25-inch) Dobsonian telescope. Temperature was then ~ 29 F, mild for a clear April night.Our next SEAC “New Moon Saturday Night” will be on May 19 here at Hodgson  Observatory. Plan to attend if you can!Dick Hodgson

Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 8:16 PM
Subject: Correction of Notes of 2007 April 14-15 UT Hi again Gang! Sorry to bother you, but an error in the Hodgson Observatory Notes for the 2007 April 14-15 session needs correction:  I wrote  “7. Later in the night, after a break, we observed three globular clusters in Hercules. The first of these was the least impressive and probably most distant, NGC 5466.”
 
 NGC 5466 IS the object observed, but it is NOT in Hercules, but in Bootes. There are three globular clusters in Hercules, but the faintest, least impressive and least known of the Hercules trio is NGC 6229 which I observed last summer and fall but not last night. I am sorry for the error. I discovered the error when I was checking some star charts this evening.

Subject: Observing Notes — 2007 April 5 UT
I am happy to report a cold evening observation tonight at our Observatory in rural Beresford. It is great to be recovered from my hernia operation, and able once more to crank the roof out and back in. What a joy!
 
 Tonight I was chiefly concerned to see if the Argo Navis / ServoCAT  system  was still tracking after two months plus. The answer is yes!  I started with a brief view of Saturn at 8:24 pm CDT (2007 April 5, 1h 24m UT), followed by views of Arcturus in Bootes, Denebola in the tail of Leo, and the rich globular star cluster M53 in Coma. All of these targets were immediately visible in the 38mm low-power eyepiece.

Seeing was only mediocre, about 5 out of 10;   

Transparency was ~ 5.0.

Air temperature was in the low 20′s F with light N winds filtered by the trees.

After observing M53 I tried to see the very loose globular cluster NGC 5053 that is very close by M53, but did not find it, probably due to the mediocre conditions. The Argo Navis performed very well, although I should note that most targets were  located in the lower-right part of the eyepiece’s field of view  — perhaps a little error has entered into the system, but not enough to give difficulty in finding objects. I will monitor how it performs in the near future before I do another alignment. I ended the observing session at  9:12 a.m. (2h 12m UT).