February was a limited month for observation this year. Many nights were clouded out or too bitterly cold to be outside. Solar disk observations were made thrice with the 203mm reflector using 77x (Feb. 8, 22, & 27). No sunspots were seen. The total lunar ecllipse of Feb. 20 (CST), previously reported, was a delight in spite of the bitter cold “Leap Night” (also previously noted) was the best observing of the month!
Archive for March, 2008
If February 29 is Leap Day, its evening must be “Leap Night.” It was an outstanding dark night! John Johnson set up his fine 120mm refractor on our Observatory grounds, observing Mars (Syrtis Major and a polar cap) and Saturn plus five of its satellites (Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea and Titan). He also viewed briefly 23 Messier objects and 4 NGC objects (all listed in the Observatory Log). He was greatly aided by his Atlas GoTo mount in covering so many objects! The view of M78 in Orion was the best he has ever seen he reports. Bravo, JJ!
An early evening meeting delayed my own observing, but when I did about 10 o’clock (CST) with my 635mm Obsession reflector, Saturn’s five satellites mentioned above were all seen again pllus Mimas, Saturnn’s innermost classical satellite. It was quite faint, just E of the end of the A Ring at the time. I had not seen Mimas since the 1970′s – it sure helps to have Saturn’s rings rapidly closing to see close-in objects! Observers should use 2008 to view Saturn’s inner satellites. Don’t delay!
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