[AZ-Observing] Space stations, Iridiums, and Occultations, Oh My!!!

Hey All, 

What a morning!  Set the alarm for 4:30, which gave me enough time to learn how 
to focus my eyes.  Saturn was a great sight at 125x, clearly showing banding 
and the Cassini division.  The moon was no less impressive at the terminator, 
with only a very slow, wavy, seeing condition interfering with an otherwise 
perfect view.  I kept my eyes on the watch, counting down 'til the ISS flew 
through Andromeda.  I've learned the last few ISS passes that it is possible to 
see the satellite much earlier than the predicted time, provided you're in the 
right conditions.  It certainly makes it more fun.  A few minutes later, the 
Iridium was nearly equal in brightness, and was in tune with the predictions on 
Heavens Above.  Finally, time for the grand finale.  The moon gently rolled 
towards the ringed wonder, and finally made first contact with the ring.  
Little by little, the Earth's satellite quietly engulfed the "smaller" planet.  
I kept watching, trying not to blink, until the last bit of the ring was 
completely covered.  Not a bad morning for my first planetary occultation.

Thad

Thad Robosson 
starstarcracker@xxxxxxxxx
SAC Member, ATM subgroup Chairman,
Double star enthusiast
Phoenix, Arizona, USA  
112 08.03W, 33 32.67N

The use of your "delete" key is authorized.

---
This message is from the AZ-Observing mailing list.  If you wish to be
removed from this list, send E-mail to: AZ-Observing-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
with the subject: unsubscribe.

The list's archive is at:  http://www.freelists.org/archives/az-observing

This is a discussion list.  Please send personal inquiries directly to
the message author.  In other words, do not use "reply" for personal
messages.  Thanks.

Other related posts: