[AZ-Observing] Weekend Observing Summary

Like most of the state, Antelope Park was treated to some outstanding observing 
conditions this weekend. After several days of totally cloudless skies, Friday 
saw the formation of afternoon cotton puffs over the San Francisco peaks and 
along  a line trailing to the southeast. However, skies were almost totally 
clear by twilight with only the faintest wisps visible along the horizon to the 
north.

These conditions continued through the weekend with Saturday afternoon's clouds 
appearing somewhat more threatening but clearing just as predictably after 
sunset. In fact, I'd rate Saturday night's transparency slightly improved over 
its predecessor, the Milky Way having had just a tad more punch to it.

I've not finished my sketches and written up notes on the weekend's 
observations, just yet. But I wanted to share a few highlights. First, was NGC 
6302 (aka the Bug nebula), which appeared distinctly elongated with curving 
tips at each end in my 10-inch at 190X. Palomar 8, a globular cluster in 
Sagittarius, was much larger and brighter than I had anticipated. I'd assumed 
this would be a challenge object because of the designation. But it was really 
quite trivial to see in the 10-inch. And finally, Mars showed some reasonable 
detail in OK seeing at about 2am Sunday morning. The south polar hood was, of 
course, the most prominent feature. This was bordered by a dark ring. Syrtis 
Major and the Hellas impact basin were obvious but the seeing wasn't good 
enough to pick out any more subtle features.

I've 12 sketches from the weekend to finish and will post the links once 
they're up on my website.

Regards,

Bill Ferris
Flagstaff

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