[AZ-Observing] Antennas Observing Report - 10/01/2011
- From: Mike Wiles <mikewilesaz@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: AZ-Observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2011 18:12:25 -0700
Last night turned out to be another example where challenging the
conventional wisdome seemed to pay off. I'm aware that the score will
eventually even itself out but right now it's Photon Starved Idiots 2,
Conventional Wisdom 0. Despite complete cloud cover and actual rain in the
Sierra Estrellas while leaving the house yesterday afternoon the skies were
about 70% clear by the time Chris & I arrived at the Antennas site just over
an hour later. Even though I was sure when I left the house that there
wouldn't be any real observing done I had the forethought to toss my 15"
Obsession and an eyepiece case in the truck - just in case there was an
outbreak of clearness later. It turned out to be a (rare) sound decision on
my part.
With some time to kill before dark Chris & I headed further west to do some
reconnaissance at KOFA National Wildlife Refuge. We have observed from here
a couple of times and both of us have really enjoyed it. On this trip we
paid a visit to KOFA Cabin which lies about 15 miles WSW of the Antennas
site inside the refuge. Just being at the cabin for a few minutes is
refreshing to me and this trip was no different. I remember about 10 years
ago that KOFA used to see some regular use as an observing site. I'm not
sure why it was abandoned in favor of Antennas other than being a little bit
further. Anyway, I digress. A KOFA park ranger pulled up and we chatted
with this wonderful lady for a good 20 minutes at the cabin. She had
thought we might be quail hunters since the season had just opened but we
assured her that it was in the best interests of everyone everywhere that
neither of us be allowed the use of a firearm under any circumstances.
Chris was a little upset that he wouldn't be able to wear his lucky
observing
hat<http://www.worthpoint.com/imgsrv/images/advertisement/1316030_1.jpg>
so
she quickly changed the subject and we talked a little about the refuge and
a lot about astronomy. She had more than a laymen's basic knowledge of
astronomy and was keenly interested in Chris's discussion of the
Gegenschein. She mentioned that there was a group some years back that used
to bring "very large telescopes" out to the refuge, but she hadn't seen them
for a long time. We bid her farewell as the sun was setting and made our
way back to the Antennas site as the sun was setting.
Upon returning we were happy to see other observers - Paul Lind, Dwight
Bogan and a gentleman named Butch who was trying to iron out some
electronics issues with his scope. I feel for ya bro. Darkness came and so
did the clouds. While waiting for the moon to set clouds slowly moved
across the sky from the south and at one point we were nearly socked
in. Dwight said "The Clouds will dissipate within the hour sayeth I. So
let it be written. So let it be done." Or something like that. So I
didn't worry. Having lost most of the sky except for the deep sky
wonderland known as Ursa Minor, Chris and I set out to complete an observing
list that consisted of all NGC objects north of +89º declination. We began
the hunt for NGC 3172 under the mushy, less than perfectly transparent skies
of the early evening.. Despite less than optimum conditions, we pursued
that thing like it was on sale and we were certainly on the field. In the
end we could not convince ourselves that we were indeed seeing the tiny 14th
magnitude galaxy so the observation was unsuccessful. Looking at pictures
of it today.....I do believe that we were seeing it.....but I can't call
that a confirmed sighting. So as of this point, I am still 1 object short
of having completed this observing list. I vow to persevere until it's
complete.
We enjoyed much good conversation and bounced around with the sucker holes
hitting objects wherever possible. We spent much time observing Jupiter and
over the course of the night we watched the red spot traverse the face of
the planet as well as watching Europa emerge from behind Jupiter. With a
little patience the sky would settle while we were viewing at 340x with a
5mm Nagler and the amount of detail in the bands was simply astounding. We
later used Jupiter as our test object when we had our impromptu comparison
of the 9mm Nagler (Type 6) vs the 8mm Ethos. The Ethos was noticably
sharper to my eye. About 11pm, just as prophesied by Dwight, the skies
cleared. Seeing was a bit soft for the rest of the night but much observing
happened over the next 5 hours. In my observing infancy I had always
avoided Stephan's Qunitet because it had been deemed such a difficult
object. We did observe it last night and I was able to discern 3 of the 5.
Temperatures were comfortable throughout the night and I welcome autumn and
the trips to the western part of the state to observe and image. Last night
was another thoroughly enjoyable observing experience with a great group of
fellow astronomers. Looking forward now to next month's All Arizona Star
Party.
Mike
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