6th November 2010

This was one of those days where you plan every and nature tries its best to ruin your plans. I'd contacted a couple of members that it was going to be clear down at Bragan so a star party was formed. The forecast showed it would be clear for 21:00 but of course it wouldn't be. I was there first, just after 20:30 so I turned of the engine, put back the seat and turned on Classic FM and lay back to have a snooze until the other members arrived. It was 21:15 when the first car showed up and it was still cloudy and it stayed that way until near midnight. It took patience but once the skies did clear the clarity on the stars and the milky way was stunning. It was the kind of sky you'd happily just lay down and stare up at all night and not even worry about looking through a scope but I had my 14" with me so of course lots of observations were going to be made.

Seeing = 4
Trans = 4

Equipment = 14" Skyliner

Location = Bragan

Start Time = 00:40

M82 = A lovely view, with fine details to take in around the central region with dark lanes and features running throughout.

M97 = An average view.

M108 = Bright with decent detail.

NGC891 = Simply stunning!! It was like looking at a black and white photograph. The galaxy really stood out, with a beautiful bright core with that perfect fried egg shape. The edge on disk stretching out with the bold dark lane running right through the view. Wonderful details and clearly seen. A really are treat to see this galaxy so good.

M33 = Really good. Two spiral arms clearly seen with nice details.

M1 = Another average view but the 'S' shape easily seen with out any need for filters.

M78 = No discernible details but bright and the nebula was large.

M42 = I think this is the best view I've ever had. Breathtaking levels of detail all over the FOV. Great levels of varying contrast in and around the nebula giving a superb sense of dimension.

M79 = A first time observing this and a fantastic object. Stars resolving wonderfully with a bright core.

NGC2903 = A very nice galaxy. Nice spiral shape with equally as pleasant  varying levels of contrast throughout the galaxy.

M109 = Rather disappointing.

NGC6503 = Appearing to be almost edge on and looking very nice. Bright with solid structure.

M63 = An average observation.

M94 = A decent view, some details were apparent with averted vision.

Finish = 04:20

I left the site with a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and contentment. The quality of the sky was what you'd wish for every observing night. The clarity of the constellations was picturesque, with all the stars looking extra bright, sharp and next to no atmospheric twinkle - Sirius was even very steady. The milky way was very strong and prominent, arching right through Cygnus all they through to Monoceros. Getting to see Canis Major and Lepus in their entirety was so thrilling.
A night to remember, certainly worth loosing sleep over and it will take a lot to beat it.