Post by dewayne on Mar 3, 2005 20:59:12 GMT -6
I went out to Northmoor Observatory tonite to look at Saturn.
Other members of the Peoria Astronomical Society told me the views of Saturn out there have been incredible.
They were not lying.
I went out about 7 p.m.
Clouds were forecast, but it was clear to the East so I decided to give it a try.
I'm glad I did.
At the observatory we have a 9 inch refractor with a focal length of 3,700mm.
I started at 148X, jumped to 185X, then 308X, 370X, and finally 616X.
Yes, I said 616X.
At that much power I lost a lot of contrast compared to that below the 200X range.
I found myself going back to my 12mm and 20mm EP's. The views were best, IMHO, at 185X and 308X.
I found I liked the view best at the lower powers, I wanted contrast more than size when it came to looking at the Cassini Division. I found even at the lowest power I could follow the division all the way around except where the planet obstructed the rings, of course.
But, no matter what power I was at the view was incedible.
The Cassini Division stood out well at all power levels.
I could see cloud bands.
It was a view of Saturn like none other I have seen before.
Within an hour I lost Saturn to the clouds.
BTW, I found out tonite we are having a clean-up day, later this month, at our dark sky observatory at Jubilee State Park.
At that observatory we have a 14" and a 24" reflector. Those who go out and help will have the opportunity to get keyholder training. I guess I have some work ahead of me because I want a key to that 14" and 24".
Other members of the Peoria Astronomical Society told me the views of Saturn out there have been incredible.
They were not lying.
I went out about 7 p.m.
Clouds were forecast, but it was clear to the East so I decided to give it a try.
I'm glad I did.
At the observatory we have a 9 inch refractor with a focal length of 3,700mm.
I started at 148X, jumped to 185X, then 308X, 370X, and finally 616X.
Yes, I said 616X.
At that much power I lost a lot of contrast compared to that below the 200X range.
I found myself going back to my 12mm and 20mm EP's. The views were best, IMHO, at 185X and 308X.
I found I liked the view best at the lower powers, I wanted contrast more than size when it came to looking at the Cassini Division. I found even at the lowest power I could follow the division all the way around except where the planet obstructed the rings, of course.
But, no matter what power I was at the view was incedible.
The Cassini Division stood out well at all power levels.
I could see cloud bands.
It was a view of Saturn like none other I have seen before.
Within an hour I lost Saturn to the clouds.
BTW, I found out tonite we are having a clean-up day, later this month, at our dark sky observatory at Jubilee State Park.
At that observatory we have a 14" and a 24" reflector. Those who go out and help will have the opportunity to get keyholder training. I guess I have some work ahead of me because I want a key to that 14" and 24".
