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[magic612]

This week's video touches on a few alignments, including the Venus Transit coming up. But because it is a weekly video and there's more to this week than that, I also added a REALLY challenging object to see (which I only mention due to the Moon being nearby it this week, as the object will be easier to spot in the weeks to come - that give you preparation time!). Admittedly, you'll need a rather large scope to observe it, but even if you don't there are some great deep sky objects right nearby that make for excellent viewing this week anyway.

Of course, we all wish Joe and Astromom our best wishes and a speedy recovery - you're in our thoughts and prayers.

[headdunce]

Jun 4, 2012 7:39:21 GMT -6 magic612 said:

Of course, we all wish Joe and Astromom our best wishes and a speedy recovery - you're in our thoughts and prayers.

What happened?


----
Thanks for the video, they help me a lot since I'm pretty clueless

[-=CROMAN=-]

I was hunting for Pluto on Saturday night. I took some photos of the sky and have yet to bump them up against a chart.

[Paulie pchris00]

I only had two goals for this year: see the ToV, and find Pluto. I kind of wanted to knock them both out this week. I was looking for Pluto Saturday night/Sunday morning. Actually early Sunday morning. I waited for the Moon to set, found the finder scope had dew, and then the eastern sky started getting bright. Moon or no Moon, I am determined to see Pluto this week while I'm on vacation.

[magic612]

Jun 4, 2012 9:33:00 GMT -6 headdunce said:

Jun 4, 2012 7:39:21 GMT -6 magic612 said:

Of course, we all wish Joe and Astromom our best wishes and a speedy recovery - you're in our thoughts and prayers.


What happened?

----
Thanks for the video, they help me a lot since I'm pretty clueless

Joe's mom was in the hospital. (May still be - I haven't heard any updates lately...?)

[magic612]

I've not seen Pluto either. I'm hoping to spot it this month with the 10" Dob. Clear, very transparent skies will certainly help! Hey... maybe we could have a "try and spot Pluto" party at my place later this month. Of course, we'll have to be up pretty darn late to do that.... I may have to alert the neighbors. Not only that, I don't have a great view to the southeastern sky.... hmmm. I may need to rethink this.

[headdunce]

Jun 4, 2012 20:57:23 GMT -6 magic612 said:

Joe's mom was in the hospital. (May still be - I haven't heard any updates lately...?)

Prayers sent.

[Paulie pchris00]

Jun 4, 2012 21:00:38 GMT -6 magic612 said:

I've not seen Pluto either. I'm hoping to spot it this month with the 10" Dob. Clear, very transparent skies will certainly help! Hey... maybe we could have a "try and spot Pluto" party at my place later this month. Of course, we'll have to be up pretty darn late to do that.... I may have to alert the neighbors. Not only that, I don't have a great view to the southeastern sky.... hmmm. I may need to rethink this.

I was also thinking about a Pluto Party! Conway has a great southern view, and, ya know, 16" of light gathering power. And by the end of the month Sagittarius will be in good position for a hunt by midnight.

[headdunce]

Jun 4, 2012 21:38:34 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

I was also thinking about a Pluto Party!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VrpOZQlkfA

;D

[erikruud]

Jim, I was thinking the seame thing!

That cartoon was just on the Disney Channel two days ago.

[magic612]

Jun 5, 2012 5:30:28 GMT -6 headdunce said:

Jun 4, 2012 21:38:34 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

I was also thinking about a Pluto Party!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VrpOZQlkfA

;D

HA! Nice.

[-=CROMAN=-]

Im in!

[magic612]

Jun 4, 2012 21:38:34 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

Jun 4, 2012 21:00:38 GMT -6 magic612 said:

I've not seen Pluto either. I'm hoping to spot it this month with the 10" Dob. Clear, very transparent skies will certainly help! Hey... maybe we could have a "try and spot Pluto" party at my place later this month. Of course, we'll have to be up pretty darn late to do that.... I may have to alert the neighbors. Not only that, I don't have a great view to the southeastern sky.... hmmm. I may need to rethink this.

I was also thinking about a Pluto Party! Conway has a great southern view, and, ya know, 16" of light gathering power. And by the end of the month Sagittarius will be in good position for a hunt by midnight.

I'm thinking Conway may be a good place to try for Pluto. Sounds like Rich is in, I'm up for it if my schedule allows, and Paulie would be hosting. Anyone else?

[Paulie pchris00]

Friday, June 22?

[magic612]

That date works for me, Paulie!

[patrickm]

Our nephew will be in town starting Thursday, so we are packed to the gills with activities. Can't do that night, but you should. Will get him to Conway at some point this month but don't yet know when.

Happy hunting!

[Paulie pchris00]

Jun 6, 2012 8:36:38 GMT -6 magic612 said:

That date works for me, Paulie!

I hope it works for me, too.

Just kidding. Shouldn't be a problem.

[Paulie pchris00]

Bill and I made an attempt for Pluto with the Moon still bright, and somewhat nearby. We also had some high, thin clouds moving through to contend with. We knew almost exactly where Pluto should have been, and identified every star in the field down to 12th magnitude. That was as dim as we could see. Maybe next Friday with the Moon out of the way I'll be able to see fainter stars. We'll see (or not).

www.eyesonthesky.com/Portals/0/chartsweeklyvids/plutochartfordownload.pdf

Dave's chart shows almost exactly what we saw. We were centered on the 10th magnitude star between the plotting for Pluto on 6-8 and 6-12. HIP 91276 and HIP 91135 were at either edge of the field. With a good star chart, good sky conditions, no Moon, and big aperture, Pluto should be simple to find.

[magic612]

I'm looking forward to seeing it Paulie! Let's definitely go for it later this week with no interference from the Moon.

[Paulie pchris00]

I'm off Friday night. I'm already thinking of calling off Saturday, but I have other plans early in the night. Maybe if Bill gets out there early I can open the building, go on my hunt, and come back later in the night. We'll figure something out.

[magic612]

Awesome - sounds good Paulie. I've already got it scheduled in.

[magic612]

Paulie, we still on for a Pluto hunt on Friday at Conway? BTW, I don't know exactly where that is located, other than somewhere near Lowell IN (not terribly far from me). I think Bill was considering that too.

[Paulie pchris00]

Jun 6, 2012 0:45:44 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

Friday, June 22?

Aw, shoot!


I was going to request it off, but needed tonight off instead. Hmmm...

Let's see what the forecast looks like. I may injure myself Friday afternoon, not severe enough to require medical attention, but bad enough that I'm unable to work that night.

Hmmm... With my newfound psychic ability, maybe I'll play the lottery today, and quit my job altogether.

[magic612]

Not far west of there (ahem, where I live), we show "mostly clear" for Friday night. I hope you don't hurt yourself toooo much....

[Paulie pchris00]

It's looking like a "go" for Pluto tonight.

[patrickm]

At Conway???!??

[magic612]

Yup. And we ALL saw Pluto, too!

[patrickm]

Jun 23, 2012 8:42:55 GMT -6 magic612 said:

Yup. And we ALL saw Pluto, too!

Yeah, well, I only got to see Billy Bragg play for nearly two hours, and then caught the midnight movie at Music Box Theatre, followed by a tour of the projection area.

Will take my crack at Pluto Sunday or Monday.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I got bit on the ass by a mosquito while trying to find M57 in a 60mm with a broken tripod leg. I will also try for Pluto tomorrow