Wow, it's clearing up. I might just have to dust off a scope and view the universe tonight. I wonder if the dust storm on Mars has abated. Also Jupiter and Saturn await.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Wow, the air is really steady tonight. Jupiter is showing quite a lot of detail in the cloud belts and zones with all 4 moons visible. But, Saturn, fantastic!. The cassini's division is clearly visible and there is a cloud belt on the planet which I usually do not see. The scene is crispy clear. Some people, when they see Saturn for the first time ask me, "Is that a slide in there somewhere? " No, you are really looking at Saturn!! I'll let you know about Mars later, as it is still too low in the sky now.
starwatcher-al
Level 7
Aug 3, 2018
1
You have NO idea how jealous I am.
Hathacat
Level 9
Aug 3, 2018
2
That's why I moved to Az. But even from urban areas you can see the planets pretty well because they are bright. If you have a scope, take a look, if not consider getting one. Decent scopes can be had that show good views for about $200. Or find a local astronomy club, they usually have star parties.
@starwatcher-al I lost my scope somewhere in the last two moves. Illinois is not good star watching. I had much better luck on the north coast (Mendocino), even with the fog. But I do miss it.
Wait - what do you mean “dust off the scope”?! Ha! Who am I kidding, mind is boxed up, I should break it out before summer is over. Just need to drive 100 miles to get dark skies. ?
vcg1234
Level 7
Aug 3, 2018
3
That's why I live where I do. Skies are still reasonably dark. I have 4 scopes, I'll use the 8 inch tonight.
And actually I am cleaning off the mirror as it has not been done in a few years and is dusty! Dust does not degrade the image much but it helps with faint object to have a clean mirror.
@starwatcher-al
How do clean the mirror?
@Anonbene Very carefully! Water and dish soap and brush cotton balls over ever so lightly. NO pressure on the cotton. A little dust on the mirror will not degrade the image much. If you're not sure about cleaning - leave it alone.
@starwatcher-al Killing me...just killing me.
@starwatcher-al
Thanks. It will be my first time trying to clean it. Do you think it's safe to blow it off with a compressor?
@Anonbene That would be a good start but be sure you are in a clean area, you do not want to kick up any grit and start from a distance away.
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