Saturn Observation at Dempsey 14 Feb 07

Alright, this is for sharing of your observation experience. Or, if you are arranging gatherings, star-gazing expeditions or just want some company to go observing together, you can shout it out here.
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rlow
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Saturn Observation at Dempsey 14 Feb 07

Post by rlow »

Last night on 14 Feb 07, the night sky was exceptionally clear and stable, so I set up my equipment at Dempsey for a Saturn observation session. Many people came up to view Saturn and all but two had never seen Saturn through a scope before, so they were very amazed at the sight. 99% of the people are young couples, I was the 1% :) . In all, about 30 plus couples saw Saturn from 8.30pm to midnight. About 80% of the people ask if this was real, some thought it was a sticker or photograph. One guy told me to 'change the slide' while his girlfriend was viewing through the scope. :D

We were viewing Saturn at 345x using a 7mmXW (sharp high-contrast image seen with very slight light scattering but no diffraction spikes) on the Mewlon 210 on the Sphinx mount. Sky transparency was at 8/10, seeing was 7-8/10, scope collimation was at 98% on-axis. Saturn's South Polar region, South Equatorial Belt (plus others), Rings A,B,C, Cassini Division, Encke Minima, and 5 moons were distinct and clearly observed. Attempted but not seen were the Equatorial Band, Ring B 'spokes' Encke Division, and Keeler's Gap.
Richard Low
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acc
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Post by acc »

Its always fun to watch the reaction of those who are looking at Saturn for the first time 8)
We do it in the dark...
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Takahashi Mewlon 210
William Optics 110ED
...and all night long!
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Airconvent
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Post by Airconvent »

yes...saturn never fails to amaze ..except in afew years time when its rings are "invisible". and wow...30 couples there?? you must have tapped the valentine day crowd. usually on a "busy" night, its just us astronomers, a few couples looking for a rubber-necking spot, the odd police patrol car and mosquitoes!
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Canopus Lim
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Post by Canopus Lim »

Yup Saturn is one of the nicest thing to see and the favourites for newcomers. They won't be disappointed with it! :)
AstroDuck
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aquillae
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Post by aquillae »

Saturn was the first object I saw through a real telescope, it was really amazing despite the low power and I still remember how happy I was.

Nice Valentine's day gift for those couples :)
jeff
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jennifer1611991
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Post by jennifer1611991 »

I remember the first time i saw saturn through the science centre's observatory.. it was love at first (and second) sight:):)
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