Earlier this evening I got it into my head to try some astro observing from our local beach ...Newgale.
Helen and I got to Newgale at just gone 8:00pm, the night was drawing in fast.
I set up the TAL scope and first on the list was the three day (or thereabouts!!) moon..... a lovely crescent.
Mare Crisium took on the appearance of a smiley face. The 25mm plossl gave a good view...also the 15mm kellner ( I think it's a Kellner) was surprisingly good , giving quite sharp images.
I left the smiley moon and waited for the stars to switch on in the darkening twilight.
Sirius was first, followed quickly by Betelguese.
A couple of minutes later Rigel said hello.
Looking through the 25mm plossl and using a X3 Barlow, the lovely blue secondary of Rigel could easily be seen.
Looking through the 25mm plossl and using a X3 Barlow, the lovely blue secondary of Rigel could easily be seen.
As Leo was well positioned two more doubles, Algeiba and Regulus went down in the observing log.
Castor was next ...what a beautiful double....
Then once again back to the smiley face of Mare Crisium...followed by a look at one of my favourites Aldebaran.....It was about 9:00pm by now we were ready to head off home.
Whilst I was observing, Helen had been beachcombing and had brought back enough driftwood to build a log cabin......!!
Whilst I was observing, Helen had been beachcombing and had brought back enough driftwood to build a log cabin......!!
Finally before packing up I trained the Tal onto Cor Caroli in Canes Venatici......another beautiful double ...
As you can probably guess I like observing double stars :0)
As you can probably guess I like observing double stars :0)
I managed to find some telescope room in the car amongst the driftwood, then we headed home.
I haven't tried mobile observing for many months...This was my first attempt at Newgale....
Well worth the effort..... I'll be back!!!
