Bonfire Night Astronomy.

Our village was cloud free for several hours last night, this gave me the opportunity to go outside and observe.

The Moon was bright, Jupiter, and Saturn were high up, plus Mars would be around later in the evening.

I was spoilt for choice.

Jupiter first, not the best of seeing conditions, but the Newtonian returned a fair view of the Great Red Spot.

Time to spy the Moon. 

The gibbous phase, (my favourite), was just at the right position to show off the Moon Maiden.

She is always a welcome sight. I first made a post about this Clair-Obscur effect back in July 2012. 

Here is a link to that post - Moon Maiden - July 2012

Just after 7pm Mars could be seen climbing from behind the Frenni Fawr to the north east.

I did briefly observe Mars later in the evening, but there was no discernable surface detail, though the North polar cap was in evidence.

150mm/f8 reflector - "First Light".

Around 19h30m UT last night the clouds parted long enough for me to set up my new 150mm reflector (Thank you Nick).

A quick equatorial setup and straight over to Jupiter. Speed was of the essence as clouds were loitering over towards the south west.

Jupiter stood out really well through the 10mm ep (plus the x2 Barlow).

Both the South Equatorial and North Equatorial Belts were easily seen.

There was a transit of Io in progress, the shadow of Io was inky black and stood out well on the South Equatorial Belt. I didn't see any sign of Io itself. 

Those clouds were getting closer!

Time to have a quick look and La Lune.

The f8 reflector returned beautiful images of the craters near the terminator.

Simple afocal camera photography gave me the picture that you see below.

Crater Bullialdus was half filled with shadow, half filled with sunlight what a wonderful sight.

After a quick look around the remainder of the Sea of Clouds, it was time to pack up. 

The Clouds of Pembrokeshire had totally enveloped the night.

"First Light" views through the new f8 reflector show promise. 

Maybe tonight I'll get a glimpse of Mars.

Today's Solar Image ~ 03/11/22.

 The day started well enough, blue sky and a promise of sunshine. 

By 9.00am the clouds rolled in. 

Between the gaps I managed a couple of photos.

"A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness."

Albert Einstein