Listening to the Voices in My Head

Just got back inside from Mars and Moon Watching. Wow...f**king wow. Was viewing with the 22mm,3x barlow, no filter and there was the beautiful, pinkish planet, with details visible. o.o So, I added the 1.5 to the rig, and got a larger, yet not quite as clear, view. 0.0

Did some experimenting with filters, mostly the light blue, and yellow, as they helped define details even more. And it wasn't my imagination on the pictures! That is the polar icecap! *does dance of the demented happy astronomer* Shared the view with a few chosen worthies. Have room for more, if there are any locals *cough aki cough* who would like to come on over for some viewing one of these late nights. Or any on my flist who I actually know by sight. :)

No pictures tonight, as I wasn't feeling ambitions enough to drag out the laptop. I guess all that mulching and yardwork.;)

I would stay out later to watch as it reaches directly above me, and as it sinks to the western horizon, but I do have a dance class tomorrow.

Here's hoping tomorrow night equals tonight. This area is perfect for skygazing, as it is desert conditions, when it isn't raining. Warm days, cold clear nights (cold in comparison that is, but it works). And gandalf379, thinking clear skies, and dry days your way. (as long as it doesn't mean I get inundated myself)

Still beating up on one of the Mars avis for a stacked image. Trying to find a program so I can edit the clip to remove an overadjustment on the r.a. Running it through VirtualDub right now, to see if that will fix the problem pre-stack.

( Lunar and Mars pics )

Oh wow. 22mm with 3x, yellow filter, followed by light blue. Details visible too. So much for the commentary from someone one that 'just a 5" wouldn't get much detail'. Even with high thin clouds coming in, I could still see and track Mars. Must be patient, and wait for next clear sky night. Might try for pics even before DSI gets here. Want to stay up later, but have Tropicana tomorrow! Mustsneepnow.ZZZzzzzzzzzz

Been outside being blinded by the brilliance of Venus.. just kidding, I used a deep violet filter. Been using the 9mm with the 3x, and my eyes weren't playing tricks. Venus isn't a complete orb anymore.

Waiting for Mars to make its' appearance in the east.